Episode Description:

In this eye-opening episode of the “Vegans Who Lift” podcast, hosts John Thomas and Brooke Sellers return to share their latest personal and professional experiences in the world of vegan fitness. They dive deep into the importance of mental health, self-acceptance, and maintaining balance in a high-performance lifestyle.

Mental Health and Fitness:

• John reflects on his recent challenges in staying disciplined with his bodybuilding routine. After receiving tough but necessary feedback from his coach, John rediscovered his commitment to the sport, learning that maintaining discipline is just as crucial as the physical aspects of bodybuilding.
• Brooke opens up about her ongoing journey with self-acceptance, particularly how body image issues have impacted her decision to take a break from competing this year. She emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace and the value of taking time off to avoid burnout.

The Power of Rest:

• Both hosts discuss the critical need for rest, not just for physical recovery but also for mental well-being. Brooke shares her recent experience of allowing herself a much-needed break, which led to renewed energy and productivity. John talks about the pressures of social media and coaching, and how stepping back can sometimes be the key to moving forward.

Vegan Nutrition Strategies:

• John and Brooke dive into their current nutrition plans, revealing how they tailor their diets to meet their fitness goals. They discuss the benefits of high-protein, low-fat vegan foods and share some of their favorite recipes that help them stay on track, even during cutting phases.
• Recipe highlights include John’s twice-baked sweet potato with protein filling and Brooke’s versatile tofu-based sauces and desserts that satisfy cravings without blowing their macros.

Overcoming Fitness Challenges:

• The hosts candidly discuss their unique challenges as vegan athletes, from managing macros to dealing with the social pressures of maintaining a public persona in the fitness industry. They provide actionable advice for listeners on how to navigate these challenges while staying true to their fitness goals.

Community Engagement:

• John and Brooke invite listeners to join them at the upcoming Georgia Veg Fest in Atlanta on August 25th, where they’ll be hosting a booth for Vegans Explore. They encourage fans to drop by and say hello, or ask questions via their website for future Q&A sessions on the podcast.

Takeaways:

• The importance of balancing mental health with physical fitness.
• Practical tips for maintaining discipline and avoiding burnout in high-performance lifestyles.
• Vegan-friendly, high-protein meal ideas that are both satisfying and macro-friendly.
• Encouragement to embrace self-acceptance and take necessary breaks to recharge.

Call to Action:

Have a question for John and Brooke? Visit [Vegans Who Lift Podcast Website] and submit your questions for the next Q&A session. Don’t forget to follow the podcast on [Podcast Platform Links] and leave a review!

Production Credit:

• Executive Producer: Sean Russell
• Hosts: Brooke Sellers and John Thomas
• Edited by: Sean Russell
• Part of the Vegans Explore Network

Resources Mentioned:

• Vegans Who Lift Podcast Website

Connect with Us:

• Follow John Thomas on Instagram: @thebodybuildingvegan
• Follow Brooke Sellers on Instagram: @miss_meatless_muscle