I did, and I never looked back. 18 years vegan and counting

With a coaching experience that spans more than 250 individuals, John has been the guiding force behind countless success stories in the realm of health and fitness. His expertise lies in crafting personalized diet and training programs tailored to the unique needs of his clients, ranging from powerlifters and bodybuilders to everyday individuals seeking a happier, healthier, and longer life.

John’s journey took an unexpected turn, as he didn’t start out as a vegan, let alone a bodybuilder. Introduced to the concept of a vegetarian diet at the young age of 10, he initially decided to give up meat for a week, a commitment that extended to three years. However, it was a one-week experiment with veganism that transformed his perspective entirely, leading to 18 years and counting on a vegan lifestyle.

Despite not setting out to be a coach, bodybuilder, or vegan, life presented these opportunities to John, and he embraced them wholeheartedly. His story serves as a wake-up call, demonstrating that with proper programming, guidance, and work ethic, anyone can achieve their goals. John considers it his dream and privilege to share the benefits of fitness worldwide, empowering individuals to enhance their lives. For him, there is no greater satisfaction than hearing clients express happiness with their physical and mental well-being. As John continues to live this fulfilling life, his mission is to impart the knowledge he’s gained to inspire positive transformations in others.

Please tell us more about yourself

My name is John Thomas, but I am better known online as The Bodybuilding Vegan. I am an online fitness coach specializing in both vegans and bodybuilders. I am from Gainesville Florida, but recently moved to Tampa in June! I love helping people reach their fitness goals while also dispelling the myth that vegans can’t be big and strong. I try to lead by example and spread kindness to all kinds every single day.

I became vegetarian after my friend convinced me to stop eating hamburgers because it was killing the cows. I was 10 years old. About 3 years later I tried to be vegan for a week after reading about the horrors of the dairy industry. That week transformed into 17 years, and I’ve now been vegan over half my life (from 13 years old to 31 now)

I used to be bullied a lot. I think this led to me lifting weights as a way to build myself up and protect myself. I was afraid to say I was vegan, I didn’t want to be bullied for that too. Now I don’t go anywhere without wearing vegan apparel. I already have 2 vegan tattoos and plan to get 2 more in the next year. I want to be a walking “vegan billboard”.

What are some challenges faced in finding vegan food?

Now? Not many! It’s easy to be vegan! Every single grocery store and almost every restaurant has vegan options now! And if I’m deeper into one of my bodybuilding preps I’ll be bringing my own meals anyways.

I feel becoming vegan is the best decision I’ve ever made. Not only has it given me a source of identity and community, it’s how I was to live my life. It all ties in together. I care about people. I care about animals. I care about kindness. I care about the environment and planet as a whole. Veganism connects me to each of these deeply important parts of my life.

How do you encourage individuals who haven’t embraced a vegan lifestyle to explore meatless food options?

To try it! You have no clue what you like until you try! I’ve had so many people say they hate tofu. I ask them to try some of my tofu and rice scramble. And boom, now they love tofu.

What are some highly recommended vegan eateries or plant-based dishes?

In Tampa:

Gourmet Pizza Co!

They recently added a BODYBUILDINGVEGAN Pizza to the menu! It’s one of my all time faves!!

What are common misunderstandings surrounding a vegan lifestyle?

That you can’t build muscle! I show them I am living proof you can build muscle and grow as a vegan. We need protein, no doubt, I get over 300g a day! But it’s not impossible and not even that hard with a little bit of planning!

To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, what is your advice?

Try lots of new and fun foods! Try the fake meats, fake cheeses. Also try making some more traditional vegan foods, like stir fry with tofu, beans and rice, pastas with nutritional yeast etc. enjoy it! And remember your why. Is this for health? For animals? If you have a solid reason why you’ll stick with it.

Interesting stories on the experiences of being vegan

Once I started wearing vegan clothing items from the charity based company, One To Save Many, I started getting approached almost daily with diet and other questions regarding being vegan. It’s been my greatest form of outreach and I think every vegan should do the same so we can all see just how many of us there are!

If you are interested in working with a vegan coach who truly cares, reach out! I am excited to meet you and help you reach your goals! A quote I live by: We don’t inherit the world from our parents. We borrow it from our children. What state do you want to leave the world in?