No Meat Athlete Radio

We're back with a second big Q&A episode, answering several of the best questions we're received from the past few months. Questions covering breathing, weight gain, energy levels, and so much more. Join us for this fun episode, and you just might hear your question answered!

Throughout the month of February, I'm doing something I've never been able to get myself to do before ... I've gone all month (so far) without a sip of alcohol. It's not that I think I have a drinking problem, but my nightly ritual of drinking a single beer has become a tough habit to break. With the help of the program, I decided to give it a shot. Today we bring on One Year No Beer co-founder Andy Ramage, to talk about why he started the program, how alcohol has become such a big part of socializing, and how you can change the way you interact with alcohol.

We talk a lot about the health benefits and ethical side of veganism, but rarely touch on arguably one of the most important: The environmental benefits. At least Doug likes to tell me it's one of the most important... In today's episode Doug and I chat with the directors of the hit documentary Cowspiracy, and explore why many environmentalists ignore the negative impact the meat and dairy industries have on our planet.

As children, rules feel restrictive and no fun, but as adults, they can guide our days and help us become the person we strive to be. In today's episode, Doug and I share the 15 rules that shape our lives. They're not nutrition or running focused, but instead general rules that touch all aspects of our lives.

Getting kids to eat healthy is hard enough. Trying to raise them on a plant-based diet? That can feel impossible for many vegan parents. In today's episode, I sit down with Dreena Burton, author of the cookbook Plant-Powered Families, to discuss healthy family eating, the optimal diet for children, and how to get your kids to eat their greens.

These days food trends come and go quicker than most of us know they existed, but some stick around for good reason. In today's episode Doug and I explore 7 popular food trends, whether or not they get our stamp of approval, and how they can help you as a vegan athlete. Yes, even the non-vegan trends!

Russell Simmons, co-founder of the hip-hop music label Def Jam, also happens to be an outspoken vegan activist, and the author of the new book The Happy Vegan.  Eager to hear more about his story and the new book, we asked him on for today's episode, and it did not disappoint. We talk veganism, meditation, yoga, and exactly what it means to be a Happy Vegan.

Between Apple Watches, GPS watches, smart phones, fitness trackers, and any number of other new gadgets, we're able to collect more health and fitness data now than ever before. And there's no sign of that letting up any time soon. But is all that data really useful? In today's episode, Doug and I discuss the new trend towards more data, how it can be helpful, and why we're not sold on the fact that more data is a good thing.

Steve Kamb started the blog Nerd Fitness right around the same time as I started No Meat Athlete, and he has gone on to build a massive audience and community. While Steve isn't vegan, his approach to life and fitness is very similar to mine. I'm excited to finally bring him on the podcast to talk about not only fitness, but his ability to help people "Level Up" their lives. In today's episode, we discus his new book, How to Level Up Your Life, and how he has been so successful at building his business.  

It's a new year, which can only mean one thing ... new goals, resolutions, or habits. Normally that would be the case for both me and Doug. We'd set specific goals, and work our asses off to reach them. But this year, when we sat down to plan out this episode, something weird happened. Neither of us had specific goals, and instead are taking a backwards approach to resolutions. An approach I've taught against for many years. This time, it feels different. In today's episode we talk about that backwards approach to new years goals, and how we see potential for even greater positive changes.

From mid-pack runners to professional triathletes, we've had the opportunity to share a lot of stories and advice from vegan athletes on this podcast. But today's interview is a first. I'm excited to share my conversation with vegan midfielder for the LA Galaxy, Baggio Husidic, about his diet, training, and how going plant-based is making him a better athlete.

It was traumatic. It was uncomfortable, painful, and frightening, and Matt loves to bring it up. Alright fine, maybe (now that's it's over) it's also a little funny. Of course I'm talking about the groin story we've vaguely teased over the past month. Matt has finally convinced me is worth sharing on this podcast. But while the story might start with the groin -- or actually a 50k ultramarathon -- it's about much more than that. The real story is about mindfulness, letting go of pain and discomfort, and how to handle an injury that leaves you unable to run. That's the part of this dreaded, embarrassing story we want to share with you today.

Today we're excited to host Michael Greger, MD, the man behind NutrtionFacts.org and the author of the new book How Not to Die. Michael's electrifying personality and scientific background attract a lot of attention, and we're happy to pick his brain on many of the big topics vegan athletes are most interested in.

You know winter has officially arrived when you contemplate skipping a run all together because you can't find your running tights. That's what happened to me last week, and I have a feeling I wasn't the only one restlessly digging through a closet having that same internal conversation. In today's episode, Matt and I share a survival guides of sorts on how to get through the cold winter months. We tackle everything from running through winter, indoor exercise for those that don't want to brave the elements, the foods and drinks we turn to, and using winter to set the stage for the coming year.

When I tell people that my wife and I are vegan, one of there first questions (after the whole protein question) is, "What about your kids?" Of course my answer is yes ... for the most part. In today's episode, we bring on Karen Ranzi, author of Creating Healthy Children, about this topic, and how she recommends raising your kids to eat healthy and love it.

Questions about protein have to be the most common for vegans. Where do you get it? Am I getting enough? Should I take protein supplements? In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Garth Davis, author of the new book Proteinaholic: How Our Obsession with Meat Is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It. His unique take on protein helps to address those common questions, and the answers may just surprise you.

It's holiday season, which can only mean one thing: It's time for a holiday extravaganza! In today's post, Doug and I cover all things holiday in one epic episode. We discuss how to handle awkward Thanksgiving dinners with non-vegan family, sticking to healthy habits when cookies are everywhere, and our go-to holiday meals, recipes, and adult beverages. We also share this year's gift guide, and which movies and music we'll enjoy to put us in the spirit. It's a long episode, but definitely goes on the not-to-miss list!

Today we bring back on one of our most popular guests, Jeff Sanders, to talk about his new book The 5 AM Miracle. Jeff is all about waking up early, and using those morning hours to set up the rest of your day. The crazy thing is he's actually convinced me to do the same.

Today we're bringing back Ray Cronise, a good friend, and the guy behind some of the most interesting nutrition related research out there. We'll chat about his recent water fast, and the research behind his new book 'Our Broken Plate', which happens to be blowing up Kickstarter as we speak.

By now you've probably heard that my family and I spent most of the summer living at friend's houses after a flood destroyed ours. The uncomfortable living situation, lack of personal space, and wacky routine, meant healthy eating wasn't even on our radars. Now, after a month in our new home, we've hit the reset button on our health. In today's episode, we share the 5 food habits my family and I reset first, and how you can stay on top of your health this holiday season.