Posted September 21, 2011 by Megan Rondeau
There’s nothing we enjoy more at peta2 than busting vegan myths. Like for instance, this nonsense about needing to eat meat to get protein and be strong and healthy. What’s up with that? Between MLB All Star Prince Fielder, NFL running back Ricky Williams, champion fighters Mac Danzig and Jake Shields, and even an arm wrestling champ, how could anyone still be under the impression that vegans and vegetarians are weak?
In case there’s anyone left out there who thinks you have to feast on flesh to kick ass, we sat down with UFC fighter Aaron Simpson to find out what fuels his vegetarian diet and what animal rights issues mean the most to him.
1. What prompted you to become vegetarian? Were there any fighters, books, etc. that influenced your decision?
My wife has been a vegetarian going on 10 years. Everything she taught me about being a vegetarian made sense to me. I considered myself an animal lover (like most people), yet by eating meat I was contributing to the deaths of so many animals. So, with the birth of our twin babies, 3 years ago, I was on my way towards becoming a vegetarian. We always talked about raising our kids vegetarian and teaching them compassion and empathy for all living things. I could no longer be a hypocrite and stand by and eat animals. So, almost two years ago, I stopped eating meat. All along I justified it by saying that as a high level athlete I needed to eat meat to stay strong and fit. Little did I know, this was the furthest thing from the truth. It actually really made sense with me when I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, as it was backed by facts as to why it is wrong and unhealthy to eat animals.
2. What are some of your favorite vegetarian foods?
I am a huge fan of the Gardein products that are out there. We have a couple local vegan restaurants in the Phoenix area that we love. Green in Scottsdale makes a “No Harm Chicken Parm” that I love, and Pomegranate Cafe in Ahwatukee has some amazing recipes that we love. My taste buds have seemed to ripen since I stopped eating meat, and I really enjoy trying all sorts of new foods.
3. Of all of the major animal rights issues are there any issues that are particularly close to your heart?
I have to say that all of the animal rights issues that are out there really sicken me. I can’t say that just one is more important than another. I am pretty much pissed off whenever I see any animal being abused. I am angered that we as a country are still okay with circuses. I am angered when I hear about people still wearing furs and not caring where they came from. I am afraid for our country when we know what is being produced at the factory farms and it seems as though everyone is oblivious. I am becoming more and more educated on animal rights everyday and am holding onto some hope that people will make a difference and continue to push for the rights of all animals.
4. If a fan were to approach you with questions about how to get involved with animal rights, what advice would you give him or her?
If a fan came to me and asked how they can get involved, I would have to point them to the internet. There are so many groups and organizations that are out there making a difference—from local animal shelters to national organizations like PETA. I would urge them to contact these organizations within their community when they feel they are ready to help make a difference.
5. What do you have coming up that we can be looking forward to?
I fight Oct. 8th in Houston at UFC 136. My opponent is Nick Catone—and he is a meat eater. I will make sure I win.
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
65 days ago
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[...] References: 1. http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Aaron-Simpson 2. http://www.peta2.com/blog/5-questions-with-vegetarian-ufc-fighter-aaron-simpson/ [...]
600 days ago
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I find it so unbelievable that a big macho ufc fighter is a vegetarian! But it goes to show that anyone can do it.
608 days ago
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i love seeing stuff like this, its my first reply when people say the whole “you don’t get protein” cuz obviously he gets lots of protein with those muscles!