Dannii Simone

Name: Dannii Simone
Year of Birth: 1985
Height: 5”7
Weight: 116
Birthplace: Bulgaria
Current Residence: Austria
Sports: Insanity, Speed Walking, Boxing
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/danni.simone
Twitter: @SimoneDannii
E-mail: [email protected]

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
I love sports and have been sporty all my life, but during college years I stopped working out and got out of shape. Now I am back to working out and I feel great. I like watching movies and shows with friends, eating healthy and doing yoga.

Why did you become vegan?
I had been a vegetarian for 14 years and mostly the reason behind it was the ethical reason of not eating animals. Naturally this year I felt even more disgusted and bothered so I decided to quit the dairy and eggs as well. I have never felt better.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I like to have a great and healthy body, so I am not that crazy about having big muscles, just a tight body and small muscles is fine for me. I never wanted to have loose body and this is why I exercise as much as I can.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
My diet is mostly around 80-90% raw vegan diet, which means I try to avoid meals that are cooked over 118F. This can be difficult in the beginning but it is a matter of getting used to it. I'm not saying it's bad to eat cooked meal, what I'm saying is try to reduce it, since it doesn't contain the enzymes you need. Before every meal I have a glass of water, since most of the times you think you are hungry, you are actually just thirsty.

I start in the morning either with fruits (anything is fine) or with raw muesli with grain milk (almond, rice, coconut are other types) because breakfast is the most important. Remember if you eat fruits, to eat them on an empty stomach and NEVER after a meal. The simple sugars contained in fruit need time to be completely absorbed by your body. When fruits are eaten alone, your stomach can more easily process all of the nutrients, fiber and the simple sugars contained in the fruit. If you eat fruit close to a meal, especially right after a larger meal and combine with other foods, it's held in the stomach too long along with other foods and will rot and ferment in the gut.

After breakfast around noon or 1pm I eat my meal, which is a kale salad (high in protein) containing kidney beans, green peas, cherry tomatoes, avocado, raw sesames and pour it with Sesame Oil. You can change the vegetables, just remember greens are more alkaline and contain more proteins. I quit using normal oil just because it's not cold pressed and not that healthy. You can use either Olive Oil, Sesame Oil or other cold pressed.

Dinner I keep very light and try not to eat heavy anymore. But I think if for some reason you skipped lunch or ate something or are just hungry, I would eat a small salad again or black bread with some lettuce etc. on top to fill your stomach. Don't overdo it. End your day with hot tea or hot water.
Yes I do eat sweets once a while, it won't kill you e.g. before a workout.

How would you describe your training program?
I have done Insanity by Shaun T for a year now (even though it's made for 60days) and combine a muscle work as well. I try to do the Insanity in the morning, and included a whole body muscle work to tighten my body after work. For me this works fine and I try to change things so that my muscle don't get used to same routine. I like walking to I try to walk home from work which is about 4.3miles. I have thought of trying out some other Shaun T programs, such as T24.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
I don't use any supplements.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
The best question always is “where do you get your protein”? Suddenly they become the protein experts. Also now I'm a freak of nature, and a hippie who's hugging trees, just a weirdo. But this only makes me smile; I don't get offended because they just don't get it. I'd rather be healthy and not eat other animals. And they call them “mankind” ?

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
I think people think vegans belong to some cult or associate it with negativity, which for me is strange. They also keep telling it's unhealthy!! This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard.

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
I post a lot of information and pictures/videos on my Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness. I follow PETA and am part of their Activist Campaign. I've created my own Vegan blog now which I hope grows more so I can continue to Instagram.

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
To do it frequently and better in the mornings rather late evening. What suits you best. For each it's different.

What do you like best about being vegan?
The feeling of being a great person and supporting the life of animals. The fact that it makes me feel so much lighter than before and I can see my skin feel better. I feel calmer as a vegan and more positive and happy and many friends have said I ooze happiness and glow.

What do you like best about being fit?
My motto is “your body is your temple” and I believe being fit makes you feel great. Don't treat your body as garbage and take care of it. The more you do the healthier you are, also with flus and colds.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Remember to stretch and breath a lot. Start with what you can and slowly increase the amounts. If you can, do it early in the day.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
I motivate you to change to vegan. Think of how healthy you will be. If you're vegetarian, it will be easier to go vegan, but if you are a meat eater and you want to completely change, maybe try first being a vegan for a week, and see how you feel. I promise you the feeling is amazing!



What motivates you in life?
Happy people and sports. I like to be surrounded with good energy so I tend to keep away from negative people. My goals in life motivate me to achieve them. Anything is possible, you just need a little push J

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
I have never tried bodybuilding, but I find it very fascinating and inspiring. Unfortunately I'm working too much and therefore I don't have time for a gym, but I would like to transfer my body even more muscular.

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Become part of something important in your life!