Interview with Melike Sayman - Vegan Olympic Lifter

Meet Melike Sayman, a vegan olympic lifter from Madrid, Spain. A vegan for 5 years, Melike is an all around athlete, with a successful background in marathon running, powerlifting, weightlifting and competitive badminton. Melike is also a personal trainer, nutritionist, bookworm, and healthy food addict.

Being a vegan athlete means to be the different one, be the compassionate one, be the fair one, and be the greatest one!

How long have you been vegan?
5 years, vegetarian 13 years

What led you to become vegan?
Health and personal reasons

Do you have any influencers or favorite books?
Now I read a lot about super vegans such as Scott Jurek, Brendan Brazier or Robert Cheeke, but when I first decided to go for vegan from vegetarian, I had a very detailed research about veganism, food etc. Read all the books and articles I found, talked to people around, investigated a lot. I found some groups on Facebook and followed their conversations, which really helped me. 

What sports, activities, adventures do you do? Do you compete in any of them?
I used to run marathons, but not anymore. I competed in badminton, and now I do Olympic lifting and my second competition is in two weeks! I'm the only vegan in my club :) 

Do you have any big events or races planned for 2015? 
I'm on it! Olympic lifting competitions here in Madrid, Spain 

How does eating vegan improve your performance?
I definitely feel more energetic, and I never have stomach problems like some of my lifter friends. No bloating, no nausea. I don't get sick very often, so I don't miss my workouts. 

What are your favorite 5 top things to eat?
Soaked oatmeal with chia seeds is my number one! Avocado garbanzo salad with nutritional yeast, then falafel burger with tahini (drooling), quinoa is my favorite cereal. I love quinoa, soaked in coconut milk, then add some tahini or nuts for breakfast. Lastly, lentil burger with curry! 

Explain your nutrition routine.
I start my training 3-4 hours after breakfast. I generally have something high in complex carbs such as spelt bread and tomato, avocado and a fruit (or soaked oatmeals). During the workout I drink water, I rarely have a protein shake (if I have time to complete my workout, which takes 3 hours), and first meal after my workout is a protein shake with unsweetened coconut water along with my homemade protein bar. Then in an hour, I have lunch: quinoa, broccoli and pumpkin, or any kind of homemade burger. I always prepare my meal at home. 

How about bars and smoothies?
I used to drink a lot of smoothies when I used to run. Right now, as I've changed my routine, I prepare protein shakes with raw vegan protein powders, coconut water, maca, and sometimes peanut butter or any kind of nut butter.

What's your primary source of essential fatty acids (EFAs)?
Chia seeds

What are you go to choices for complete proteins (including all essential amino acids)?
Quinoa
Hemp seeds

What are your other favorite plant proteins?
Lentils
Beans (all varieties)
Chickpeas
Broccoli

What essential tips do you have for athletes moving to 100% plant-based?
It might sound extreme at the beginning, but it's not! Educate yourself, read a lot, investigate, be your own nutritionist, and enjoy vegan food because it's amazing and cruelty free!

In as few words as possible, what does being a VEGAN ATHLETE mean to you?
Vegan athlete means to be the different one, be the compassionate one, be the fair one and be the greatest one! 

What is your motto? Your mantra? Do you have a famous quote?
Let's turn vegan power ON! 

Follow Melike via Twitter (@RunningCinnamon)  for inspiration and education as a successful vegan athlete!

Want to be interviewed for a future article?