Yvonne Heiden is a seasoned expert in Personal Training and Nutrition. Her passion lies in guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles, crafting personalized fitness plans based on unique health profiles, schedules, and fitness goals. Yvonne’s mission goes beyond physical transformation; she aims to instill mindful choices in health.
Yvonne’s journey also features a significant commitment to veganism since 2018, driven by her love for animals and a refusal to support industries that exploit sentient beings. She began her ethical journey as a teenager when she adopted a vegetarian lifestyle out of her strong conviction against causing harm to animals. Despite challenges in finding resources for healthy vegetarian eating, Yvonne’s path led her back to consuming meat temporarily in her late teens.
However, in her late 20s and early 30s, she realized that dietary choices, not vegetarianism, were at the heart of her health issues. Her journey towards self-education eventually culminated in becoming a certified nutrition coach. In 2017/2018, she made the decisive leap into veganism, a transformational moment that she hasn’t looked back from. Yvonne Heiden’s story is one of dedication, growth, and an unwavering commitment to a values-aligned lifestyle.
Tell us more about yourself, please
I’ve lived through so many stages, and I’ll always aim to meet people exactly where they are in their journey ✌️😊❤️🌱
Yvonne Heiden Vegan Coach
I’m Yvonne. I’m a personal trainer and nutrition coach, as well as a hybrid athlete – I run, box and lift, with my first marathon in October and strongwoman competition in September this year. 39 years young, and currently live in Birmingham, UK. Originally, I am from Austria, but I have lived in the UK since 2004.
Not every day is gonna be your best day.
Yvonne Heiden Vegan Coach
Do what you can.
Come back better 🙌❤️
I have been vegan since 2018. There wasn’t a single “defining” moment but more so the fact that I love animals and didn’t want to continue to support industries that mistreat sentient beings for profit.
I was vegetarian when I was a teenager as already then I felt strongly about causing harm to animals. Growing up in Austria and before the times of the internet, I struggled to educate myself about how to eat healthily, let alone as a veggie. I ate mostly pizza margherita and chips, and then wondered why I wasn’t feeling great after a few years of this. Eventually, at around 19, I returned to eating meat, blaming “the veggie diet” for my ill-health.
During my late 20s and early 30s, I realised that it wasn’t veggie food but my own choices that were the problem. I continued to educate myself and qualified as a nutrition coach but continued to feel apprehensive due to my previous experience.
Eventually, in 2017/2018 I decided that I was ready to take the step towards veganism and it was such a lightbulb moment for me. I have never looked back, nor do I ever miss any foods that now I “can’t” eat.
I have been vegan for coming up to 6 years and my bloods are spot on every time I get them done
Being a coach: Yvonne Heiden Vegan Coach
I absolutely love being vegan. Once I had made the decision, it was like a switch flipped in my head. It was suddenly very clear to me that I wanted to live my life without causing unnecessary harm to animals.
I’m very fortunate where I live in the UK as we have an abundance of vegan options, although I would love to see more fully veggie/vegan places (re)open.
When I go back to Austria, eating out can be more difficult. There are some very traditional places that don’t cater even to vegetarians, let alone vegans, and sometimes the labelling isn’t the best either. I try to navigate those situations to the best of my ability but have accepted that I can only do my best in those circumstances.
How to encourage non-vegans/non-vegetarians to try plant-based or meatless food?
Sometimes you’ve gotta work with what you’ve got
Being a coach: Yvonne Heiden Vegan Coach
I think it depends on what kind of person you are. I personally do not really enjoy meat alternatives although I will sometimes eat them. I personally love cooking things such as stews and curries and I really like tofu if it’s cooked right. I think it is probably “trial and error” for everyone as we all have different tastes and preferences. The main message is “don’t give up!” – find a way to like it, try different ways of cooking and seasoning your food.
In Birmingham unfortunately many vegan owned businesses have ceased trading but BAHA at the Rainbow pub in Digbeth is still around and their food is FANTASTIC! (Proof in the form of a pic attached)
I also really loved LAND and would love to go again soon!
We all mess up sometimes – don’t beat yourself up if in the early stages you accidentally eat something containing animal products. It will get easier with time!
What are common misconceptions about vegans and vegetarians, and how can they be addressed or clarified?
That being a healthy vegan requires a lot of preparation or effort. I would say that when you’re an athlete, a healthy diet in general can require a lot of thought and that you can be healthy or unhealthy on a vegan diet just as much as you can be on a omni diet.
I love showing people how strong and athletic I am on my socials as I find that leading by example works best for many people. Many of my clients and followers are now taking an interest in a vegan lifestyle which I don’t think would have happened if they had not seen me perform and live my life the way I do!
Eco-friendly Fashion for a Greener Tomorrow
Yvonne Heiden Vegan Coach
Fitness Trainer
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all images courtesy of Yvonne Heiden Vegan Coach