Patrik Baboumian, a totally vegan world record!
Vegan man is stronger than ever
By Andrea Nuzzi
German strongman Patrik Baboumian, after going vegan, has broken 3 strength world records, becoming a vegan strength symbol. Patrik Baboumian is a German-Armenian strongman. He became famous not only for having broken 3 world records, one of which carrying 555 kilos for about ten meters, but also for having succeeded while following a vegan diet.
Patrik’s approach to the vegan world
Baboumian initially followed a vegetarian diet for six years for ethical reasons. In fact, he believed it was inconsistent to consume meat when you are unable to kill the animal you are eating. From that moment, he began to question his behavior, coming to the conclusion that if he really wanted to reduce animal suffering, he would have to refuse all products of animal origin.
Since then Patrik has been a symbol and a great promoter of the vegan world, healthy lifestyle and love for nature. He is in fact registered with PETA, the non-profit organization in support of animals of which he is a staunch activist.
Sport and a vegan diet: is it possible?
When we talk about sports, especially those using strength, we mostly think of diets rich in meat and eggs. In our society, meat is often linked to manhood, vigor and good health. However, they are conceptions based only on cultural issues, not on science. It is true that an athlete needs a higher intake of proteins and calories, but as Patrik Baboumian reminds us, being vegan does not mean eating only salad. Baboumian, in fact, makes sure his body receives all three macronutrients in the correct amounts, but since protein is a key factor in his sport, he relies on soy milk, soy protein powder, tofu, nuts and legumes as main sources of protein. To get the energy he needs for his daily training sessions, he uses carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice, potatoes, oats and lots of fruits and vegetables.
A (vegan) world record
In 2011 Patrik became national champion as strongman in the heavyweight category in Germany, earning him the title of “Germany’s strongest man 2011”. Baboumian was a vegetarian at the time. After earning that title, he decided to follow a vegan diet and maintain the same level of competition. Since then Patrik has broken 3 world records in 3 different disciplines. As a strongman he also won the title of the European Weightlifting Championships, surpassing all the success he had achieved before going vegan.
Among Patrik Baboumian’s feats, the most famous is certainly the one obtained during the Toronto Veg Fest, in which he walked for about ten meters with a weight of 555 kilos on his shoulders, proving to the world once again that eliminating animal source food does not cause any physical decline or loss of strength. Far from it: it is a healthy lifestyle, which allows you to reach and overcome any level of competition.
“This is a message to all those out there who think that you need animal products to be fit and strong. Almost two years after becoming vegan I am stronger than ever before and I am still improving day by day. Don’t listen to thouse self proclaimed nutrition gurus and the supplement-industry trying to tell you that you need meat, eggs and dairy to get enough protein. There are plenty plant-based protein-sources and your body is going to thank you for stopping to feed it with dead-food. Go vegan and feel the power! ”