Best vegan foods to pack on muscle?

[Jon_Veggie]

I have recently started training with bodyweight exercises such as push ups and chin ups, as I don't have time to go to the gym at the minute.

Could anyone advise me of the best foods/supplements to eat in order to develop muscle? I have read good reports about hemp protein powder.

Thanks in advance!

[Fromper]

I'm no expert, but protein's supposed to be key, in any form. So vegan protein bars like Clif or Luna Bars would probably be good, portable sources for something like this. I think I read that the best time to eat the protein is about half an hour after you finish your workout. Search for an earlier thread from a few months ago about that.

--Fromper

[*AHIMSA*]

A healthy, varied diet with ample calories and a weight training program is the best way for a vegan to build muscle. (Incidentally, hemp protein is the BEST protein powder in my opinion).

[Jon_Veggie]

Thanks,

I am trying to base my diet around foods such as lentils, peas, beans, quinoa, soy based products such as tofu and mock meats as well as my favourite, seitan.

I have tried raw hemp seeds which I really like, but never the powder. I have read negative reports about soy isolate, so I avoid soy protein powders.

[*AHIMSA*]

You are wise to avoid soy protein isolate. I do too, except when I have things like faux meats. :o

[evelinadatta]

Take a look at this site; it has some good articles:

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/?page=menu_nutrition

[Jon_Veggie]

That site looks very informative evelinadatta, think I'm a long way off from being a bodybuilder though!

I will definately make a note of some of those meal plans.

[evelinadatta]

That site looks very informative evelinadatta, think I'm a long way off from being a bodybuilder though!

I will definately make a note of some of those meal plans.

:yes:

Yeah, I am nowhere near being a bodybuilder either (I'm a petite girl), and only became interested in gaining some muscle recently, but I figure why not learn from the pros!

[Jon_Veggie]

Yeah, they prove that you can still be a successful athlete on a vegan diet, something to show the doubters at least.

[Bromo33333]

Tyhere are a number of Vegan powerlifters and bodybuilders - all pretty successful. The thought is that Vegan diet is only good for endurance/cardio style of exercise (i.e. running) - but clearly it is not.

[[[A solid Vegan meal replacement protein powder has been missing from the equation until recently - and this "Vega" seems to do the trick.]]] <<<---EDIT: Was informed that there are LOTS of Vegan powders that are more or less the same as Vega. I( stand corrected! :) Oh, and I am NOT affiliated with any of these companies. I was just thrilled to find something that was a protein powder that wasn't egg/milk based!

[*AHIMSA*]

A solid Vegan meal replacement protein powder has been missing from the equation until recently - and this "Vega" seems to do the trick.What affiliation with the company do you have?
There have been many vegan meal replacement options that provide all the essential nutrients even before "Vega" came out.

[Bromo33333]

What affiliation with the company do you have?
There have been many vegan meal replacement options that provide all the essential nutrients even before "Vega" came out.

OOPS. I didn't mean to *endorse* the powder. I was only aware of that one.

I am not affiliated with any company and was thrilled to find something that wasn't derived from milk and/or eggs.

What are the other options because I would like to avoid mail ordering the stuff, since I am not able to get Vega locally.

[*AHIMSA*]

Well, where do you live? If you give me a general idea, I can tell you about several other vegan replacements available in stores. :)

[*AHIMSA*]

Here are just a few:

Vegan Complete Meal Replacement Protein Powder by Pure Advantage

Naturade Total Soy Meal Replacement Powder, Bavarian Chocolate

Kashi Go Lean Shake in Vanilla

SoyPro Protein Powder

Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder

Nutiva® HempShakes™

Living Harvest Hemp Protein Powder and shakes

The Ultimate Life - The Ultimate Meal

[Bromo33333]

Well, where do you live? If you give me a general idea, I can tell you about several other vegan replacements available in stores. :)

Oh, OK sorry - Rochester, NY (half way between Buffalo and Syracuse)

And thanks! :D

[Jon_Veggie]

I don't think vegan meal replacement powders such as Vega are available in the UK. I have seen Nutiva Hemp Shakes in health food stores though.

[Pandora]

I am not an official expert, but I think a good healthy diet is the base for hightening chances of muscle development... don't emphasise on protein alone, just make sure you meet your daily requirements both in minerals and vitamins as in energy, and do the right amount of exercise.

Boring advice, I know.

[WonderRandy]

the HempShakes are yummy!

[Jon_Veggie]

I haven't tried them, but I love raw, unshelled hemp seeds.

[Byzantea]

Don't worry about consuming mass quantities of protein. Keep it between 80g and 100g a day and you'll be fine. If you notice any DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) in places you don't usually get it, don't do a knee-jerk reaction and blame the food. It could be that you're new to those exercises *and* new to eating veg*n while doing them.

I'm a hobbyist personal trainer right now. I am certified through ACE, but don't take payment for my training. If you can find a full time, professional, certified personal trainer who is also vegetarian or vegan, definitely spend the money to get his or her advice.