How I Became a Fitness Role Model on a Vegan Diet

Ida is a 34-year-old full-time working mother of three from Katrineholm, Sweden. When she’s not juggling work and family life, she spends her free time working out and staying active.

But what sets Ida apart is her passion for veganism, which she adopted at the age of 17. What started as a curiosity soon turned into a lifestyle choice that has lasted for 15 years.

As a vegan, Ida is a firm believer in animal welfare and equality, environmental preservation, and personal health. While finding vegan substitutes and eating out was a struggle in her hometown, Ida found solace in the many vegan communities she has been a part of throughout her travels.

She wants to dispel the myth that vegan food is boring and tasteless and wants to showcase the wide variety of delicious vegan options available. Additionally, Ida is an avid runner and strength trainer who aims to break the stereotype that you can’t become strong or healthy on a vegan diet.

Ida is an inspiring woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and is proud to be a part of the vegan community.

Please tell us more about yourself

My name is Ida, a 34 year old woman born in Katrineholm, a small place in Sweden. I’m a full time working mother of three, who also has many projects and things going on. When I’m not working or spending time with my family I’m putting a lot of time on working out: running and strength training combined.

I have no bigger ambitions than improving myself, so for sure I’m no expert in any way. But I have a big passion and that’s more than enough! 💪🏻 my next ambition is to take on a marathon in just the coming weeks – wish me luck! 🙏🏻

When I was 17 years old, I decided to become a vegetarian because I had many friends who were already vegetarian for several reasons. But for me, the turning point came after a philosophy class, where we discussed vegetarianism, and a friend mentioned that she felt no need to eat meat, and that it was just unnecessary.

For some reason, the idea of vegetarianism stuck with me, and I decided to give up meat myself when I was 17. Just a few months later, after turning 18, I took it a step further and became a vegan. There was a year when I “went back” to eating eggs and cow milk when I was 20; I guess I lost motivation for a while. However, I soon remembered that being vegan was the only thing I could stand up for. So, all in all, I’ve been a vegan for 15 years

I guess the search for the holy grail of vegan cuisine continues!
Ida Midnattssol

Coming from a small city, finding vegan substitutes or going to a restaurant was almost impossible when I first turned vegan. As I moved around to different places, I was fortunate enough to become a part of various vegan communities, which made it much easier. However, times have changed even in my hometown, and it’s not a struggle anymore to find something nice to eat when going out with friends or family. Though, I still miss having a place to eat a really nice vegan pizza around here 🍕😅.

Who says vegan food can’t be exciting? Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at a plate of vegetables the same way again!

Just know that I’ll always have a vegan option ready to go!
Ida Midnattssol

For me, there is no other choice. Whether it’s concerning animal welfare and equality, environmental perspectives, or health care, veganism is the only thing I can defend and stand up for. And for that, I am proud!

Many people seem to think that vegan food is boring and tasteless, but nothing could be further from the truth. So, in addition to the political facts that using animals for our own purposes is cruel and ethically wrong, I would like to expand the perception of vegan food. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

I’m living proof that they’re wrong on all accounts!
Ida Midnattssol

Since I started to become interested in running and working out, I have encountered the misconception that you can’t become strong or even healthy on a vegan diet. I guess the meat industry has done a good job promoting meat and eggs as the only source of protein that can make you strong. But this is completely wrong! There are many incredibly strong and fast people who follow a plant-based diet, and they are living proof of the power of plants!

On the other hand, I have also encountered the prejudice that all vegans are extremely focused on health and only eat salads and raw food, when in fact there are many amazing vegan bakers out there! 🤤🎂 The misunderstandings are many.

Welcome to the good side! 😎 If you’re the only vegan/vegetarian among your relatives and friends, I would highly recommend getting in touch with a meat-free community, whether online or in real life, so you don’t feel so lonely and isolated. 👽

You are not alone! I am so thankful for the worldwide community of Vegan Runners, as it gives me so much inspiration to see and communicate with other vegans who share the same passion as I do!😍