Interview with Cam F Awesome: Vegan Boxer

Cam F Awesome is currently the captain of the USA National boxing team. He aims to win a gold medal in the 2016 Olympics. Cam is originally from Long Island, New York, but currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri, which he considers home. He has been vegan for almost 3 years and loves it. There are sometimes challenges but nothing that Cam can't overcome to maintain his plant-based diet. In between boxing and working out, Cam gives motivational speeches to young adults. He is also pursuing a career in stand up comedy.

 

I became vegan after trying to Engine 2 28-day vegan challenge.

I have been vegan coming up on 3 years.

My recovery time is better and it’s taught me to pack my meals before hand.

It has changed my life and the way I've looked at other lives.

Training
What sort of training do you do?

I do boxing training and strength and conditioning.

I train about 6 days a week.

I coach boxers in Kansas City when I am in town.

I'm a boxer.
 
Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences
What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?

The biggest misconception is that many people don't think tough fighters can be successful without meat.

My strength in the ring is my defence and agility.

What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is keeping my nutrients up when I leave the country.

Are the non-vegans in your industry supportive or not?

They are supportive but give me a tough time with jokes. We are a close team. I can take it!

Are your family and friends supportive of your vegan lifestyle?

My friends and family are very supportive of my team.

What is the most common question/comment that people ask/say when they find out that you are a vegan and how do you respond?

“Where do you get your protein?” I let my accomplishments speak for themself.

Who or what motivates you?

Hearing my country’s national anthem on the podium.
 
Food & Supplements
What do you eat for:
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - I love tofu blend and salads
Dinner - Brown rice, lots of greens and veggies.
Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy) - I love Field Roast Italian sausages.
 
What is your favourite source of:
Protein - Garden of Life Marley Coffee
Calcium - Vanilla almond milk
Iron - Garden of Life supplement
 
What foods give you the most energy?

I love carbing up before a fight.

I only take Garden of Life supplements.
 
Advice
What is your top tip for:
Gaining muscle - Strength and conditioning with the proper diet.
Losing weight – Simple: burn more calories than you take in.
Maintaining weight - Burning the amount of you take it.
Improving metabolism - More smaller meals and not eating late meals.

How do you promote veganism in your daily life?

I talk about my diet to those who are curious.

 

I suggest watching "Forks Over Knives" to find out more about being vegan.