Let’s all treat our bodies with more love and compassion

For Jenny, the gym is more than just a place to work out—it’s a second home where she finds solace and strength. Recognizing that the gym can be overwhelming for newcomers, Jenny extends a warm welcome to those embarking on their fitness journey. With a kind smile and willingness to offer assistance, she fosters a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and encouraged.

Beyond physical strength, Jenny embraces a holistic approach to beauty, defining it by qualities like resilience and kindness. She appreciates the privilege of being able to care for her body and mind, recognizing that not everyone has access to the same resources. Jenny’s gratitude extends to her ability to choose a healthy lifestyle, including her commitment to a vegan diet.

Despite the occasional challenge of finding protein-rich options at social events, Jenny remains unfazed, ensuring she meets her nutritional needs with a balanced approach. Her dedication to her well-being serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them to cherish every moment of their journey toward health and self-improvement.

Please tell us more about yourself

I’ve developed high quality values and morals in life that I’m proud of
Jenny 🌱

Hi! I’m Jenny and I’m from Sydney, Australia. I love vegan food, and have a massive sweet tooth (did somebody say donuts?!) I’m a self-proclaimed gym rat, work at a gym, and am currently finishing my studies in the holistic health industry. I have a spiritual side and I enjoy spending time in nature.

It’s time we turn inward to redefine our own version of beauty. Something that is measurable by a constant. For me, it’s my strength, resilience, and kindness
Jenny 🌱

I’m coming up to 7 years vegan. I was at a point in my life where I was doing deep introspective work after a challenging point in my life. I went on a journey of spiritual growth/personal development and questioned my belief systems. I came across videos online about the meat industry and the horrible violence inflicted on innocent beings. It really hurt my heart and opened my eyes to the industry.

One night I went out for dinner with a couple of friends. We had mostly meat dishes, and I noticed how sluggish and low energy I felt afterwards. My body was just not agreeing with it, and I vowed it would be the last time I consumed animals. It made me think about energy transfer. You ever feel drained after you interact with someone who’s constantly negative? Imagine consuming a living being who had faced a fearful, traumatic and violent death.

I’m grateful that nowadays vegan food is becoming more easily accessible, however I find that when it comes to eating out, restaurants serve meals that aren’t the most macro friendly. As a gym rat, I need to prioritise high protein meals. I get around this by having a small protein rich snack beforehand or have a protein smoothie when I get home!

It’s a privilege to choose a healthy, fit lifestyle, so let’s cherish each moment of it 💖

I feel my energy levels have increased, my relationship with food and my body has gotten better (especially since I started going to the gym!), and I feel happy to not contribute to the needless suffering of innocent animals.

Donuts! Grumpy Donuts do amazing vegan ones - Jenny 🌱 — Donuts! Grumpy Donuts do amazing vegan ones – Jenny 🌱

Easy home cooked tofu, mushroom, & greens stir-fry - Jenny 🌱 — Easy home cooked tofu, mushroom, & greens stir-fry – Jenny 🌱

Vegan high tea at QVB - Jenny 🌱 — Vegan high tea at QVB – Jenny 🌱

Gigi’s pizza do amazing vegan pizzas that you can't even tell has fake meat - Jenny 🌱 — Gigi’s pizza do amazing vegan pizzas that you can’t even tell has fake meat – Jenny 🌱

What common misunderstandings surround vegan or vegetarian lifestyles?

A common misconception is that vegans are protein deficient. There are multiple factors that contribute to someone looking “protein deficient”, including: genetics, calorie intake, basal metabolic rate, lifestyle & physical activity… and being vegan is definitely not one of them.

If this were true, we wouldn’t see amazing vegan athletes like Patrik Baboumian, Serena Williams, Will Brooks, and Nimai Delgado thrive in their fields. Meat eaters argue that we need to get protein from animal sources, but it’s not about WHAT we get it from, it’s about HOW we get it.

What’s important is the nutritional intake, and there is a plethora of plant-based protein sources available to us. That’s why I created my fitness account, to lead by example and prove that this myth is 2000% UNTRUE!

At social events I’ll find that seldom is there food specifically catered for vegans that are protein-rich
Jenny 🌱

To those who are thinking about transitioning: start by educating yourself, watch documentaries, learn about basic nutrition to make sure you’re eating correctly.

Find social media accounts that share food and local restaurant/cafe recommendations. Surround yourself with likeminded people who support your values. Your social circles might change, but know that this is normal when you grow and change as a person.

You’ll have people who will mock you, family and friends who will trigger you. Respectfully stand your ground even if that means setting boundaries. Ground yourself to your own truth.

To newly transitioned vegans: Get your bloods checked regularly.

You’ll be surprised to find that many people are deficient in something as a result of not being attentive enough about their diet, and other lifestyle choices… and this has no correlation to being on a vegan diet. Look after your basic health needs by monitoring what’s happening on the inside!

Solidify your INTENTION. Long term commitment comes from the foundation of BELIEF. If your reasons for going vegan are for short term goals, likely it’s not sustainable and you’ll find yourself getting frustrated and disappointed and then give up.

What’s most important is if you love you
Jenny 🌱

Find your “why” and remind yourself of that over and over again. This is the same principle I apply to my fitness goals. Veganism doesn’t fail people, people fail veganism.

Interesting stories about being a vegan

I’m the first in my family to adopt a plant-based diet. Coming from an Asian background, it’s seen as taboo and crazy to give up meat. They’ve asked me if I’ve joined a cult or turned into a witch even haha. It’s amusing to me because I’ve always been a black sheep, but over time my family came around to it and accommodate for me during family gatherings which I’m super grateful for.

I’m on Instagram & TikTok as @ieatplantsandlift. I post relatable gym content, my fitness journey, and the occasional vegan meal. I would love to connect with more likeminded people!