Q&A with The Plant Powered PT

To put to bed all ideas that a vegan diet can’t fuel a powerful fitness regime, read our Q&A with The Plant Powered PT, Adam Stansbury…

How long have you been vegan for? What made you embrace a vegan diet?

I’ve been vegan since November 2014, so just over two years now. My reasons for embracing a vegan diet were all centred on the unethical treatment of farmed animals and the environmental damage caused by animal agriculture. I wanted every day to be doing something positive to make a difference, no matter how small.

What do you think many people don’t know about veganism?

Many people think that it is very limited but it’s completely the opposite; we’ve been brought up with the ‘meat and two veg’ concept, so many people think that if they remove the meat there’s nothing tasty left – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Going vegan forces you to step out of your comfort zone and explore a more diverse diet. The plant-based movement is also breeding a whole new way of creating traditional dishes without the need for dairy.

What are you main sources of protein, carbs and fat?

Protein comes mainly from beans, pulses, plant protein powders, tempeh (fermented soy), tofu and some vegan meat replacement products. Carbs come from fruits, starchy vegetables, gluten-free brown rice and pasta, grains such as quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat, and rye bread.

Fats come from nuts, seeds, oils (coconut, olive, avocado) and avocado.

What are the health benefits of veganism?

It is anti-inflammatory by nature due to the amount of fresh green vegetables and fruits, and thanks to this you automatically ingest large amounts of vitamins and minerals. You also naturally avoid processed meats, high saturated animal fat and dairy products, all of which have been shown to promote cancer, heart disease, inflammation and digestive stress.

Why do you think people are so fixated on meat-based diets for body comp and strength goals?

It’s ignorance and a lack of education – I know because I was once there myself. It’s the belief that plant protein is inferior and the misguided belief that you can’t obtain adequate amounts from plant-based sources. We just don’t need to eat the vast quantities of protein we think we do. In some cases, yes, we do need more (athletes and bodybuilders, for example) but the average person just needs to live and function optimally.

 How does a vegan diet affect your training, if at all?

It doesn’t affect the way you train at all, in fact, it may help your recovery.

 What are your top three staple vegan foods?

Protein has to be beans – cannellini, lentils, black beans etc – but I do enjoy a Linda McCartney frozen veggie quarter-pounder. For carbohydrates I love this amazing chickpea pasta you can buy in Sainsbury’s, and for fats, I love my avocado.

 How do you feel veganism have positively changed your life?

It’s empowered me to make a difference to the world around me every day with my food choices. It’s connected me with an incredible community of like-minded people who are both compassionate and passionate about making a difference. It’s also made my cooking more creative and opened up an exciting, new and delicious culinary world to explore.

 What advice would you give to those who would like to become vegan, but are worried it’ll be too difficult?

Download my e-book From Meat to Plants (£19.99) – it’s designed specifically to help people make the transition in seven weeks. Always remember it’s about progress not perfection, so don’t be too hard or strict on yourself; start with one meal, then one day, then one week, and before you know it you’ll have forgotten about meat-eating and you’ll be helping others to make the change they want to see in the world, or at the very least you’ll be eating less meat, which will have a positive effect for everyone.