My authentic experience with the Vegan Superhero Academy.
At the start of my journey, I set up a vision board with a picture of this fit, confident woman—someone who looked powerful, with a kind of energy that felt unreachable for me. I wasn’t sure I’d ever look like her, but she represented everything I wanted to become. As I worked through the weeks in the Academy, pouring my energy into every workout, every meal prep, and every mindset shift, something incredible happened.
I began to feel empowered, bit by bit, like I was reclaiming parts of myself I hadn’t seen in years. And one day, I looked in the mirror and saw her—the woman on my vision board staring back at me. I couldn’t believe it. I had become that woman, not just physically but in the way I carried myself and the confidence I felt inside. It was as if I’d unlocked something I always had but just didn’t know how to reach.
My goals when I started were ambitious, and honestly, I had doubts. I wanted to reach 20% body fat and do an unassisted chin-up—a single chin-up felt like a huge milestone. But I kept showing up, pushing a little further each day, and the results shocked me. I didn’t just meet those goals; I went beyond them.
My DEXA scan showed 15.4% body fat, and I could now do two unassisted chin-ups. I still remember the feeling of hanging there after that second chin-up, realizing what I had just done. I felt unstoppable, like I had tapped into a well of strength that would carry me through anything.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was about accountability. Before this, I thought that if I wanted something badly enough, I’d find a way to make it happen on my own. But having someone there—my coach, the community, and the support I found in the Academy—made all the difference. There’s something powerful about knowing that someone else believes in you, someone to check in, cheer you on, and remind you that you’re capable, especially on days when you don’t feel like it. That accountability became the fuel for my progress, pushing me to show up, not just for myself but for this journey I’d committed to.
Even when I traveled, I kept my commitment. I remember packing for a trip to Yellowstone and filling my suitcase with everything I’d need to stay on track—plant-based meals, my food scale, resistance bands. The old me might have seen this as too much effort, but now, it felt natural. I wanted to keep going, to stay connected to this journey no matter where I was. I was driven by this newfound energy and purpose, a reminder of how far I’d come and where I was headed.
It wasn’t just about the physical changes. There was a shift in my everyday life too. I started to love meal prepping, experimenting with flavors and recipes that made me excited to eat healthy. One Sunday, I prepped pumpkin oatmeal and mini muffins, and it felt more like a celebration than a chore. I had created a lifestyle that fed my body and spirit, something sustainable and deeply fulfilling. This wasn’t a temporary fix; it was a way of life that gave me energy, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment with each choice I made.
I found joy even in the challenging moments. After a tough leg day, my legs would feel like jello, and while it was hard, I felt alive. Every ache, every push was a reminder that I was becoming stronger, both physically and mentally. I embraced the process, knowing that each step was bringing me closer to the woman I wanted to be. I started to believe that I was capable of anything, and that mindset carried into every area of my life.
Looking back, I realize I’ve transformed in ways I never anticipated. I went from doubting myself to feeling empowered, from uncertain and hesitant to confident and full of purpose.
For anyone who’s in the place I was—feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of what’s possible—I want you to know that there is a path forward. It’s not about quick fixes or surface-level changes. It’s about digging deep, finding your strength, and building a life that reflects who you truly are. I’m so grateful for the journey that got me here, and I’m proud to say that I’m living as the best version of myself.
- Noor