Let’s talk about what happens after the glitter and tan fade. You know—that time between shows when the real work begins. Whether you call it an improvement season, build phase, or just “eating more and lifting heavy,” it’s where champions are made.

In this week’s episode, Alice opens up about her shift from bikini to a more muscular division, the psychological rollercoaster of gaining weight intentionally (yes, it’s a thing), and how judging has changed her perspective on posing and physique goals.

Ben shares why the off-season is where strategy matters most—and why you might need to get uncomfortable to level up.

If you’ve ever questioned your path in bodybuilding or wondered what the next chapter might look like, this one’s for you.

✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:

https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• 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.

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Most of us didn't go vegan and instantly become nutrition wizards. Whether you went full “lentils and brown rice” or lived off potato chips and Oreos (no judgment), there are some common pitfalls that almost every new vegan stumbles into. In this episode, Sawyer and Giacomo break down the top 10 mistakes we’ve made ourselves—and that we see all the time in our clients. You’ll learn what to look out for, how to correct course, and how to stay fueled and thriving on a plant-based diet—without falling into the “I guess I just need meat” trap.

✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:

https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• 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.

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After a bit of a break, Ben and Alice are back on the mic to catch up and get real about a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: privilege in vegan bodybuilding.

From post-competition recovery and rediscovering the joy of training, to promoting bodybuilding shows and launching businesses, there's a lot going on behind the scenes—and it's not lost on either of them that even having the option to bodybuild is a form of privilege.

In this episode, they unpack:

• Why feeling “normal” again after prep takes longer than we think
  
  
• What it’s like starting a new bodybuilding show from scratch (shoutout to OCB Hammer Forged!)
  
  
• The real cost of being a vegan athlete—and how that cost isn’t just financial
  
  
• Myths vs. truths about vegan diets being “too expensive” or “too complicated”
  
  
• How access, time, resources, and even gym culture shape who gets to participate in this sport
  
  

This isn’t a guilt trip—it’s a gratitude trip. A reality check. And a nudge to appreciate the fact that if you can train, fuel, and compete... that’s a gift.

✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:

https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• 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.

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