The Moment Everything Changed: My Vegan Superhero Journey

Have you ever woken up, looked in the mirror, and thought, "It’s time for a real change?" Me too. Many times. But the moment that truly changed everything for me happened in January 2024. 

I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life, carrying not just the extra pounds but also the emotional weight that came with it, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, fear of taking up space, and never truly feeling worthy or empowered. Once again, I found myself wanting to lose weight, but I’d been here before. I had tried and failed countless times. Keto, gluten-free, paleo, nothing ever stuck. 

Since going vegan in 2019, my health had improved in many ways. My skin cleared up, my eczema and psoriasis disappeared, and I felt better in some respects. But despite all that, I was still significantly overweight. At my heaviest, I was 295 lbs, and I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. On top of that, life had been overwhelming. Between loss, moving across the country, and navigating a global pandemic, I felt depressed, isolated, and craving a sense of community. 

Consistency had always been my biggest struggle. I’d have months of discipline, only to fall off track one day and never find my way back. It became a vicious cycle. In 2020, I managed to lose weight on my own, but slowly, my old habits crept back in, and most of the weight returned. I was frustrated with myself. Why couldn’t I just stick with something I wanted so badly? 

Determined to try again, I started looking for a new approach. A couple of weeks later, I stumbled upon the Vegan Superhero Academy. From the outside, it looked amazing, but I had doubts. Did I really need a coach? What if I invested my time and money into this program, only to quit like I always did? But deep down, something told me to take the chance, and I’m so grateful I listened. 

When I joined VSA, I made a promise to myself that I was going to start showing up as the woman I wanted to become. Of course, that didn’t happen overnight, but I embraced a "fake it till you make it" mentality, and it worked. 

After just a month in the program, I started losing weight, interacting with the community, and documenting my journey with daily consistency posts. It felt uncomfortable at first. It was unlike anything I had ever done before, but I pushed through the discomfort, curious to see where it would lead. 

Fast forward to today, and I no longer have to fake it. I’ve done the work, put in the effort, and the transformation I’ve experienced is beyond what I thought was possible. While my physical progress and weight loss are incredible achievements, I can confidently say that’s the least interesting part of my story. 

Since joining VSA, I’ve not only reshaped my body, but I’ve completely transformed my mindset. I’ve learned to show up for myself, even on the tough days. VSA didn’t just give me a plan; it gave me a community of like-minded, supportive, and inspiring people who challenge me, believe in me, and remind me of my own strength.

My routines have completely shifted. I prioritize movement, fuel my body with intention rather than guilt, and most importantly, I’ve built consistency in ways I never thought possible. 

One of my biggest mindset shifts has been understanding that discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up even when motivation isn’t there. I no longer see setbacks as failures but as part of the process. My approach to nutrition has gone from restriction to balance, and training has become something I genuinely enjoy rather than a punishment for what I ate. Most importantly, I’ve learned that self-discipline is an act of self-respect. 

A major personal growth moment for me was realizing that I am capable of finishing what I start. In the past, I struggled with follow-through, but now, I trust myself to commit and succeed. 

One of my biggest physical wins since joining was running a half marathon, something I never thought I’d be able to do. Before VSA, I had never even been able to run a mile. Over the past year, I’ve completed multiple 5Ks, conquered a Tough Mudder, and tackled challenges I once believed were impossible. 

Of course, the journey hasn’t always been easy. Anyone who has embarked on a weight loss or strength journey knows there are tough moments, days when you want to quit, and times when old habits creep back in. But that’s where the beauty of having a coach and a community comes into play. When I’ve struggled, faced self-doubt, or felt like giving up, I’ve leaned on the VSA community. They’ve reminded me to keep going, trust the process, and celebrate even the smallest wins. 

I’m committed to pushing beyond the limits I once thought were impossible. Physically, my next goals include running a full-length marathon, building even more strength, and taking on a longer Tough Mudder endurance event. Mentally, I’m focused on becoming more adaptable and resilient while continuing to grow into someone who exudes confidence and inspires and uplifts those around me, making others feel seen, valued, and happy. 

Thanks to the Vegan Superhero Academy, my coach, and the community within, I find myself no longer being so afraid anymore. It has completely impacted my life in the most positive way you can imagine. For anyone considering VSA, my advice is this: just start. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be consistent. The support, the knowledge, and the growth you’ll experience are worth it. It’s truly life-changing.

- Allison