Interview with Bianca Perry: Vegan Marathon Runner

Leigh-Chantelle

VLV Articles

Over 10 years ago, Bianca Perry decided that life was more than just existing, and that she would consciously make her life about living every moment of every day. Bianca read widely, talked with experts, became active and most importantly, cared about her nutrition. As a result, Bianca became a better version of herself. From a person who didn’t really think too much about their health, to a person who now loves to run marathons.

She decided that she wanted to share the freedom, fun and spirit of being alive and healthy with others, and co-founded a business called Tao Nutrition. Offering an awesome natural plant based protein superfood to share and inspire health through optimal nutrition. Tao Nutrition is the mantra of how Bianca approaches life and is honoured to be able to share the potential of life, strength, fitness and vitality with others through 100% natural plant based nutrition.

Bianca_Perry

Why Vegan?

How and why did you decide to become a vegan?

Like many people, I became vegetarian before becoming vegan. I remember one day eating lunch and it dawned on me what I was actually eating: an animal. I loved animals, yet I was eating one. I couldn’t be an animal lover and eat them too, so that was it for me. No more meat. The choice was easy and I never looked back. A few years later my husband and I had a conversation about what being vegetarian actually meant to us. This conversation highlighted to me that I was still causing pain and suffering to animals by eating eggs and dairy. Again this was not something that I wanted to cause to other living creatures, so from that conversation I decided to become vegan. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

How long have you been vegan?

Over five years.

What has benefited you the most from being a vegan?

My health, fitness and outlook on life has flourished since being a vegetarian, and increased even more after becoming vegan. I feel unstoppable now. I truly feel alive, creative, fit and healthy. Prior to my change, I felt sluggish, unimaginative and uninterested. I love my outlook and approach to life now.

What does veganism mean to you?

It’s more than a diet, it’s an approach to life and a deep respect for the earth and its creatures. I feel more connected to the earth and the souls around me now.

Training
What sort of training do you do?

I run marathons, so my training involves a lot of running, strength training and stretching.

How often do you (need to) train?

I train specifically for running 4 days a week, however I aim to be active every day of the week.

Do you offer your fitness or training services to others?

My husband and I thought deeply on how we could provide a conscious and meaningful service to others and it clicked that we could do this with something we are both passionate about, nutrition. We had been making our own natural plant based protein and superfood mixes for about 10 years to fuel our active lives. So, it made huge sense to take something that we were having a huge success with and offer it to the community – Tao Nutrition. We also put a lot of time and effort into writing health and wellbeing articles so that we are educating people on how they can make the changes they want to see.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences
What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?

The common questions are concerned with the adequacy of the vegan diet. I address this by being a beacon of health, fitness, vitality and positivity. It’s hard to question if the diet is adequate if you are flourishing!

What are you strengths as a vegan athlete?

I recover fast and always feel fit, healthy and strong. I haven’t had a cold for as long as I can remember, which means I can train more.

Are your family and friends supportive of your vegan lifestyle?

My friends and family are very supportive now. In the beginning, they were concerned because they didn’t know much about a vegan diet - but now they see how healthy I am and they are no longer concerned.

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? My response in plants, vegetables, seeds, beans and Tao Nutrition of course!

Who or what motivates you?

My family motivates me to be the healthiest I can be so that I can enjoy our wonderful life together.

Food & Supplements
What do you eat for:
Breakfast - I love my smoothies and in winter something warm – here are two of my favourite breakfasts: Tao Nutrition Smoothie and Tao Nutrition Porridge. Also Tao Nutrition rice milk shake poured over muesli

Lunch - A large salad
Dinner - Roasted Vegetables, Homemade Pizza, Homemade Veggie burgers, Laksa, Curries, Stir-fry
Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy)

Tao Power Balls, Choc Mint Smoothie, Organic vegan fair-trade dark chocolate, Fruit salad

What is your favourite source of:
Protein - Tao Nutrition
Calcium - Sesame seeds
Iron – Leafy greens

What foods give you the most energy?

I love my smoothies. They are a great and tasty way to get a vast variety of nutrients.

Do you take any supplements?

B12 and Tao Nutrition

Advice
What is your top tip for:
Gaining muscle - Lift weights, stretch and recover - do this each session, 3 times a week.
Losing weight - If you are looking to lose weight and generate health, Tao Nutrition is perfect for replacing less healthy snack or meal options such as those containing processed foods in particular sugar and fat. By replacing these ‘foods’ devoid of nutrients, you are removing a health degrader (often the cause of weight gain) and adding a health builder. Providing your body with high nutrient density ingredients making it completely filling, satisfying and nourishing. The result of nourishing your body will be a generation of health and an improved body composition ie weight loss. To achieve optimum results, combine with a healthy balanced diet, optimal hydration and exercise.
Maintaining weight - Keep a food diary, it is a great way to ensure you are staying on track for your long-term goals.

Improving metabolism - Eat the right foods often. Stay away from anything unnatural. If it has a chemical, preservative, added sugar or other nasty - avoid it!
Toning up - There is no cheating here - nutrition and movement are the answer. A mix of cardio, weights and proper nutrition is the answer.

How do you promote veganism in your daily life?