131: Veganism and Strength Training: Karina Inkster on Aging with Vitality

Research shows that a whole food, plant-based diet combined with regular strength training can drastically improve overall health, from reducing inflammation to enhancing muscle recovery and longevity. Karina Inkster, a vegan fitness expert, embodies these beliefs and benefits. In a recent interview on the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage, Karina shared her inspiring journey as a vegan of 21 years, offering insights on fitness, aging, and how to thrive on a plant-based diet.

Karina's Early Vegan Journey: From 16 to 21 Years Strong

Karina’s commitment to veganism began at the age of 16, driven by her desire to take a stand against animal cruelty. Her journey started even earlier, at 11, when she went vegetarian. Despite the lack of today’s resources like YouTube or social media, she educated herself by spending hours in libraries, and over time, she realized the deep connections between meat, dairy, and eggs. This led to her full transition to veganism. "Once I connected the dots, I went vegan immediately," Karina explained.

Navigating Trolls and Negative Comments as a Vegan

With the rise of social media, Karina has encountered trolls and negative comments about veganism. Instead of letting these interactions drag her down, she has turned them into opportunities for education. "I engage with trolls for my own amusement and to educate others who may be reading," Karina shared. She knows she’s unlikely to change the minds of those actively trolling, but her focus is on the potential impact her responses might have on silent observers.

Her advice for others? Manage your expectations. If engaging with trolls negatively impacts your mental health, avoid it altogether. Instead, like Karina, use these encounters as fuel for content, whether blog posts or educational social media responses.

Authoring Vegan Books: A Passion Project

Karina is not only a fitness expert but also a prolific author with five books to her name. Her favorite book, The Vegan Athlete, is the updated edition of her debut, Vegan Vitality. While some of her books came to life through her publisher’s requests, The Vegan Athlete is a passion project, focusing on scientific research and practical tips for vegan athletes. 

For aspiring authors who feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing a full book, Karina’s advice is simple: start small. "A lot of people get stuck thinking they have to write a whole book all at once. But if you break it down, write one page a day, or a couple of pages a week, you’ll get there."

Full post at:  www.veganvisibility.com/131-karina-inkster