Today’s guest is an example of how veganism can have a sweeping impact on your whole life. Born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, Fit Vegan Chef Natalie Matthews began surfing professionally at the age of sixteen. But when she started experiencing hypoglycemia, extreme fatigue and severe acne from dairy consumption, Natalie and her husband George were galvanized to learn the transformational health benefits of a plant-based diet. In just one year they were both thriving and free from illness. A professional bodybuilder and graduate from the Living Light Culinary Institute in California, Natalie has published two eBooks titled Puerto Vegan Cookbook and Fit Vegan Kitchen. 

Super excited to discuss her many accomplishments, how a plant-based diet has transformed her life, and the myriad ways she strives to inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives!

“Having some muscle tissue is gonna improve your fat loss journey. If you have a lot more muscle tissue you can eat more, it’s easier to burn fat, and you’re going to see some shape when you lose that fat. You know, I often get people that are like ‘oh, I lost all this weight and I really don’t like how I feel or look still.’ And I’m like, ‘that’s because you don’t have any muscle underneath.’ So, people are so afraid to get in there in the weights, and I know it can be very intimidating, but, if you combine that with a good diet you can do some serious damage. It’s gonna be amazing!” - Natalie Matthews

What we discuss in this episode:

• Her dietary background and evolution.
• How a vegan diet improved her health, her surfing, and other remarkable benefits she and her husband experienced.
• How she transitioned to bodybuilding and thrived on a vegan diet.
• An explanation of macronutrients and Natalie’s favorite protein sources.
• Advice on how to change your body composition.
• Details of her training regimen.
• Her favorite meal after a show.
• How she veganized her favorite recipes from her childhood.
• Her favorite snacks.

Resources:

• Natalie's website and books: https://fitveganchef.com/
• YouTube channel: Natalie Matthews - YouTube
• Instagram: Natalie Matthews IFBB PRO (@fitveganchef) • Instagram photos and videos

The Plant-based Playbook IS HERE!

Let the Plant-based Games Begin, the first-ever guidebook dedicated to optimizing athletic performance with plant-based fuel. We developed the Playbook in consultation with the IOC’s Office of Sustainability to help coaches, dietitians, and athletes understand how to embrace plant-based nutrition.

Researched and written by a diverse group of highly credentialed researchers, clinicians, and athletes, the Playbook leverages peer-reviewed science and real-world experience to illuminate the physiological benefits of a plant-based diet. The Playbook also includes robust, field-tested tools and resources for meal planning and other practical implementation techniques. 

You can download the Playbook here: https://switch4good.org/plant-based-playbook/

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