Healthcare Worker and Athlete – Veganism has helped me thrive

Mafe has been a professional athlete for almost 9 years, and she believes that her performance peaked due to her lifestyle changes. Veganism helped her understand her body – fueling it and training it better, and ultimately helped her find her passion in life: sports, health and wellbeing. Mafe is a health promoter, lifeguard, and personal trainer. She continues to enhance her athletic performance through her vegan lifestyle.

Please tell us more about yourself

I have changed and continue to change, improving every day, because I am not afraid of my past but proud of how it has helped me grow
Mafe Aguiluz

Hello! My name is Mafe Aguiluz, and I’m from Costa Rica. I became vegan nearly nine years ago after volunteering at animal rescue centers in my country. Spending so much time with animals helped me see them as friends, and I decided I could no longer consume anything that involved their suffering or death.

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

Initially, I thought transitioning to veganism would be challenging, but my strong beliefs and core values made it surprisingly easy. For me, veganism isn’t just a diet—it’s a lifestyle. This perspective has helped me fully embrace it.

As a professional athlete and healthcare worker, I can confidently say that being vegan has made me stronger, healthier, and more energized. I fuel my body with plant-based protein and work out every day, feeling alive and unstoppable. Many people warned me that going vegan would make me lose strength and stamina, but I’ve proven them wrong. In fact, I credit my success as an athlete to how I nourish my body.

Here’s a fun fact about me: my favorite cuisine is Indian food, and I could eat baingan bharta every single day! I also love fruits, especially mango with Tajín—it’s my go-to snack. Also, my entire leg is covered with animal tattoos- all inspired from my rescue friends.

If you’re considering going vegan, I say go for it! But make sure to educate yourself first. Understand your body’s needs and transition safely. For example, I supplement with B12 and Omega-3 to ensure I get all the nutrients my body requires.
Feel happy, feel healthy—go vegan!