It’s possible to build an exceptional physique on a vegan diet.
Protein is essential for bodybuilding, playing a key role in muscle growth and repair (1). During exercise, muscles are broken down and damaged, and the body uses protein to rebuild and strengthen them. Traditionally, high-protein diets have been associated with animal-based products. However, recent research has demonstrated that plant-based sources can provide comparable protein levels that effectively support muscle growth and overall health (2).
But what about real-life examples? Enter vegan bodybuilders—while unconventional, they prove that building muscle with plant-based proteins is possible and highly effective. A common myth suggests that vegan diets lack essential amino acids, but these athletes debunk that notion. They argue that vegan diets can quickly meet protein needs with plant-based sources like tofu, quinoa, lentils, beans, chickpeas, and cereals. Beyond fulfilling nutritional requirements, these proteins are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
This article showcases vegan bodybuilders who have achieved remarkable physiques through plant-based diets. Some have even earned bodybuilding awards, proving that plant proteins are more than sufficient. Discover our top five inspiring vegan bodybuilders below and see how they’ve redefined what’s possible with plant-based nutrition.
Top 5 Vegan Bodybuilders
- Patrik Baboumian
- Torre Washington
- Shelli Beecher-Seitzler
- Nimai Delgado
- Leah Coutts
Patrik Baboumian
| Full Name: Patrik Baboumian | ||
| Weight | Height | Date of Birth |
| (74.8-79.4 kg) 165-175 lbs | (171 cm) 5’7″ | 06/1/1979 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Professional Bodybuilder & Strongman | 2000s, 2010s | German-Armenian |
Patrik Baboumian is a German strongman and bodybuilder. He started his career young, winning the IFBB Junior Bodybuilding Championship in 1999. In 2005, he decided to become a vegetarian and vegan in 2011. During his career, he set a German heavyweight record in log lifting in 2010. He lifted 396 lbs (180 kg); the following year, he lifted 420 lbs (190 kg) in Finland.
Baboumian also became the Strongest Man in Germany in 2011, winning the open division at the German strongman nationals. Because of his vegan lifestyle, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) chose him as the face of its campaign to promote a healthy vegan diet. He’s also particular about his supplements and multivitamins; he drinks smoothies containing vegetables and fruits. His vegan diet consists of tofu, vegan sausage, potatoes, and falafel.
“This is a message to all those out there who think that you need animal products to be fit and strong. Almost two years after becoming vegan, I am stronger than ever before, and I am still improving day by day,” Baboumian declared. “Don’t listen to those self-proclaimed nutrition gurus and the supplement industry trying to tell you that you need meat, eggs, and dairy to get enough protein.”
“There are plenty of plant-based protein sources, and your body is going to thank you for stopping feeding it with dead food. Go vegan and feel the power!”
— Patrik Baboumian
Some of his accomplishments include:
- 2011 Germany’s Strongest Man
- 2012 World Record Beer Keg Lifting 331 lbs (150.2 kg)
- 2013 World Record Yoke-Walk 1,224 lbs (555.2 kg) Over 10 Feet
Torre Washington
| Full Name: Torre Washington | ||
| Weight | Height | Date of Birth |
| (74.8-79.4 kg) 165-175 lbs | (170 cm) 5’7″ | 08/10/1974 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Professional Bodybuilder & Fitness Coach | Late 2000s, 2010s, 2020s | American |
Torre Washington is a professional bodybuilder, fitness model, and coach who has been vegan since 1998, when he was 23. He competed in his first bodybuilding show and came in third place. Washington got his pro card in 2013 after winning the open category at Musclemania Universe.
“In 2009, I competed in my first show and got third place. I was so excited and signed up for another one. I won that second show, and I’ve never stopped.”
— Torre Washington
In 2016, he was given the title “The Vegan Bodybuilder” and continues to promote the vegan diet lifestyle. Torre Washington follows a healthy vegan diet that doesn’t lack any proteins. His primary sources of proteins are tofu, seitan, and lentils. Some of his bodybuilding competition wins include:
- 2016 Arnold Classic — 4th
- 2013 IFPA Pro — 1st
- 2013 WNBF Naturally Fit Show — 1st Overall
Shelli Beecher-Seitzler
| Full Name: Shelli Beecher-Seitzler | ||
| Weight | Height | Date of Birth |
| (74.8-79.4 kg) 165-175 lbs | (168 cm) 5’6″ | 1974 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Professional Bodybuilder & Fitness Coach | 2018, 2020s | American |
Shelli Beecher-Seitzler is a professional natural bodybuilder who competes in many bodybuilding shows. She became a vegetarian at 21 and turned vegan 20 years later. After people saw her potential and suggested she compete, she appeared in her first pro show in just a year and placed 1st in FitBody and Master Figure.
