These days food trends come and go quicker than most of us know they existed, but some stick around for good reason. In today's episode Doug and I explore 7 popular food trends, whether or not they get our stamp of approval, and how they can help you as a vegan athlete.

Yes, even the non-vegan trends!

Russell Simmons, co-founder of the hip-hop music label Def Jam, also happens to be an outspoken vegan activist, and the author of the new book The Happy Vegan. 

Eager to hear more about his story and the new book, we asked him on for today's episode, and it did not disappoint. We talk veganism, meditation, yoga, and exactly what it means to be a Happy Vegan.

Between Apple Watches, GPS watches, smart phones, fitness trackers, and any number of other new gadgets, we're able to collect more health and fitness data now than ever before. And there's no sign of that letting up any time soon.

But is all that data really useful?

In today's episode, Doug and I discuss the new trend towards more data, how it can be helpful, and why we're not sold on the fact that more data is a good thing.

Steve Kamb started the blog Nerd Fitness right around the same time as I started No Meat Athlete, and he has gone on to build a massive audience and community. While Steve isn't vegan, his approach to life and fitness is very similar to mine. I'm excited to finally bring him on the podcast to talk about not only fitness, but his ability to help people "Level Up" their lives.

In today's episode, we discus his new book, How to Level Up Your Life, and how he has been so successful at building his business.

It's a new year, which can only mean one thing ... new goals, resolutions, or habits.

Normally that would be the case for both me and Doug. We'd set specific goals, and work our asses off to reach them.

But this year, when we sat down to plan out this episode, something weird happened. Neither of us had specific goals, and instead are taking a backwards approach to resolutions. An approach I've taught against for many years.

This time, it feels different.

In today's episode we talk about that backwards approach to new years goals, and how we see potential for even greater positive changes.