This week I got back to a solid routine at the gym. Many wonder if working out and veganism is a good match (some think that vegans don’t get enough protein). So I’m going to touch upon that subject from my personal perspective and what I believe.
Working out is a consistent part of my life and has been for as long as I can remember – in different ways. When I was younger training was about achieving – competing. I played golf and hated the gym.
Unfortunately the constant twisting of the spine and no attention to strengthening the core muscles gave me a chronic back pain. I can keep the pain away today by working out (strength, cardio and stretching) 2-3 times a week. So today training for me is more about being kind to my body and listening to my body than achieving something.
Being kind to the body is deeply connected to veganism I think because it is not a diet. It is not about achieving or judging your body. It is about bringing your whole system in balance and back to a natural state – so you are able to function better in your daily life.
People have asked me if it is possible to work out and be vegan without loosing muscle strength (the protein thing) – and from a subjective point of view I can only recommend it. My energy level is higher. The inflammation in my body is lower (so I recover faster) – and I get plenty of protein from beans, chickpeas, nuts, quinoa, tofu, seeds and non-dairy milk (like soy).
The other day I heard an incredible podcast about this – how to listen to your body with kindness, accepting your limitations and finding a balance in your core. Listen, listen, listen (this specific podcast is called: Healing physical pain, finding you core and movement as a spiritual practice with Lara Heimann).
The Challenges Day 11 + 12
Im doing the Challenge22 (being 100 percent vegan for 22 days) – and every day there is a new challenge. I like that – makes it fun. Maybe you wanna join me in this challenge. If so – stay tuned.
Challenge Day 11: Sweet treats
Today was the ultimate challenge – trying to make my mom’s famous carrot cake vegan. And I was on it and motivated – sleeves up and all – until I saw that I used all the flax seeds (for vegan eggs). So I needed to switch day 11 and 12. Oh well.
So this day I had to talk about being a vegan to someone I know. That was actually a bit challenging for me. Maybe because many find it extreme. And I find it so natural. I decided to follow some of my best friends on my Instagram profile so they could see what I am up to. And it was actually with a beating heart. I don’t like to be judged (especially by people I love).
But every one is so sweet and supportive about it. Note to self.. You really are your own worst critic. And sometimes it’s good to just do something without thinking and worrying so much. What a cliche huh! At least a cliche that didn’t die in vain.
Challenge Day 12: Let’s talk about it
So day 12 became the big carrot cake experiment day. And let’s just talk about that for a minute.
For every lover of carrot cake out there – make this recipe. It is so good. And the vegan icing turned out delicious (funny enough inspired by an icing recipe on Delisiously Ella’s new app… tasty and easy recipes).
Have a great weekend everybody!
Love, Nikoline
My Little Vegan Crush 
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