Book Review - Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness by Robert Cheeke

Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness – Robert Cheeke

Robert Cheeke proudly wears the title of being the most recognized vegan bodybuilder in the world!
While I think Robert holds another title as the hardest working vegan today! He earned these titles with sincerity, a LOT of hard work, dedication, passion and a desire to follow his heart. I had the pleasure of reading Roberts latest book, “Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness” (available from www.Amazon.com and www.veganbodybuilding.com) where he artfully takes the reader through the entire process of being vegan and bodybuilding – two things that don't necessarily go hand in hand in most peoples minds.
If you think this book is for the hardbodies from Venice beach your would be right, however it is also written for anyone who is interested in the vegan lifestyle, following their dreams or natural bodybuilding as well! This is not just a vegan book, or just about bodybuilding, but is packed with information about diet, nutrition, foods, meal plans, supplementation, achieving results, exercises and turning your passion in to careers. This book also fills the reader in on the best places to find vegan products, restaurants, work out gear and much more.
Robert writes with such passion, desire and drive it is clear to me, and I am positive to other readers as well, that he genuinely cares about helping people and is interested in their success.
Robert's story unravels about a “scrawny” farm boy in his youth to packing on the muscle and winning several major bodybuilding titles in a relatively short amount of time and doing it all without harming animals and by eating a plant based diet. He outlines several of his businesses (including his website and a line of vegan bodybuilding clothing) and how his dedication, work ethic and natural charisma has helped all of them achieve success. The book reveals information and techniques for self-promotion to help those wanting to market themselves and even outlines some pitfalls and mistakes to avoid along the way in the field of attaining sponsorships.
“Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness” by Robert Cheeke is a information packed book and has a little something for everyone! To get your copy of Robert Cheeke's book ask your local bookstore or from sources online such as Amazon.com and Robert's website www.veganbodybuilding.com
Robert can be found online on twitter @Robertcheeke and on Facebook.

Recipe - Vegan Chick'n and Mexican style "Beef" Paella

Keeping in my usual fashion I found a vegan recipe I just had to try, and tweak.  Why "tweak"?  The main reason is adaptation to what resources and ingredients I have close by, at home or my usual supermarket haunt.  This is the main reason the other reason is to suit my tastes and desires - not that they will match your particular tastes however variety, they say, is the spice of life!

To give credit where credit is due, the "untweaked" version of this recipe came from UnusuallyVegan.com and included vegan chorizo, two packages of Gardein Chick'n scallopini and frozen peas. The tweaked version, (which I can say was unbelievably delicious) I substituted Lightlife's Smart Ground Mexican style veggie protein crumbles for the vegan chorizo, one package Gardein Chick'n scallopini, a can of Ro-tel (diced tomatoes and jalapenos) and no peas because I didn't have any! Oh man, let me tell ya, this is one you should try! Let's get to it!

What we need:
1 - package Lightlife Smart Ground Mexican style veggie protein crumbles
1 - package Gardein Chick'n Scallopini
2/3 - diced medium onion
1 - 15 oz. can Ro-tel or can diced tomatos with jalapenos
1 1/2 - cup long grain brown rice (non instant)
3 1/2 - cups veggie broth
2 - tablespoons minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic
Olive oil
salt to taste and to sweat onions

In a large sauce pan heat veggie broth and can of Ro-tel (with juice) to a boil. Add rice and allow to resume to a boil. When it boils turn heat down to simmer and cover. Allow to cook 45-55 minutes. With about 5-10 minutes left before the rice is done, add a little olive oil to a saute pan and heat protein crumbles. In a second saute pan add a little olive oil and cook the Gardien Chick'n 2-3 minutes per side. Move done Chick'n to a cutting board. While Chick'n is cooling in same saute pan add more oil if necessary, onions (salt them to sweat) and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes until onions are tender. Add protein crumbles to the onion mixture and cook 2-3 minutes more. When cool to touch cut up Chick'n (dice) in to squares. When liquid is absorbed in rice and rice is tender add the Chick'n and the protein, onion, garlic mixture. **Tip - for extra flavor reserve a small amount of the veggie broth and add to the protein crumble mixture to get all the pan drippings before adding to the rice. For those who love cilantro I added a couple sprigs to mine. If you don't have a palate for cilantro, leave it off!

I knew this was going to be good, but had no idea how good until the first bite! I will make this again and again and next time I will plan ahead and try it with the vegan chorizo instead!
Thanks for visiting the blog! Until next time,
Kel