Anthony

When transitioning to vegan we think that we’re sacrificing our culture, convenience, and taste. For me it didn’t feel like I was giving up anything, knowing that I was no longer contributing to what happens to animals felt like I had gained something.

I believe I’ve always been a vegan at heart. My dad used to give me a hard time as a kid because I didn’t like eating meat and other animal products. All I wanted to eat was bread and potatoes. My parents used to have to give me iron supplements because they didn’t know what high iron foods to feed me in place of red meat. Since becoming vegan and more so becoming an athlete, I have never had any iron problems. I originally became plant-based back in 2016 for health reasons. I was diagnosed with Hypertension at age 16 and had been on pills for 10 years.

After having moved out of home I came across a YouTube video talking about the health implications of red meat and other animal products. I started doing my own research and concluded the same thing; animal products are linked to higher rates of mortality. From that point on I was 100% plant-based for health. After 3 weeks on a predominantly whole food, plant-based diet my blood pressure numbers were so good that I had to get off the meds. I initially described myself as vegan; I didn’t really know the meaning behind it at the time. It wasn’t until I watched Earthlings 6 months down the track and I saw the unspeakable horrors of how animals are treated across the world that I realized that veganism isn’t a diet. It’s about living a life without exploiting animals. From that point on I was vegan for the animals.

I started swimming in 2019, taking on 10km open water swims. I became a Coach in 2021 which was also when I won my first two medals. I took 2nd place in the Williamstown Open Water Challenge 10km and 1st place in the Mentone Marathon 10km.

I had begun to lead by example, showing those around me, family, peers, and work colleagues that you can be an athlete without harming animals. Most recently I placed first in the 2025 Mentone Marathon/Open Water Swim. I had trained up to 50km a week in the pool, powered by plants.

To this day I still lead by example, which is what inspired me to be a mentor. I have the answers; I just need people willing to listen. I like the saying “set yourself up for success”. There are certain things that I do in my home every day to make food prep much easier. There are appliances that I can’t live without, like my air fryer and my pressure cooker. I’m here to make the transition as easy for you as possible. Together we can make positive changes for the animals, for your health and for the planet.