Melbourne-based bodybuilder Rupinder Singh switched to the vegan lifestyle about two years ago.
He says despite his vegan diet, a strict exercising schedule helped him win fourth place at the PCA Australia Open held at the Home of the Arts Centre, Gold Coast in Queensland on 28 April 2019.
Mr Singh was placed fourth in the Novice category.
“There was a big line-up in novice and tall category. I am so happy to see this happen,” he said.
“I feel my performance was better than last year. As a vegan, it was a bit of hard task for me but I feel proud after reaching to the victory stand.”Vegan is an animal-free diet that has no meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. But can it hamper your progress to become a bodybuilder?
Rupinder Singh (R) performed at PCA Australia Open held at the Home of the Arts Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland. Source: Supplied
However, Mr Singh has an interesting journey to share. "Being vegan doesn’t have to get in the way of your fitness goals," he said. "Moreover, vegan is not only a lifestyle but a journey."
He told SBS Punjabi that his bodybuilding passion started after a friend taunted him saying that vegans like him cannot build muscles.
"My friend asked me jokingly where I would get protein for bodybuilding," he said. “I was standing tall at the championship to prove that it can be done and you don’t need beef to beef it up.
“Trends are changing now. Athletes and fitness freaks are increasingly adopting vegan diets for ethical and health reasons. Just like a non-vegetarian person, you have to choose the foods that will help you achieve a good protein level."Mr Singh believes vegetarian and vegan gym-lovers can easily get their proteins from lentils, tofu and soy milk.
His bodybuilding passion started after a friend taunted him saying that vegans like him cannot build muscles. Source: Supplied
“If you’re serious enough, it’s easy to find a balance between routine workouts and a balanced diet. All you have to keep in mind is that a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can provide you with all the nutrients you need."
Mr Singh says he owes this success to his trainer Pantelis Lucky Hatzipantelis who helped him achieve his goals.
“He helped me prepare for this competition,” he said. “I was able to gain momentum with this smooth prep to a solid offseason of gaining some good quality tissue and increased metabolic rate with it.
“It was worth every bit of the struggle for been able to create the best version of you each time.”Mr Singh came to Australia on a student visa in 2013 from India. He hails from the village of Kup Kalan in the Sangrur district in Punjab.
Rupinder Singh (R) with his trainer Pantelis Lucky Hatzipantelis (2nd from L). Source: Supplied
He aims to compete at the upcoming Arnold Classic Championship to be held in Melbourne in March 2020.