Jennifer Moore

Name: Jennifer Moore
Year of Birth: 1975
Height: 5'3”
Weight: 115
Birthplace: Cleveland, MS
Current Residence: Las Vegas, NV-moving in June to Memphis, TN
Sports: Running, Weight Training for Figure.

Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have:
I am a Registered Dietitian and NSCA Certified Personal Trainer. I attained my undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University. I interned in nutrition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. My Master's degree is also in nutrition from Central Michigan University. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Epidemiology/Public Health from Capella University.

I work for Cigna Healthcare as a Health Advisor. I have the privilege of assessing and coaching at risk Cigna customers on hyperlipidemia, hypertension, prevention, prediabetes, healthy eating, physical activity.
Hobbies include running half marathons, training and competing in Figure Competitions, vegetarian cooking, travel, and reading.
I love my job, educational pursuits, and hobbies, but my family is the most fun aspect of my life. I am the proud wife of Chad, a man who has served our United States Air Force for 20 years. My four babies, Sam (10), Hannah (9), Nate (7), and Steven (1) make me smile. They inspire me to strive for excellence and to always be an example to them.

Why did you become vegan?
Originally from the Mississippi delta, it never occurred to me, growing up, to not eat meat. Everyone eats meat in the deep-south; usually deep fried. While interning at Vanderbilt, one of my preceptors taught a class on vegetarian nutrition and encouraged us to read Diet for a New America by John Robbins. I did and it changed my life. I phased in and out of being vegetarian, but after the birth of my third child and after reading The China Study I went all in.

When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I have been interested in fitness since I was a little girl. We lived in an old southern home with long halls and tall ceilings. Treadmills were not common in the late 70s early 80s, so my mom ran 5 miles a day inside our house down the long halls because we were little and she could not leave us. She did arm and chest exercises on the piano bench in our formal living room. She inspired me for life.

How would you describe your nutrition program?
Whole food plant based. I juice daily; romaine lettuce, beets, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and 1 apple. This represents my favorite part of my nutrition plan. It refreshes me every morning, pure nutrients! I also try to include at least 1 smoothie per day that includes raw spinach, SunWarrior protein, and almond milk. Before workouts I always have a banana with peanut butter. This stabilizes my blood glucose better than anything else I have tried. I typically have 1 large salad per day for the nutrients from the raw vegetables. Protein sources include meat replacers, tofu and beans. Here are some of my favorite products:
Annie's salad dressings (lite honey mustard vinaigrette, sesame shitake)
Gardein products
Lauren Scudder's natural peanut butter
Organics or Wildwood brand tofu
Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk
Mrs. Dash
Daiya vegan cheese

How would you describe your training program?
Even though I am a trainer, I work with a trainer. She pushes me. I lift 4 to 6 days per week. Cardio consists of step mills, stair-masters, stationary bike, and my favorite, outdoor running.



What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?
I believe in obtaining nutrients from food first! Second, I take vitamin D as deficiencies are so common lately. I also take a vegan omega 3, multivitamin, vegan probiotics, and Sun Warrior protein powder. These change a bit before competition.

How do people react when they find out you are vegan?
It depends on where I am at the time. In Las Vegas it is totally common. In the south they ask, now what country is that?? Vegan?? Actually, when people in the south see that I have 4 children and returned to my healthy weight...with muscles...they want to know what I do. When I say “vegan”, they have a hard time arguing with visible results.

What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
Common misconceptions that I have seen are that we are “tree huggers” or weak or unintelligent. I may be a bit of a tree hugger but far from weak or unintelligent.

Have you had success in promoting veganism / vegetarianism to others? If so, how did you go about it?
Yes, my profession and personal results attract people to me for questions. I always give advice that is backed by research. I was trained that way. However, that is an easy task. The literature strongly backs plant based nutrition.

What do you think the most important aspect of training is?
Concentration, focus.

What do you like best about being vegan?
I feel peaceful that I am not hurting the planet or other living beings. It completely aligns with my religious beliefs. I am a Christian. Also, I like being lean and I stay that way as a vegan.

What do you like best about being fit?
I love the energy and strength I feel that doesn't fade as I get older. My children are so proud of me as well, especially my daughter. I remember looking at my mother with admiration, knowing she ran 5 miles per day, lifted weights, and played tennis. I like seeing my little girl feel the same way about me. My husband thinks I am hot too; love that!

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with training?
Be consistent!



What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?
Study the lifestyle. This will help you to understand why it is important. If you do not have a clear vision of the why, you may not stick with it. Treat it like a hobby. Eat enough to remain full. Even a vegan diet can be unhealthy. Do not eat a vegan junk food diet. That is why I prefer the term Whole Food Plant Based.

What motivates you in life?
My relationship with Jesus Christ and my family.

What do you think of veganbodybuilding.com? Has it helped or inspired you?
When I decided to compete, I needed to know it could be accomplished with plant based nutrition. I bought and read Robert's book and visited the website for inspiration. Thank you for the guidance and motivation!

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
To all the moms, want to be moms, and soon to be moms out there, having children does not ruin your body. Exercise and eat healthy when you are pregnant. Get back to it as soon as possible after the baby is born. Invest in a jogger stroller, treadmill, or gym membership with child care. You will feel more energetic and confident. Not to mention you will be a positive role-model for your children.