“I won first place in FitBody and also competed in Masters Figure, also winning first place. That enabled me to earn my second pro card in Masters Figure. I had been told by several of the 15 judges that if I entered Overall Figure I would have won overall champion in that division as well. Again, being brand new to the sport, I realized I had much to learn,” Shelli Beecher-Seitzler said.
Beecher-Seitzler likes to research food markets and vegan restaurants when traveling. Her meals include kale, blueberries, spinach, cauliflower, green beans, pepper, brown rice, quinoa, and lentils. She’s passionate about plant-based meals and discusses their benefits, especially after her surgery.
“Due to my organic whole foods vegan diet and physical conditioning, I have been able to recover without the use of post-surgery prescribed oxycodone.”
— Shelli Beecher-Seitzler
Nimai Delgado
| Full Name: Nimai Delgado | ||
| Weight | Height | Date of Birth |
| (82 kg) 180 lbs | (168 cm) 5’9″ | 06/21/1989 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Professional Bodybuilder | 2010s, 2020s | American |
Nimai Delgado is an IFBB professional bodybuilder who grew up in Mississippi and has been a vegetarian since birth. His vegetarianism stems from religious reasons; he was taught compassion for animals’ suffering.
“Growing up, my diet has always been about 95% vegan, with the exception of dairy products.”
— Nimai Delgado
In 2015, Delgado became vegan and earned his pro card at the 2016 NPC USA Championships. He also competed in the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival’s physique category. Delgado’s vegan diet consists of potatoes, hemp, oatmeal, avocado toast, hummus, quinoa, lentils, and vegetables. Hemp or pea powder is his go-to protein shake.
Some of his bodybuilding accomplishments include:
- 2016 Sacramento Pro — 6th
- 2017 Hawaii Pro — 8th
- 2018 Arnold’s Men’s Physique — 11th
Pea protein is a great option for those who do not want animal based products and prefer a vegan diet. That being said, Nutricost Pea Protein is a great option!
You can use plant-based protein shakes for pre-workout, post-workout, and intra-workout shakes. However, it’s essential to ensure that the label and ingredients of your vegan protein meet vegan specifications. Nutricost Pea Protein is a USDA-Certified Organic vegan-friendly protein supplement you can try. It’s gluten-free, added-sugar-free, and non-GMO. However, this doesn’t stop it from being delicious. You can also choose chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter flavors.
Leah Coutts
Leah Coutts is a WNBF Figure Pro bodybuilder who has won many titles. Notably, in 2022, she started with a win, getting her pro card at Ms. Fitness Australia in Figure Classique. She followed this with a professional win at Nationals, qualifying her for the Fitness Universe competition, where she won the title of Figure Universe Champion.
In 2023, Coutts became the Figure Classic and Figure Pro Champion at Ms. Fitness in Australia. Though a serial winner, these accomplishments came at a cost: Coutts had to battle injuries and surgeries.
“I had numerous medical professionals tell me I’d never be able to pursue my fitness goals. But I didn’t give up on finding answers, rehabbing, and working toward my dreams,” Leah Coutts said.
In 2014, she became vegan primarily for health reasons and credits her vegan lifestyle and training as the reason she no longer feels pain again. Some of her vegan meals include plant-based chicken, rice, tofu, vegetables and lentils. Her favorite snack is peanut butter with dates.
“I believe that fueling your body with life-supporting plant-based foods not only prolongs your life but adds to its depth and breadth as well.” — Leah Coutts
Wrapping Up
Bodybuilding is a remarkable sport that welcomes individuals from all walks of life. This post highlights five exceptional vegan bodybuilders demonstrating that building muscle on a plant-based diet is highly achievable. By carefully meeting their protein needs with plant-based sources, they’ve shattered the myth that veganism and bodybuilding are incompatible. For anyone considering a vegan lifestyle, rest assured—your bodybuilding goals don’t have to take a backseat.
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References
- Tagawa, R., Watanabe, D., Ito, K., Otsuyama, T., Nakayama, K., Sanbongi, C., & Miyachi, M. (2022). Synergistic Effect of Increased Total Protein Intake and Strength Training on Muscle Strength: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sports medicine – open, 8(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00508-w
- Langyan, S., Yadava, P., Khan, F. N., Dar, Z. A., Singh, R., & Kumar, A. (2022). Sustaining Protein Nutrition Through Plant-Based Foods. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 772573. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.772573
