Community Voices: Leon Beggs
In honor of Vegan Month, we interviewed some of the athletes in our community about their plant-based lifestyles. You may recognize our first interviewee, Leon Beggs, since he also occasionally models our gear!
1. Where are you from?
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey.
2. How long have you been a vegan and what inspired you to embrace veganism?
I have been vegan for almost two years, however, I wish I was vegan from birth. I transitioned to a vegan diet after learning about the cruelties in animal agriculture. I then became an animal activist and started to inspire others to become vegan as well. I will always be vegan for the animals and their right to live free from harm.
3. How has a plant-based diet impacted your workout regimen?
With a plant-based diet every aspect of working out has improved. I recover much quicker even after doing two or three workouts in a day, I build muscle easier and feel lighter doing it, and my stamina has increased. I think it has a lot to do with the amount of whole foods I eat daily and the fact that my blood vessels are less clogged up with bad foods.
4. What’s your go-to post-workout meal?
My go-to post-workout meal is a berry smoothie. I do not use any protein powders or supplements, so my smoothies are always packed with oats, peanut butter, and chia seeds to get the important post-workout protein.
5. What question do you hear most about being a vegan athlete?
Most people ask me if I can compete at a high level and be vegan. I can honestly say that I am in the best shape of my life and continue to get better every day. Other athletes are also switching to a vegan diet, such as Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard, because it is the best diet for athletic performance.