Well DAMN guys! I was thinking this was going to be a "bash the vegetarian" thread and as one, I was going to stay away. I'm impressed with the responses defending the lifestyle...always surprised by getbig.com.
I have eaten a vegetarian diet for a little over two years and feel great. It wasn't planned, it gradually happened after I got into BBing. It forced me to became really aware of what I was putting in my body and the affect it had. It felt natural to start eliminating meat...I don't fully understand why, but thats life.
I dont have a problem if people choose to eat meat but I don't find it a requirement for building muscle. And the "myth" about avoiding soy because of estrogen properties is just that...a myth.
http://www.soynutrition.com/SoyHealth/SoyMyths.aspxSoy products have a great pro/carb/fat ration...almost perfect for the bbing lifestyle. The thing to remember is that veg protein isn't the same quality as meat protein so you need to eat more to make sure you're getting enough. But that can be easily accomplished with nuts, cheese and whey. I eat cheese and the occasional egg and am able to maintain my muscle mass.
If people want to use steroids, fine. Same with meat...personal choice. But don't put down other lifestyles and perpetuate myths.
Bill Pearl claimed to only use steroids for two years and then stopped as he felt it went against a HEALTHY lifestyle which he believed was the purpose for BBing! Imagine that. He also did full body workouts and fasted 1 day a week. More myths destroyed. He also won major competitions almost for 20 years! How many pros can claim that. He is able to perform real feats of strength even today in his 70's. He claims he can still max bench 400!