
Raw Talks - by The Raw Temple
World's Biggest Vegan Bodybuilder on How to Build Muscle Without Meat | John Thomas | Ep 31
Wanna hear more about our Raw Chef Trainings? Check: https://www.therawtemple.com/dM4IMO SUMMARY In this episode of Raw Talks, host Alex sits down with John Thomas, vegan bodybuilder, coach and founder of Vegan Squad, to talk about how to build muscle on a plant-based diet. John shares how he went vegetarian at ten and vegan at 13, and how he moved from being a quiet "lone wolf vegan" to an outspoken activist using his physique to challenge the myth that you need meat to build muscle. He breaks down the fundamentals of training, recovery, protein, calories and supplements, and speaks openly about the trade-offs between competitive bodybuilding and long-term health. He also explains the difference between bodybuilding divisions and why he drew the line at 275 pounds. This conversation covers vegan muscle building, training to failure, creatine and key supplements, longevity, and building a global vegan community. LINKS The Raw Temple: https://www.therawtemple.com The Raw Temple IG: https://www.instagram.com/therawtemple/ John Thomas IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingvegan/ Free Vegan Resources: https://vegansquadcoaching.com/resources Vegan Squad Retreat: https://vegansquadcoaching.com/retreat CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:31 - Welcome John Thomas 00:01:46 - Early moments that shaped a young vegan 00:04:04 - Going vegetarian at 10 and vegan at 13 00:05:43 - From wrestling to bodybuilding 00:08:33 - From lone wolf vegan to outspoken activist 00:11:40 - Vegan Squad athletes and the vegan competitive edge 00:14:05 - Top tips for building muscle as a vegan 00:16:35 - Protein, calories and easy-to-digest foods 00:19:58 - Bodybuilding vs health and longevity 00:25:42 - PEDs, risk and becoming the biggest vegan bodybuilder 00:28:42 - Essential supplements: B12, vitamin D, magnesium, creatine 00:33:23 - Training frequency, intensity and training to failure 00:38:51 - Building muscle vs building strength 00:42:08 - Men's open bodybuilding vs men's physique 00:45:25 - What's next: Vegan Squad retreats 00:47:57 - Final advice: don't do it alone

