Episode 219: The Privilege of Vegan Bodybuilding

Muscles by Brussels Radio

After a bit of a break, Ben and Alice are back on the mic to catch up and get real about a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: privilege in vegan bodybuilding.
From post-competition recovery and rediscovering the joy of training, to promoting bodybuilding shows and launching businesses, there's a lot going on behind the scenes—and it's not lost on either of them that even having the option to bodybuild is a form of privilege.
In this episode, they unpack:

• Why feeling “normal” again after prep takes longer than we think
  
• What it’s like starting a new bodybuilding show from scratch (shoutout to OCB Hammer Forged!)
  
• The real cost of being a vegan athlete—and how that cost isn’t just financial
  
• Myths vs. truths about vegan diets being “too expensive” or “too complicated”
  
• How access, time, resources, and even gym culture shape who gets to participate in this sport
  

This isn’t a guilt trip—it’s a gratitude trip. A reality check. And a nudge to appreciate the fact that if you can train, fuel, and compete... that’s a gift.
✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:

https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

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