Episode 275: Becoming a Champion Vegan Bodybuilder with Alex Payne

Alex Payne joins Ben on Muscles by Brussels Radio to discuss his journey from athletics and years of lifting on his own to becoming a competitive vegan bodybuilder and completing two bodybuilding seasons. Alex shares how becoming vegan gave him a deeper sense of purpose for bodybuilding, motivating him to show what could be accomplished on a plant-based diet.The conversation covers the importance of spending time building before beginning a contest prep, including Alex’s year-plus working with Dani to develop his physique and establish a strong coach-athlete relationship. They discuss the lessons Alex learned about recovery, consistency, training, nutrition, posing, and trusting the process, as well as the differences between his first and second competition seasons.Alex also opens up about the realities of contest prep and the often-overlooked post-show period, including changes in appetite, bodyweight, body composition, energy, and day-to-day life. He explains how setting a new goal (in his case, moving toward powerlifting) helped him transition away from chasing an onstage physique and embrace the next stage of his athletic journey.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Eating out is inevitable, whether you're traveling, meeting family, attending a work lunch, or simply not in the mood to cook. Dani and Alice break down how to navigate restaurants as a vegan while still building meals that work for your nutrition and physique goals.They cover Mexican, Indian, Thai, pho, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, American, and pizza restaurants, including what to order, where protein is easiest to find, and which seemingly healthy options can come with a surprising amount of oil or other hidden calories.They also share practical strategies like researching menus ahead of time, asking for light oil or sauces on the side, checking whether rice and beans contain animal products, bringing your own protein when necessary, and keeping a running list of reliable restaurants for travel.Finally, they discuss some surprisingly useful chain options, including CAVA, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Burger King, and Taco Bell, proving that even when your choices aren't ideal, you can usually find something workable.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Do you need to track every calorie and macro to make progress? Ben and Dani discuss the pros and cons of macro tracking, how nutrition tracking evolved, and why tracking can be an incredibly useful tool without needing to become a permanent part of your life. They also explore meal plans, meal templates, structured eating, calorie density, intuitive eating, and practical ways to gradually loosen the reins while still making progress toward your goals. 🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Thinking about stepping onstage for the first time? Coaches Ben & Alice dive deep into what aspiring natural bodybuilding competitors should consider before committing to a contest.They discuss who tends to thrive in bodybuilding, the importance of structure and routine, having a healthy relationship with food and your body, managing stress, and building strong social support. They also cover the realities of contest prep, including how relationships and social life can change, why the post-show period can be especially challenging, and how mindfulness and self-awareness can help you navigate difficult moments.The conversation also breaks down natural vs. non-tested bodybuilding, different natural federations, contest timelines, the importance of working with a coach, and the major men's and women's divisions.If you've ever wondered whether bodybuilding is right for you, or what it actually takes to make your first competition a positive experience, this episode is for you. 🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Shireen joins Ben and Giacomo to share her journey from going vegan for her health to discovering bodybuilding and eventually stepping onstage for her first competition. She talks about her lifelong interest in athletics, cosplay, and superheroes, and how building confidence through fitness eventually helped her believe she could pursue bodybuilding.Shireen and Giacomo discuss how their coaching relationship evolved from helping her understand training and nutrition to preparing for the bodybuilding stage. They dive into the realities of contest prep, including the physical and psychological challenges of getting extremely lean, the lessons Shireen learned about hormones and recovery, and why stage conditioning isn't a sustainable year-round state.Finally, Shireen reflects on the deeper impact bodybuilding has had on her confidence, discipline, gratitude, and perspective on life. She shares her experience competing, navigating post-show recovery, and why she's now embracing an improvement season before eventually stepping onstage again.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Flexible dieting can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Coach Sawyer and Giacomo break down a practical approach to getting started without obsessing over numbers or overhauling your entire diet overnight. They discuss how to build awareness of your current eating habits, establish realistic calorie and protein targets, and gradually develop a system that fits your lifestyle instead of fighting against it.The conversation also explores common beginner mistakes, including trying to change everything at once, chasing unnecessarily high protein intakes, and letting perfectionism derail progress. Sawyer and Giacomo explain how to navigate restaurants, travel, family gatherings, and unexpected life events while staying on track, emphasizing that consistency and curiosity are far more valuable than perfection.Whether you're completely new to tracking or looking to make your nutrition approach more sustainable, this episode offers practical strategies for making flexible dieting work in the real world.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Mobility, flexibility, and stability are often overlooked until pain or injuries force them into the spotlight...but they can make the difference between years of productive training and chronic setbacks.In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Dani and Giacomo discuss the key differences between these three concepts, why movement quality matters for every lifter, and how small amounts of mobility work can improve performance, reduce injury risk, and keep you training longer.They also share personal experiences with chronic pain, CrossFit, bodybuilding, rehabilitation, and practical strategies for incorporating corrective exercises into even the busiest training schedule.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Sawyer take a broader look at the role of movement in a healthy lifestyle. They discuss why staying active is about much more than burning calories, covering everything from daily step counts and intentional cardio to recovery, longevity, and overall health. They explain how movement can improve energy levels, appetite regulation, cardiovascular fitness, and long-term consistency, while also clearing up common misconceptions like the importance of hitting exactly 10,000 steps per day.The conversation also explores how to balance movement with strength training, especially for those who enjoy running or participate in other sports. Ben and Sawyer share practical advice on programming cardio without compromising muscle growth, why nutrition remains the primary driver of fat loss, and how to choose activities that are enjoyable enough to stick with for years. Whether you're lifting, walking, running, or simply trying to move more throughout the day, this episode provides a practical framework for making movement a sustainable part of your fitness journey.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

Evidence-based nutrition doesn't always win the attention economy...but it's what leads to lasting health. In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Coach Sawyer sit down with Mic the Vegan to discuss his journey from skeptical omnivore to one of the most trusted science communicators in the vegan space. Mike shares how he built his platform by prioritizing research over sensationalism, the challenges of combating nutrition misinformation online, and why balanced, evidence-driven messaging matters more than ever.The conversation explores why people are drawn to nutrition trends, how social media rewards controversy over nuance, and the importance of interpreting scientific research correctly instead of relying on isolated mechanisms or clickbait headlines. They also dive into common misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, saturated fat, whole foods, superfoods, and vegan diets, while discussing how genetics, lifestyle, and overall dietary patterns all contribute to long-term health.Along the way, the group discusses athletic performance on a vegan diet, practical strategies for building sustainable eating habits, why enjoyable movement matters, and how everyday vegans can become positive ambassadors for the lifestyle. Whether you're interested in improving your health, understanding nutrition research, or simply becoming a more informed consumer of health information online, this episode is packed with thoughtful discussion and practical takeaways.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Giacomo sit down with Cyrus Khambatta, PhD, co-founder of Mastering Diabetes, to unpack the science behind insulin resistance, diabetes, and long-term metabolic health. Cyrus shares his own journey living with type 1 diabetes and explains why his diagnosis ultimately led him to dedicate his career to researching nutrition and helping others improve their health through a whole food plant-based diet.The conversation explores the differences between type 1, type 2, prediabetes, and insulin resistance, while breaking down why skeletal muscle plays such a powerful role in blood sugar regulation. Cyrus discusses the relationship between saturated fat, carbohydrate metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, addresses common misconceptions surrounding keto and carnivore diets, and explains why exercise and nutrition work together to improve metabolic health. The episode also covers GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, discussing where these drugs may be appropriate, where they may fall short, and why lasting lifestyle change remains essential for long-term success.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month 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.=================================