Is David Laid Vegan? Uncover the Truth (Authentic Insights)

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Published by Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer
Last updated: January 26, 2024
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As someone who has closely followed David Laid's fitness journey and has extensive knowledge in nutrition and fitness, I've been particularly intrigued by his recent shift to a vegan diet.

According to his latest YouTube content, David remains committed to this plant-based lifestyle. But the real questions are: what sparked this significant change in his diet, and does he intend to stick with it long-term?

In this deep dive, we'll explore David Laid's motivations for going vegan, drawing from my own experience in dietary transitions and understanding of the unique challenges and benefits it presents.

We'll listen to what David himself has to say about embracing this new lifestyle, examining both its advantages and potential drawbacks from a perspective that combines personal insights and professional expertise in the realm of health and fitness.

Quick Summary

  • Bodybuilder and fitness influencer David Laid has transitioned to a vegan diet, primarily consisting of protein shakes, smoothies, green vegetables, and fruits.
  • His plant-based diet is supplemented with protein powders and includes meals rich in carbohydrates like rice, beans, and lentils.
  • According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, protein blends of pea and rice with 40–90% pea protein can achieve a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1.00, indicating high-quality protein comparable to animal sources.
  • As a fitness enthusiast, I believe David Laid's vegan journey is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of plant-based diets in maintaining high-level athletic performance.

Who is David Laid?

shirt david laid taking mirror selfies

David Laid is a well-known bodybuilder, fitness model, and social media personality who gained fame for his inspiring body transformation journey and is also known for his switch to a vegan lifestyle in August 2020.

The Estonian-American model became interested in fitness and bodybuilding at a young age after experiencing bullying and self-esteem issues.

He has been sharing his story on social media from the beginning, which made him famous and recognized as a Gymshark-sponsored athlete.

His body transformation videos on YouTube have inspired many to make a change in their life.

In August 2020, this Estonia-born bodybuilder, powerlifter, and fitness influencer shared with more than one million Instagram followers that he’s going vegan.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Laid (@davidlaid)

What is His Diet Like?

salad greens in a bowl, sour dough on a plate, stack of fresh blueberries

His diet, since going vegan, consists of carefully curated plant-based foods, including smoothies, green vegetables, fruits, rice, beans, and lentils.

For his carbs, he mainly relies on rice, beans, and lentils. In one of his videos, he shared his meal plan, which looks something like this:

Related ArticleIs Rice And Beans Diet Good For Weight Loss?

Breakfast

Plant-based protein powder and a shake with oat milk, flaxseed, hemp, spirulina, mushroom powder, moringa leaf powder, one banana, and some strawberries and blueberries.

According to one of the studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, while there are health and physical function benefits of diets higher in plant-based protein, the nutritional quality of plant proteins may be inferior in some respects relative to animal proteins [1].

Lunch

A large bowl of avocados, white rice, black beans, spinach, kale.

According to another study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, avocado consumption is associated with improved nutrient intakes, including higher intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fat, dietary fiber, and several vitamins and minerals; lower body weight, BMI, and waist circumference; higher HDL-C; and decreased risk of metabolic syndrome [2].

Dinner

Buckwheat, kale, spinach, some baked sweet potatoes and a generous amount of Himalayan salt.

Snack

Sourdough bread with almond butter.

He also adds a scoop of plant-based protein to almost every meal to make up for the absence of animal products. Check out this video for some great advice and detailed insight into David Laid’s new meal plan.

youtube

What does David Laid Say About The Plant-Based Diet?

david laid in red top with vegetables as background

David Laid has expressed that he feels much better with more energy on a plant-based diet, despite initial concerns about protein intake. He expressed this sentiment about a month into his vegan journey, indicating his plan to continue with this dietary approach.

Coming from a guy with 1.4 million followers, this endorsement of a plant-based diet is a big deal for the vegan cause and we hope it remains a growing trend.

Most of his followers were supportive but also showed their concern by asking all-to-familiar questions about a possible lack of protein.

He was also asked how is he planning on hitting his daily macronutrient goal?

Although it’s fair to say that, except soy, protein coming from vegetables isn’t as digestible as its animal-based counterparts.

It lacks some essential amino acids needed to build muscle. Laid has found his way around it by taking plant-based powder supplements with every meal.

When it comes to three essential amino acids, most plant-based foods only offer ALA (the third essential fatty acid), while DHA/EPA are typically only found in foods like fish.

Laid said he relies on hemp hearts in smoothies to get all his essential fatty acids.

What Supplements Does He Take?

He takes four different types of supplements, including vegan protein powder, as part of his adaptation to a vegan diet, similar to the adjustments I made during my transition to veganism.

Other Influential Vegan Bodybuilders

billy simmonds and torre washington in a collage

Being part of the growing vegan community in the fitness industry, I see David Laid's transition as an inspiring addition. It's encouraging to witness more athletes like us embracing plant-based diets.

Some of the biggest names in the fitness industry have endorsed plant-based diets, such as Billy Simmonds, Kai Greene, Fraser Bayley, Simone Collins, Nimai Delgado, who has never eaten meat his entire life, and Torre Washington, just to name a few.

FAQs

What Is the Nutritional Breakdown of David Laid's Vegan Diet?

The nutritional breakdown of David Laid's vegan diet is rich in plant-based proteins, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats. It includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced intake of nutrients.

How Has the Vegan Diet Affected David Laid's Athletic Performance and Muscle Building?

The vegan diet has affected David Laid's athletic performance and muscle-building by requiring him to adapt his training and nutrition strategies. Despite these changes, he has successfully maintained his muscle mass and performance levels, relying on plant-based protein sources and supplements for muscle growth and recovery.

What Psychological and Lifestyle Changes Did David Laid Experience When Switching to a Vegan Diet?

The psychological and lifestyle changes David Laid experienced when switching to a vegan diet are significant. He faced initial challenges in meal planning and adapting to new food choices but has since embraced the lifestyle change, finding enjoyment in the variety of his diet.

How Does David Laid's Vegan Journey Compare to Other Vegan Athletes?

David Laid's vegan journey compares to other vegan athletes by sharing common ethical and health motivations but differs in personal dietary choices and training routines. This highlights the uniqueness of each athlete's approach to veganism, tailored to their specific nutritional needs and performance goals.

What Are the Potential Long-term Health Implications of a Vegan Diet for Bodybuilders Like David Laid?

The potential long-term health implications of a vegan diet for bodybuilders like David Laid is generally positive, supporting long-term health by reducing the risks of certain diseases and promoting overall wellness. However, such athletes must monitor their nutrient intake, especially for protein, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, to prevent deficiencies.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7760812/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3545982/
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About The Author

Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Senior Coach
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