Vicky Hadley has only recently started her vegan journey, so we talked to her about protein and the active vegan and why eggs were off the menu after she did some research into the egg industry.
Vicky Hadley
You've not been vegan for very long- so what made you cut out meat and dairy products four months ago?
I went through a rollercoaster of a journey to become a vegan, I have a few allergies so wasn't able to eat gluten, nuts or dairy. I liked the concept of the vegan diet but hadn't really researched much into it. I had been vegetarian for three years only eating eggs as my non-vegan source. I think it was primarily the fear that I wouldn't get enough protein in my diet if I skipped the eggs. I train a lot and am very into fitness so didn't quite believe that I would be able to get enough protein - especially as I couldn't rely on nuts or oats- a big staple of the vegan diet. I opted for free-range, backyard eggs from chickens thinking it wasn't as bad as I knew/thought that the chickens were being treated well. Delving deeper into the ethics I started to understand that it wasn't like that at all and slowly but surely I started cutting the eggs out of my diet, replacing with products like tofu and legumes.
You are now competing in a bikini bodybuilding show as a vegan athlete- so can you tell us a little bit about this?
It has always been a dream of mine to compete in a bikini competition. I'm naturally a small build so knew it would take a lot of protein to help me bulk. This was my main fear of giving up eggs - what if I don't gain any muscle at all? However, after signing up to the competition, Miss Galaxy Universe in July 16th, I told myself I'm going to do this as a test. Can a vegan body build - can they enter a competition and can that person be me? I started working with Bodybuilding.com coach, Lee Constantinou who devised a vegan food diary and exercise plan for me and I started my 20 week transformation.
Please tell us about your daily exercise routine.
I'm currently four weeks out of my competition and I have gained a lot of muscle and lost a lot of body fat. I'm sitting at 50kg which is TINY but I'm eating well and have so much energy. I'm lean, but my category is bikini model not body builder. My energy levels are through the roof and I actually train six times a week. I have three low intensity cardio sessions where I walk on an inclined treadmill. Two HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) sessions for 15 minutes. Two lower body weighted sessions which will involve: squats, lunges, deadlifts and leg press. A 'Push Day' where I will push weights away from my body, such as chest press, lateral raises and military press.
And a 'Pull Day' in which I pull weights in to my body, such as lateral pulls, pull ups, and dumbbell rows.
What would you eat on a normal day to keep your strength up for training?
In a normal day I have protein powder and oats first thing in the morning. I normally have supplements such as b12 which is great for vegans, creatine, BCAA's and multi-vitamins. I have avocado as a mid-morning snack on a rice cake or a chia pud with a piece of fruit. Tofu and vegetables for lunch and a butternut squash noodle stir fry with kidney beans and hummus for dinner and some more protein powder and oats as a pre-bed snack. My diet is based on a macro-nutrient plan so I have to hit a certain amount of fats, carbohydrates and proteins a day.
Your job involves travelling so how do you find vegan eating when you're abroad?
I struggle with eating abroad but not because I'm vegan. There are always vegan options- my issue is the fact I have gluten and nut allergies and need to ensure I have a high protein diet. I always bring food with me just in case, even if it just protein powder sachets - I've learnt the hard way with this.
You're in amazing shape, so what advice do you have for vegans who want to shed some pounds and get fitter?
It is 100% possible to get in great shape with a vegan diet. Even on such an intense fitness diet I've made it work for me and I never feel like I haven't hit my protein goals. For me I would definitely advise a new vegan wanting to take on a fitness challenge to get protein powder - yes, food is better but if you have a very high fitness regime the protein powder will ensure you get the required amount of protein.
What are your top tips for new vegans?
Go to wholefoods! You won't miss anything - there is vegan chocolate, vegan desserts, vegan everything. Just because you are vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on any foods. You can be healthier, help the planet, help the animals and still indulge now and then too!
As this in only something recent for you- do you plan for it to be a permanent lifestyle choice?
Yes, 100% this is going to be a lifestyle change for me. The only reason I kept eggs was because I thought I couldn't get enough protein without them. I've not only proven that it is possible to myself but I'm actually going to be competing in six weeks. I'm hoping to inspire others that it is possible. Even if I don't place- the fact I have come this far means everything to me and I'm planning on doing two more competitions later in the year too, as well as under-taking a personal training course to continue my learning. I have been documenting my entire progress and total body transformation on my Instagram: @fitness_foodie_vicky.
Tagged in Vegetarian Vegan