Debra Simpson

Year of Birth: 1981
Height: 5'6
Weight: 125
Birthplace: Kentucky
Current Residence: Orlando, FL

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have
I teach yoga for my career along with modeling. I enjoy doing anything active, but I most love doing martial arts, yoga, and tough hiking. I have a passion in educating others about being vegan and eating a healthy whole food diet.

Why did you become vegan?
I became vegan 12 years ago when I decided I no longer wanted animals to be killed for me to
eat.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
My entire life I have been active and doing sports. I first started lifting weights when I was 20. I became serious with yoga at 24 after getting an overuse injury from not stretching enough.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
I eat all of the healthy whole food vegan food I want. I love Vega products. Spicy Indian or Thai foods are my favorite meals to prepare. I just use less oil than normal to prepare them. I drink lots of water and never sodas.

How would you describe your training program?
Personally, I need variety and fun in my workouts, but also a set schedule. I always do at least some yoga everyday to keep my body flexible and relaxed. I have set days for running so that I keep on schedule. I have more fun out of the gym doing military type training. Dancing or martial arts training are apart of my weekly training. Yoga and intention are the two biggest things that make a difference in ripping my body up.

What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
Vega smoothie because it has so many beneficial things in it that I feel like it is an all in onefor me. I take a multi-vitamin everyday since people (vegan or not) do not always get all of our nutrients through food.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
Normally, they are surprised because they expect vegans to look unhealthy and I am in great shape.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
The food is boring, vegans are malnourished, it is far too difficult

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
I have organized vegan festivals, done public speaking, cooking demos and a tv segment, and radio shows. I have found the most influential thing I have do to promote veganism is to include vegan knowledge in yoga workshops as part of diet and non-violence toward
self and others. Yogis come to classes and workshops ready to make changes. When they understand why not eating animals has been taught for thousands of years in yoga, they are likely to make diet changes.

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
Mindset is the most important thing for training along with life in general.

What do you like best about being vegan?
I love feel great being in better shape than I ever would in a standard meat eating diet.

What do you like best about being fit?
I love being able to do any sports and compete because I am so fit. I never have to get in shape before doing something.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Stick to a schedule. Have fun working out. If you do not like something then find something that you do. Eat a healthy diet to give you plenty of energy.

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
If you are hesitant then try going vegan for a month. You will find it easier and more fulfilling than you think.

What motivates you in life?
Being the best person I can be motivates me.

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
Veganbodybuilding.com is awesome. It has inspired me for a long time. It is great to see so many vegans setting examples for others.