When I made the transition to a vegan lifestyle, I was fired up. I had just discovered the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of plant-based living, and it felt like a veil had been lifted. I knew I had found a better way to live, and I wanted everyone around me to see what I saw. But in the early stages of my journey, I made two major mistakes that I now share with my clients so they can avoid the same pitfalls.
Mistake #1: Not Prioritising Protein
As a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast, I was always conscious of fuelling my body correctly. But somehow, in my excitement over plant-based eating, I overlooked one critical macronutrient: protein.
I thought I was eating “healthy” with lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains but I wasn’t paying attention to protein quality, variety, or quantity.
The result?
I wasn’t performing at my best. My recovery was slower, I lacked energy during workouts, and I wasn’t making the strength gains I wanted.
It wasn’t until I really educated myself on vegan protein sources like tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, quinoa, and a variety of plant-based protein powders that things turned around. Once I adjusted my nutrition to properly support my training, I began building muscle, recovering faster, and feeling stronger than ever.
Now, I help my clients avoid this common mistake by creating customised vegan nutrition plans that ensure they’re getting all the essential nutrients, especially protein, to meet their health and fitness goals.
Mistake #2: Trying to “Veganise” Everyone Around Me
Another big misstep I made? I went full activist, fast.
I felt so strongly about what I had learned regarding the meat, dairy, and egg industries that I wanted to tell everyone. I truly believed that once my friends and family knew the facts, they would immediately want to go vegan too.
So I told them. All of it. With passion. With urgency. Sometimes, with judgement.
It backfired.
Instead of inspiring change, I created tension and defensiveness. Conversations turned into arguments. Relationships felt strained. I couldn’t understand why people weren’t reacting the way I had, until I realised I was going about it all wrong.
Looking back, I see that leading by example, being open and understanding, and sharing supportive, non-judgemental conversations is far more effective than making people feel attacked or guilty.
Now, I focus on being a positive, approachable role model for plant-based living, and I’ve seen so many more people become curious and open because of it.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, especially as an athlete or someone focused on fitness, requires thoughtfulness, knowledge, and patience both with yourself and others.
If you’re looking to go vegan, optimise your current plant-based diet, or align your nutrition with your strength and fitness goals, I can help.
👟 I offer online workouts and customised vegan nutrition plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your current routine, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
📩 Let’s work together to make veganism work for you.
Contact me today to get started.
