No Meat Athlete Radio

Inspired by a listener question, we're breaking from the norm to discuss the business side of No Meat Athlete. More specifically, how you can turn your ideas and passions into a movement or business through the internet.

Doug and I spent last weekend at the Runner's World Half and Festival in Bethlehem, PA. The races, people, and events were a total blast, but what stood out to both of us the most was a lunch chat with Deena Kastor. During that chat she talked about her struggle between juggling a career as an elite runner, and being a mother. In today's episode, we discuss our own struggles between balancing the things we love, and what we can learn from Deena's approach.

Last week episode of No Meat Athlete Radio was all about . This week we're exploring the other big improvement runners desire ... running farther. Let's face it, a new distance is intimidating. Each new mile is uncharted territory. How will it affect your body and mind? Do you need to eat or drink more while on the run? And how on Earth do you make time for all the training? Our goal with today's episode is not only to answer those common questions, but provide you with a better understanding of how you can start running farther, and achieving your goals.

Wish you could run faster? I think we pretty much all do. After my first marathon was a bust, I needed to improve by over 100 minutes in order to reach my Boston Qualifying goal. And you know what? I did it. But it wasn't easy. In today's episode, Doug and I discuss the common mistakes that keep runners from improving their running speed, and what steps and workouts will actually make you faster.

In today's episode, Doug and I bring back Sid Garza-Hillman, one of the most popular guests we've had on No Meat Athlete Radio. And of course, his charm doesn't disappoint. We discuss meal planning, approaching the natural diet, ultrarunning, and showering. More specifically, why Sid doesn't shower. This is one of those episodes you really don't want to miss.

It's part two of the great No Meat Athlete Radio Resource Guide, and this time it's all about running. Motivation, training guides, books, movies, podcasts, you name it, we cover it in this week's episode.

Today we kick off part 1 of a 2-part resources guide! First up, resources for new vegans. In today's episode co-host Doug and I share our favorite documentaries, podcasts, books, websites, and more, all geared towards new vegetarians or vegans.

If you've listened to the past few episodes, you know co-host Doug was headed into this past weekend's 50k ultramarathon under prepared, and that pain was expected. Crying at mile 15, now that was unexpected. Half way through Doug found himself faced with the decision to quit or dig deep and keep pushing, even when he didn't want to. In today's episode, we recap that race, and discuss the challenging of knowing when it's best to give up, and when to continue moving forward.

For something so simple, running brands sure put out a lot of gear. In today's episode, we wade through all the junk, and take a look at the running gear we actually use. We discuss our favorite shoes, clothing, recovery tools, hydration equipment, electronics, and oh so much more.

Several months ago, I announced my . My intention was to focus on the marathon distance for the first time since qualifying for Boston. Fast forward to today, and instead of being in week 8 of an intense training cycle, I'm hardly running at all. I'm officially in a slump. But you know what? I don't feel guilty about it. For the first time -- maybe ever -- I'm not beating myself up for failing at my original goal. I'm at peace with this lack of motivation and training. As it turns out, NMA Radio co-host Doug is dealing with his own running slump of sorts, only he's 1 week away from a 50k, and his training looks a lot different than mine. In today's episodes, we talk about those slumps, what we're dealing with, and how we're embracing the lack of motivation instead of fighting it.

In today's episode, we answer your questions about food and fitness. We talk soy, peanuts, gluten, endurance, and more.

Can you believe it? 100 Episodes! Things started off a little rough, but we've officially hit our stride and the 100th episode. In today's episode co-host Doug and I share some of the secrets behind this show, where we've struggled, and the lessons we've learned. We also look forward towards new ideas and changes coming in the next year.

Do vegans need to take supplements? In today's episode, it's all about the supplements. Which you need (if any) on a whole foods plant-based diet, and what you're already getting naturally. Plus you'll get the low-down on what we take ourselves and why.

Today it's all about the staples. For a new vegan, it's easy to find cookbooks and that guide you through dinners, but what about a simple bowl of cereal, toast, or cup of tea?  With an increasingly large number of vegan substitutes available, it can feel overwhelming choosing the right vegan substitutes. Never mind knowing if your favorite bread or pasta is actually 100% plant-based. Inspired by a listener question, co-host Doug and I dig deep into our pantries and refrigerators, and discuss the most common staples you'll find in our vegan kitchens. 

When you wake up each morning, you're forced to take care of a number of "most-dos." You must take the kids to school, answer emails, and go to work, for example. Most of us get so caught up in the most-dos that we neglect the important habits that could really shape our day. Habits for physical and mental health. Habits for happiness and gratitude. Habits that only take a few minutes to do, but still get brushed aside. In today's episode, Doug and I discuss our most important daily habits, and why we fight so hard to keep them.

Over the past 95 episodes, we've talked a lot about the ideal diet, and ways Matt and I try to find it. Between the two of us, we've experimented with fruitarian, raw, juicing, no oil, and minimal processed foods. But while experimenting and talking about an ideal way of eating is fun and inspiring, it isn't always practical. And without the context, we've come to realize that it almost feels unattainable or too far out there for many of you, the listeners. So today Matt and I get real. We share exactly what we eat throughout a typical day. Not because it's perfect, but to give you a little context on where we're coming from. And hopefully to demonstrate that a whole foods plant-based diet isn't all kale and shots of wheatgrass.

It's no secret that local, organic, healthy food can get expensive. Add in fake meats and fancy spices or oils, and your new vegan diet is maxing out credit cards. But even when you shop at the hippest grocery stores, it doesn't have to be that pricy. You can eat on the cheap, and still get all the great whole foods your body is craving. In today's episode, we discuss our strategies for saving money on food, and which foods we avoid because of the price tag.

A few years ago Matt wrote a post called . It was a reflection on his first 2 years as a vegan, and all the things he wish someone had told him before he made that change. Now that I'm inching towards my 2-year anniversary, we revisit that topic together and compare lists. When you make a giant change, like switching to a vegan diet or training for your first marathon, there's nothing that can fully prepare you for the experience. But in our cases, there are a few things we wish someone had told us -- or advice we wish we would have actually taken in -- before making the switch to a plant-based diet. In today's episode, we discuss those lessons, how they've impacted our experience so far, and why some of Matt's have changed since his original post.

Most of us have no trouble losing weight on a whole foods plant-based diet, but is it possible to actually put weight and muscle on? Ever since college I've wanted to put on weight, and had success for awhile when I still ate meat. After going vegan, I immediately lost weight, and thought I could never bulk up again. Then I met guys like Robert Cheeke and others who were putting on muscle without the meat. So I set out to give it another try. In today's episode, co-host Doug and I discuss why someone might want to put on weight, whether or not it's healthy in the long run, and how to do it on a vegan diet.

After 3 years of this podcast, we finally answer the age old question we vegans know so well, "But where do you get your protein?"