Interview with Jennifer Moore: Vegan Exercise Enthusiast

Jennifer Moore is a plant-based Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. She achieved undergraduate training in nutrition from Mississippi State University. She then went on to intern at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. This is where plant-based nutrition was first introduced to her. Her Master's degree is also in nutrition from Central Michigan University where her research into plant-based nutrition pushed into full veganism. Professionally, Jennifer works as a clinic dietitian and personal trainer in the specialty of nephrology and wellness/prevention in the Memphis, TN area. Personally, she eats a plant-based diet in the non-conducive environment of the deep South. Jennifer is the mother of four precious babies and the proud wife of a 20-year Air Force veteran.

Coming from the southern state of Mississippi, I never had a thought of eating only plants. As an intern in nutrition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, I first learned of plant-based nutrition. My preceptor told me to read Diet for a New America by John Robbins. I did and the journey began. First, I was in and out of vegetarianism, then a strict vegetarian. After the birth of my third child and after reading The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and researching on my own for my Masters degree, I moved on to veganism.

Since 2005.

My health. My cholesterol as a healthy omnivore was still 220. It is now 145. I dropped from a size 4-6 to a 0-2. I have more energy. My skin is clear. I feel alive!

Conscious responsibility and stewardship. Being responsible for my health. Being a good steward of the body God gave me. I have one, no replacements. Being a steward of God's world. It is not mine to destroy. Not supporting factory farming represents a large step in that direction. Seeing humanity as everyone's responsibility including mine. If we would all avoid meat and eat only plants, we could feed the world.

Training
What sort of training do you do?

I run, lift, and do a number of the Beachbody programs.

I train 6 days a week. Everyone is different, some more fit than others. It is important to tailor your program to your own personal needs.

Yes, I am a Registered Dietitian. I work with End Stage Renal Disease patients as well as those whose kidneys are damaged by not yet in need of renal replacement therapy. Additionally, I teach wellness classes. I am a healthy coach as well both locally to the Memphis area and online.

I play soccer with my children in the yard.
 
Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences
What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?

With the public, of course, "Where do you get your protein?" which includes that we are weak. In the scientific community, a lack of knowledge of the large research base for plant-based nutrition. I have competed in figure competitions as a plant-based athlete. I am also on the Plantbuilt Team, which totally obliterates the "weak" idea. As for my colleagues, I direct them to plant-based research.

That I am lean after delivering 4 children into the world. People ask me what I do. I get to tell them I am vegan.

Getting discouraged when people believe the arguments for plant-based nutrition and still don't adopt the diet and lifestyle.

In the bodybuilding scene, not so much. They cannot fathom building muscle without chicken. As a registered dietitian, if I am given the opportunity to present the research, I gain respect fairly quickly.

Well, I live in the deep South, so I would say sometimes. I have had family invite me over for dinner and make chicken soup, knowing I won't eat it. I find that terribly rude. My current husband is vegetarian so he is extremely supportive. We have a blended family though and my former husband is not supportive, so that in itself is a huge challenge and a whole other conversation. The interesting thing is that my entire family is on blood pressure medication and statins, including my siblings, except me! So I often wonder where is the disconnect? The proof is right in front of them.

As I said, when people meet me and realize I have 4 children they are curious about "what I do". When I tell them, a barrage of questioning begins. A common one is, "What do you eat?" I tell them that they have fewer options than me, chicken, fish, beef, pork. I have broccoli, beans, peaches, bananas, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes - and the list goes on and on.

My children motivate me. I want to be a role model for them. My patients motivate me. I see the power of an unhealthy lifestyle every time I enter a dialysis clinic. My Savior Jesus Christ motivates me. I want to live a life worthy of his calling.
 
Food & Supplements
What do you eat for:
Breakfast – Smoothie with either Shakeology or Sun Warrior protein, spinach, beet, strawberries, raspberries, peanut butter.
Lunch - Various cooked veggies with beans or tofu or tempeh.
Dinner - A large salad (I eat one every day) with soup or beans or tofu or tempeh, dark chocolate for dessert.
Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy) - Usually fruit, flax crackers, sweet potato.
 
What is your favourite source of:
Protein - Shakeology or Sun Warrior.
Calcium - Almond milk.
Iron - Beans, dark leafy greens - in my smoothies and salad.
 
What foods give you the most energy?

Raw Veggies

Tumeric, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
 
Advice
What is your top tip for:
Gaining muscle - Lift Heavy.
Losing weight - More cardio, portion control and DO NOT OVEREAT.
Maintaining weight - Consistent healthy lifestyle - consistency is key. Stop fad dieting.
Improving metabolism - Never starve yourself. Never overeat. Avoid fad diets.
Toning up - Mixture of lifting and cardio. Circuit type workouts are effective.
 
How do you promote veganism in your daily life?

My actions. People see what I eat at lunch. People learn what I eat when they are around me. I don't have to say a lot. They usually are curious. I also have a website and do a lot of promoting on my FaceBook page as well.

If they are not vegan, open their mind and read the facts. Just because they were raised one way does not mean it is right. I was raised in the Mississippi Delta - likely one of the most unhealthy places on earth. I am an unlikely vegan. For the vegans, educate. Send people to my website. Friend me on FaceBook and lets educate together!