Olympic Weightlifter Attributes His Vegan Lifestyle To Deep Respect For Animals

Being vegan since 2014 while lifting currently more than 800 pounds the two times winner of the Pan American weightlifting championships and the only American male weightlifter in the Rio Olympics, Kendrick Farris, definitely serves as an awesome example that a vegan diet doesn’t hold anyone back to even reach the highest goals in competitive sports. His switch to the vegan lifestyle is mainly driven by his deep respect for animals. Moreover, his philosophy is also admirable: “It’s not about what you can’t eat, it’s about what you can eat, and most of what you can eat offers a cleaner, more efficient way to fuel your body.” And of course, he knows best how to get all the protein he needs to achieve these outstanding world records. Read on to find out about it!

There is one question that makes every vegan cringe: “But where do you get your protein?!” Before diving right into that topic, let’s take a look at a certain vegan who definitely gets his protein – Kendrick Farris, the only American male weightlifter competing in the Rio Olympics.

Farris has been vegan since 2014 and can currently lift over 800 pounds! When asked in an interview with HuffPost where he gets his protein, he replied: “I just research the foods I’m eating, and try to be efficient. How much protein is in this avocado?”

Clearly cutting meat and animal products out of his diet hasn’t held him back one bit, as Farris has won the gold medal at the past two Pan American weightlifting championships.

Ferris explains that, after discovering his heritage, he wanted to learn more. He said, “Israelites from the lost tribes of Israel. I knew I needed to do more research to understand the ways of the ancient,” including their kosher diet.

Why The Change Of Diet?

He attributes his shift to a deep respect for animals. “I don’t necessarily trust the way the food is being processed,” he said. “I don’t agree with the way the animals are mass-slaughtered. So that’s one thing that kind of got me looking at what they call a vegan diet.”

Once his mind was made up, the switch happened instantly, as Farris’ wife, Katrina, who also happens to be the cook in the family, confirmed: “It was so random. I believe he sent me a text message ― when he’s at the gym, he always sends me these random things ― and I believe he said, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about going vegan,’ and so I was like LOL.”

According to Katrina, Kendrick loved all things meat before making the switch: “He loved burgers and all the things you think of when you think of Olympic athletes. Meat! So I didn’t think he was going to stick with it. But two years later, I think it’s made him better.”

The Olympian says he feels much lighter, cleaner, and more clear-headed these days. “My mind is extremely clear. I’m not easily flustered [now]. My attitude is totally different. I had a really bad temper growing up, something I worked on for years. And now I’m able to recognize different emotions and I’m not governed by them. Doesn’t mean I don’t have them. I’m human. But I’m not easily moved.”

Breakdown Of What Farris Eats In A Day

Katrina told Huffpost that she’ll cook two to three meals a day and provide snacks as well like guacamole or avocado quesadillas. “If he needs a snack, it’s something quick.