The Vegan Gym

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I Found Strength and Clarity at 74 with the Vegan Superhero Academy

When I first joined the Vegan Superhero Academy, I’ll admit I was nervous. At 74 years young, stepping into something that seemed so rigorous felt a bit intimidating. But I also knew that if I wanted to live a healthier, more fulfilling life, I had to take responsibility for my health. So, I decided to trust the process, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

For years, I struggled with balancing my health and the desire to feel good in my own skin.

I’ve always cared about how I presented myself, but my focus was often more on appearance than health. Over time, I realized the two go hand in hand. With a heart condition and a history of being on medications that left me dizzy and drained, I knew I needed a better way. That’s when I found VSA, and everything began to change.

The foundation of the program—whole food plant-based eating—was extraordinary for me. I had always been interested in veganism, flipping through countless books and resources, but I never felt like I had the full picture. VSA gave me exactly what I needed. The masterclasses, videos, and write-ups were treasures that made everything click. The program didn’t just tell me what to do; it showed me why, with evidence-based approaches that truly work.

One of my biggest breakthroughs was my relationship with food. Learning how to prepare vegan meals that are healthy but what really amazed me was how good it all tasted. Sweetening dishes with fruit and dates, focusing on plant-based proteins, and creating balanced meals that left me feeling full and satisfied—it was a game changer. And the results? Remarkable. My bloodwork transformed from pre-diabetic to healthy, normal levels. My cardiologist was so impressed that he started reducing my medications, even removing the drugs that once made me feel dizzy. It was like I’d found a whole new way to live.

Another highlight of my journey was strength training. Before VSA, I had no idea how much I could enjoy building muscle and feeling stronger. I used to worry about whether I could keep up, but with the compassionate support of the coaches and community, I realized I was capable of so much more than I thought. My arms, legs, and stomach have grown stronger and firmer, and for the first time, I feel proud of what my body can do—not just how it looks.

Beyond the physical changes, this program has taught me so much about self-compassion and the importance of loving myself. I’ve always wanted to be someone others admire, but I now understand that starts with truly valuing myself. The warmth, support, and encouragement from the VSA community made all the difference. They didn’t just help me reach my goals; they made me feel seen, heard, and celebrated for who I am.

Today, I feel strong, confident, and energized in a way I didn’t think was possible at my age. VSA has given me the tools and knowledge to live a healthy, vibrant life, and for that, I’m forever grateful. To anyone who feels hesitant, I want you to know it’s never too late to prioritize your health and happiness. If I can do it, so can you.

- Debbie

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