Carla Danker (aka Vegbarbiesa) chats to us about being a Vegan in Fitness

Carla Danker (aka Vegbarbiesa) is a vegan entrepreneur and health & wellness influencer. We had a chat with her about how being a vegan changed her approach to leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

• Age: 29 
• Lives: Joburg 
• Trains at: Home 
• Social Media: Instagram & Facebook

READ MORE | 8 Common Myths About Veganism – BUSTED

How long have you been a vegan for?

Four and half years 

What made you decide to go vegan?

I worked with animals and stumbled upon a documentary called Earthlings one night. The next day I went vegan and never looked back. 

How has your journey in fitness been affected by being vegan?

I had to basically understand my body all over again. At the beginning I was really struggling as I was always hungry and eating too many carbohydrates. By the second year I had done a lot more research, gone to a few doctors for advice and my body began to thrive. Veganism has made me healthier and more aware of my daily intake. 

READ MORE | 5 Muscle-Building Plant Foods

How do you get enough protein to support your active lifestyle?

I have a vegan protein shake every day (I love them) and I make sure to eat plant-based protein every day like tofu, beans, nuts, quinoa etc 

READ MORE | Science Suggests Vegan Protein Is Just As Effective As Whey

Can you give us a breakdown on how a typical day of eating looks?

• Breakfast: Rolled oats with almond milk, peanut butter, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and blueberries 
• Snack: Almonds, dried fruit and coffee (decaf now that I’m pregnant) or a piece of rye toast with avocado 
• Lunch: Quinoa with avocado, onion, cucumber and tomato
• Snack: Vegan protein shake 
• Dinner: Tofu in the airfryer with a spinach salad or sweet potato

READ MORE | Plant-Based Fitness Nutrition Made Easy

You stepped on stage as a vegan. How did your diet change from when you were just following a healthy lifestyle?

I increased my protein shake intake to a few times a day and then, towards the competition, slowly decreased my fats. 

What is your favorite high-protein vegan meal at the moment?

• Homemade: Tofu in the airfryer with green veg and avocado.
• Takeout: Farmer’s breakfast bowl from Lexi’s Eatery.

READ MORE | Going Meatless Has Never Been Easier

What 5 tips would you give to someone who just went vegan and is heavily into health and fitness? 

1. Don’t panic, give your body 12 weeks to adjust properly 
2. Monitor your hormones and levels at a doctor 
3. Make sure you always have a vegan shake or protein bar in your car -Take an iron and B12 supplement 
4. Do not listen to people’s opinions, people are extremely anti veganism so you need to be strong

READ MORE | Confused With Meat Alternatives And Replacements? We Get To The Meat Of The Matter…

Author: Logan Leigh Rix

Logan blends her passion and profession by working as a digital and social media marketer and content creator in the fitness, health and wellness industry. She’s also a personal trainer, former Face of Fitness finalist and Fitness Magazine featured athlete.