Interview with Simone Collins: Vegan Figure Competitor

I went vegetarian at 13 years of age due to ethical reasons. Even as a child I never wanted to eat meat - I was always an animal lover, and I despised the fact that I was eating them. When I turned 13 my parents allowed me to make a choice, and I chose never to eat meat again. I went vegan for the same reasons. I came to realise through campaigns run by Animal Liberation Victoria, that the dairy and egg industries are just as guilty for enslaving, exploiting and mistreating animals as the meat industry. I vowed to go vegan and never use or consume any animal products. I also make sure any cosmetics or household products I use are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
 
How long have you been vegan?
I went vegetarian in 1999 and vegan in 2009

What has benefited you the most from being a vegan?
I have never felt healthier or more energised since going vegan. I have been able to get in the best shape of my life, build muscle, and compared to other figure competitors, I am able to keep more variety in my diet and do less cardio when preparing for a show. I also feel peace of mind, and more at-ease with the world, knowing that I am doing my best to lead a positive, compassionate, healthy and more sustainable lifestyle.

What does veganism mean to you?
To me, veganism is not a "diet." It means to live respectfully and compassionately, to understand all sentient beings are equal in their right to live in freedom and happiness, without suffering - human and non-human alike.
 
Training
What sort of training do you do?
I mainly do old-school bodybuilding-style training with weights, mixed in with a bit of power lifting. I want to start doing more strongman-style training or maybe crossfit as well.

How often do you (need to) train?
5-6 days a week, for about an hour.

Do you offer your fitness or training services to others?
This is something I will be offering face-to-face and online in 2014, when I have completed my certificates.

What sports do you play?
I compete in bodybuilding/figure competitions, and I am hoping to do some power lifting, strongman and crossfit competitions in the future.
 
Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences
What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?
The obvious - that we need to eat meat! Especially in sports like mine where building muscle and getting lean is primarily associated with the consumption of large amounts of animal protein. I address this by explaining that vegan sources of protein better for you - they are free from saturated fat and cholesterol, they are non-carcinogenic (unlike meat and dairy) more easily absorbed by the body, and are alkalising rather than acid-forming. I also use my results in the gym to prove my point that building muscle and strength is just as achievable as a vegan, but far more beneficial to health, the animals and the environment.

What are you strengths as a vegan athlete?
Applying my training and diet to build strength and muscle. My upper-body is my strong point, and for power lifting the bench press is my best lift.

What is your biggest challenge?
Genetically my upper body builds a lot more easily than my abs or legs, so I have a hard time increasing muscle mass in these areas. Squats are a challenge for me and are my weakest lift. There's also a lot of fun to be had in a challenge so I use it as motivation to improve.

Are the non-vegans in your industry supportive or not?
Generally they are. I think a lot of people who have seen my transformation during my training changed their views on veganism, and a few have even joined me. Most people who don't know already are often surprised when I tell them I'm vegan, and are instantly and genuinely interested in what I eat. The people who aren't supportive are usually those who don't know me and haven't seen how far I have come in just a few years as a vegan athlete.

Are your family and friends supportive of your vegan lifestyle?
I was the first in my family to become vegan, however both my sisters are now vegan. My parents are not vegan, but have always been supportive of me.

Healthy - vegan protein shakes, nuts, rice cakes, nut butter, seeds, wraps, superfood balls, vegan snack bars. Not-So Healthy - Chocolate, vegan ice-cream, vegetable chips, chocolate soy milk, vegan cakes, brownies, muffins, cup cakes and anything sweet (I have a big sweet tooth) but generally I try to keep these kind of foods to a minimum.
 
What is your favourite source of:
Protein - tofu, tempeh, seitan and protein shakes
Calcium - green leafy vegetables
Iron - green leafy vegetables
 
What foods give you the most energy?
I love nuts. They really keep my energy up between meals.

Do you take any supplements?
Not all the time, but sometimes I cycle creatine, or use BCAA's during my workouts. I often get Vitamin D deficient so when my levels are low I take an organic vegan D3 capsule made from fungi.
 
Advice
What is your top tip for:
Gaining muscle - eat a lot, especially plenty of vegan protein, and lift heavy.
Losing weight - cut back on junk food and incorporate a bit of cardio training.
Maintaining weight - keep a mostly clean diet, train with weights and minimal cardio.
Improving metabolism - eating regular meals and being aware of your caloric needs - make sure you are eating enough to support your training.
Toning up - keep a healthy diet and lift weights regularly, maybe 2-4 times a week. If you can't get to a gym, try some pyrometric or bodyweight exercises.
 
How do you promote veganism in your daily life?
I try to send out a positive and inspiring message about veganism though my passion for training - by building up my strength and muscle, getting involved in the health and fitness scene, and competing in bodybuilding. I hope to show people that you don't need animal protein to succeed in your sport. That being vegan is not a disadvantage. That you can achieve anything as a vegan. I hope that I can motivate and inspire others to also lead a compassionate, healthy vegan lifestyle.

How would you suggest people get involved with what you do?
I cannot wait to be able to take on clients, to be able to help others on their vegan fitness journeys, and to offer training, diet plans and online coaching for a plant-based lifestyle. I recommend following my Blog, Facebook and Instagram (@simi_collins) Feel free to get in contact with me.

I also recommend checking out the following sites for vegan fitness, muscle, strength, health and activism: Vegan Bodybuilding, Vegan Strength, Vegan Fitness, Evolved Generation, Plant Built, Vegan Easy, Animal Liberation Victoria, Vegetarian Resource Group.