Name: Charles Joyner
Instagram: @_charlesjoyner
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Country: Australia
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a Kickboxer (the current Amateur Australian Super Light-Heavyweight Champion), I also coach kickboxing at Evolution Gym
Why are you a vegan?
I became vegan as I felt that my body wasn’t processing meat and dairy well. I particularly felt that once I consumed any animal product, my training performance was inhibited. I gave a plant-based diet a try and felt that my body functioned a lot better, particularly my energy-levels and recovery.
How do you feel being vegan?
I feel much fresher on a daily basis, my digestion has improved and I just generally feel that I am getting more out of my body. The added benefit is that I am no longer helping to fund the meat and dairy industries.
What do you find most difficult about being vegan?
I don’t find it too difficult at all to be honest. At first the main difficulty was learning about how to fuel myself properly, and what couldn’t be eaten in a vegan diet. However, there is so much information available, and many eating-out options, that it is relatively easy now.
What is your favourite meal?
My favourite meal is a tofu stir fry that my dietitian has concocted for me. Not only does it taste good, but it is nutrient dense, meaning I eat it regularly when preparing for fights.
Why do you think going vegan is good?
I do honestly believe that different diets work for different people, so I can only speak from my own personal experience. For me, going vegan was good as it is allowing me to get the most out of my body – no more explanation needed.
Is it hard to transition into a vegan way of living?
Not particularly! If your ‘why’ is strong enough, you can make it work!
Lastly, what is your favourite form of exercise?
Kickboxing – no surprises there!