Vegan Like Me aims to profile fellow vegans, from all walks of life from everywhere in the world! We’ve all been beginners and I think its important for folks to hear people’s stories in order to motivate themselves to keep going. This feature is intended to do just that. If you are vegan and would like to participate, get in touch with me and I’ll be sure to send our questionnaire along to you.
Name: Greg Sher
Greg’s Personal Training company, I Kill Fat.
Where do you live? NYC
How long have you been vegan? “2 years”
What inspired you to take on a plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) diet? “My first introduction to veganism was through music. I remember as a teenager being very intrigued while looking through CD booklets of bands like Earth Crisis and Propagandhi. I couldn’t believe that the toughest and craziest bands I listened to at the time were so passionate about a cruelty free lifestyle.
I became a personal trainer many years later, and after doing my own research on how a plant-based diet would help aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and benefit the human body more than anything I had to give it a try. I remember shortly after going vegan my body fat percentage dropped drastically, and I had more energy and focus than I ever had before. Plus, when I met my girlfriend (now wife) she was vegetarian (now vegan) and showed me around to the best vegan spots in Manhattan!
Two years after adopting a plant-based lifestyle I can honestly say I’m in the best shape of my life!”
What do you love most about being vegan? “The food and staying fit!
My wife and I love going out to Candle 79 and Blossom for date nights. The vibe of a vegan restaurant is usually very laid back and extremely friendly.
As far as physical fitness goes, I love knowing that because the food I eat is so clean, my workouts are efficient and I will maintain my energy levels throughout the day.”
What three items do you always have in your pantry? “1. Oatmeal – Oatmeal with hemp protein is what I crave every morning. Which leads me to number 2…
2. Hemp protein – Rich in fiber and protein! I mix it in my oatmeal which keeps me full for the first few sessions/classes of my day.
3. KIND Healthy Grains – I am obsessed with the peanut butter flavor! Only 5 grams of sugar per serving!”
What is your favorite vegan comfort food? “Let’s just say I can do some serious damage at Lula’s Sweet Apothecary on 6th street in between avenues A and B.”
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about taking on a plant-based (vegan) diet? “If you want to feel super healthy, in the shortest and most efficient amount of time, I would have to suggest a plant-based diet. It worked for me, it worked for my wife, and my clients who give it a try are crazy about the results they get.”
Do you find anything difficult about being vegan? “After spending countless hours reading up on what’s needed to live a healthy life on a plant-based diet, and talking to other plant-based athletes, I can honestly say I’ve had no problems. My dad, who’s a doctor urged me to get blood work done to see if I was deficient in any vitamins or minerals back when I told him I was going vegan. All the blood work came back completely normal. Healthy as an ox!”
Any other comments you or words of wisdom you would like to add? “I’ve been a personal trainer in New York City for 4 years. Download my free eBook at www.Ikillfat.com. What’s great about my business is that I come to you! Tell me what neighborhood you’d like to workout in, what trains you’d like to be near, and we exercise at a location that’s most convenient for you. No gym membership fees required! I also teach group fitness classes, and Pilates. Stay healthy!”
I am so glad that after quite a bit of a hiatus (read: finally got a new computer!), Vegan Like Me is back in the swing of things! Thank you Greg for sharing your thoughts with us… I’m with you on the damage that can be done at Lula’s!
Jersey City Vegan 