Interview with Zac Anstee: Vegan Triathlete

Zac Anstee is an IT Managing consultant by day and athlete by night. He grew up with sand and surf, as a nipper and then surf lifesaver, who always had a love for water, the fitness side of it was just a bonus.  Now fitness, with the addition of food is an important part of his overall wellbeing. His job is often very stressful, with long days - not to mention business trips away. With everything in life, there has to be a balance. It’s important for Zac to manage his work responsibilities with training, and of course keeping a happy home - and wife! When he’s not working or training, Zac enjoys spending time in the kitchen and watching motor sports.

Was vegetarian for 10 years, and through learning and experience, I decided a completely animal-free diet aligned with my ethos towards anti-animal cruelty. 

Over two years.

Mental wellbeing.

An animal-free diet.

Cross train due to triathlon goals: swim, ride, run, stretch.

Approximately 10-12 hours per week.

No, my only training is to motivate by example.

Triathlons. 

That we eat nothing but carrots and lettuce! I just explain to people what I ate last night which no doubt was a delicious meal. This helps people understand further what is served up on my dinner plate.

Quick recovery.

I travel interstate for work, which can be difficult to find clean healthy food. This can be particularly challenging when with a group of work colleagues who all want to eat out together, and there are not many restaurants to choose from other than a streak house & Nandos.

Yes, mostly curious.

Yes.

“Where do you get your protein?” Often I explain we don't need much protein (0.8g per body weight kg) and that even our greens contain some levels of protein. I

use big animals such as cows as an example of getting enough protein even from grass.

My wife (Amanda Meggison, who runs Tarian Pantry), she is a huge source of information about good healthy living and eating.

Breakfast – Porridge.

Lunch - Beans and rice, pasta, noodles.

Dinner – Curries, pasta, salads, pizza, Mexican food.

Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy) - Bliss balls, fruit, home made bars.

Protein - Tofu and tempeh (served with a satay sauce, yum.)

Calcium - Walnuts and broccoli. 

Iron - Kale and spinach.

Anything with high carbohydrates: potatoes, pasta, rice.

B12 oral spray.

Gaining muscle - Pump iron.

Losing weight - Run and eat well.

Maintaining weight - Eat well.

Improving metabolism - Eat well.

Toning up - Join a triathlon club!

I don't stuff it down people’s throats. If they find out I am vegan and ask me why, I answer their questions without trying to push my morals or views. The main way I promote veganism is through leading by example.

Go straight to Tarian Pantry and explore the wealth of information.