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TAA - S2E02 - ZACK BELKNAP on Vegan Natural Bodybuilding, Vegan Diet for Muscle, Why Go Vegan & More
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Zachary Belknap, a natural WNBF pro vegan bodybuilder and NASM certified personal trainer. Zack placed first in his pro-debut bodybuilding show and despite it not being his direct pursui, also has some impressive strength numbers under his belt with a 495 lb squat, 345 lb bench press and 520 lb deadlift. Zack went vegan in 2015 mainly for environmental purposes but he quickly found himself drawn to the moral aspects above all else. Switching to a vegan lifestyle was a big motivator for him to push his bodybuilding pursuits to the next level. The myth of plant based diets being inadequate for building muscle is still a pervasive theory in the general population, and Zack uses that to drive his ambitions in the sport. Zack is an extremely impressive natural bodybuilder, reaching up to a massive 220 lbs in his off-season at 5’10”, and one of the best examples of what can be achieved without PED’s on a plant based diet. His fellow competitors are almost always in shock to hear about his diet after seeing what he has achieved which is great activism in itself. Zack can be found on Instagram at @boldbodyfitnessllc which is also the name of his personal training business and you can find info on that there. Thanks again to Zack for taking the time to come on the podcast and I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed our chat!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro to Podcast
00:45 - Intro to Zack
2:00 - Zack introduces himself
3:15 - How and why did Zack go vegan?
4:40 - When did Zack get into lifting?
6:00 - Zack is huge
8:15 - Zack trains heavy, has he ever competed in powerlifting?
10:00 - What drew Zack to competing?
12:00 - Zack's competition history
14:00 - Zack promoting veganism through bodybuilding, using science to support plant based diets
17:00 - What does being a pro bodybuilder entail? What divisions can Zack compete in?
19:00 - What's Zack's training look like? Bodybuilding coaches
21:00 - Pushing to failure, progressive overload, the mistakes we made as novice lifters
25:00 - Off-season bulks, pushing bodyweight PR's
26:00 - Progressing after years of natural bodybuilding, Alberto Nunez, seeing bodybuilding shows in person
29:00 - Was Zack worried about losing progress when he first went vegan? How did his diet change?
32:15 - Does Zack count calories/macros? Appetite changes during bulk/cut
34:15 - Bodybuilding is inherently extreme, potentially unhealthy, drugs in bodybuilding
38:00 - Four pillars of veganism, why Zack went vegan and why others should be interested in going vegan
39:15 - Zack used to be a hunter
42:00 - Animal agriculture is extremely impractical and wasteful compared to just eating plants
44:30 - Whole Food Plant Based diet can reverse atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
46:30 - Going vegan isn't always easy at first but it's the right thing to do
48:00 - Antibiotic resistance due to animal agriculture and zoonotic diseases
50:00 - Different diets can result in benefits but veganism has a bigger purpose morally and environmentally
52:15 - The impracticality of free range, grass-fed meat
53:00 - Lab grown meat, would we eat it? The ethics of it
58:15 - How do other bodybuilders react to finding out Zack is vegan?
1:00:00 - What is the key to success in bodybuilding nutritionally? Plant based diet vs omnivorous diet for bodybuilding
1:05:00 - Plant based protein, being vegan is easy nowaways
1:07:30 - Transitioning from omnivorous to vegan diet for lifters
1:10:00 - Zack's closing statement, things are getting better!
1:11:45 - Where can people find Zack and his personal training services on social media?
1:13:00 - Podcast outro
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COACHING: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order! https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/aethixfitness
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PODCAST:
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Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
POV: Realizing that Going Vegan is an IRL Super Soldier Serum 😉
Let's see how heated people will get over some clickbait hahahah
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COACHING: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order! https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
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PODCAST:
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Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
TAA - S2 Ep1 - LEAH DECESARE on Competitive Powerlifting, Going Vegan, Diet Sustainability
In today’s episode, I speak with Leah DeCesare, a 47kg or 103lb weight class powerlifter who’s competed at the Arnold and in several national powerlifting meets with great success. Leah’s been vegan for well over 15 years and built all of her incredible strength and muscle on a fully plant based diet. In competition, Leah’s hit a 275.5 lb squat, a 176.3 lb bench press and a 308.6 lb deadlift at only 103 lbs bodyweight, giving her a DOTS score of 448.28. Leah has always had an interesting approach to nutrition for an elite powerlifter of her status. She’s always leaned towards a more lax, intuitive approach towards nutrition and has never really been much for tracking calories or macros. This was a topic I found to be very interesting to discuss with her about and I think highlights the importance of diet sustainability as well as other factors that may be more influential for strength and muscle accrual. We also got into the details of Leah’s training history, what has worked well for her to skyrocket her numbers, her reasons for going vegan, and much more. You can find her on Instagram at @leahrayex - Thanks again to Leah, for taking the time to come on the podcast and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed our chat!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Podcast intro
00:40 - Leah intro
2:15 - Podcast with Leah start
3:15 - What drew Leah into fitness and eventually powerlifting?
9:00 - Leah's first competition and first meets in general
16:30 - Getting more serious with powerlifting, gyms in NYC, finding a gym
25:00 - Powerlifting programming, Reactive Training Systems Project Momentum, more competitions
31:15 - Powerlifting as a super strong girl in commercial gyms
36:00 - Going to the Arnold Powerlifting Competition, seguing out of Powerlifting, injuries
45:00 - Future competition?, other interests?, WWF, Eric Bugenhagen
49:30 - Going vegan, being vegan 15 years ago vs now
56:30 - Leah's approach to her diet and how other people often treat their diet, what Leah eats often
1:07:45 - Closing, where can you find Leah?
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COACHING: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order! https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
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PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
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Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
Skinny omnivorous sk888r beta DWEEB upgrades to JACKED VEGAN ALPHA CHAD on plant based diet 😤😤
Nothing to lose, everything to gain. Go Vegan!!
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COACHING: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros
PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
One weird trick for a super T H I C C & SUCCULENT smoothie bowl dessert. Doctors HATE him 😤😤
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What a Natural, Grass-Fed, Organic Vegan Bodybuilder Eats in a Day for GAINZ
Cage-free vegan bodybuilding
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COACHING: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros
PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
When vegans try to get all their protein from beans alone (YOU’VE BEEN WARNED 😤)
Throw in some tofu and Seitan, fam 💪
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WEBSITE: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
When you and the gym homie finally link up for a workout (send to your #1 gym partner!! 😤)
Which do you prefer? Gym partner or no gym partner?!
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WEBSITE: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
When you've been vegan for 4 weeks VS when you've become a 4+ year vegan Chad
Which one are you??
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WEBSITE: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
When the preworkout hits but the gym closed early 😳😭
When the preworkout hits from the gym closed early 😳😭
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WEBSITE: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
PODCAST:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
Forcing your skinny gym buddy to eat more on a bulk be like...😤
Force feeding on a bulk be like... 😂
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WEBSITE: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
PODCAST:
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Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet... -
Different Types of Vegans (Last one will SHOCK you 😲😲😲)
Choose your fighter! Which one you got???
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WEBSITE: http://aethixfitness.com
MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop
FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training
TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/
JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order!
https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/
SOCIAL:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf
PODCAST:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App...
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet...