My name is Mike Case and I am known as Vegainz coach. I help herbivores all around the world make gains the vegan way by helping people with a plant-based lifestyle and a customized training program to achieve their goals. I am also a vegan strength coach located in Melbourne, Australia. You can find me at Vegainz coach on Facebook and Instagram.
What lead you to veganism? How long ago?
I have been vegan for 5 years. I went over to a friend’s who was already a lifelong vegan, for a holiday, so for that period of time – I ate exactly what he ate and felt amazing. So I never stopped, I kept with it and have been vegan ever since. I initially maintained the vegan lifestyle for my health but stayed vegan for the animals and the planet.
When you first went vegan how did you phase out your non-vegan food, clothing and other items?
I cut out all land-based animals and dairy out of my diet at first. I continued to eat fish and eggs for around a 2-week period whilst I made my adjustment both mentally and physically. Then I came to the realization that I didn’t need any animal products at all, the less I had, the better. The transition was easy for me.
Do you make any exceptions for yourself or if you are married with kids – your family, when it comes to veganism?
Incredibly – my family have also become vegan – I am one of three with two older sisters, who have become vegan, including their partners. My wife is vegan, even my dogs are vegan.
Do you believe we should show children the process of how animals are turned into meats?
Most definitely. In some ways, it’s a shame we have to show children the process. In reality, children love animals and want to play with their friends in fur. If we are to put anything in our stomach, we should be able to see it with our eyes. If we aren’t emotionally, socially, internally equipped to see where our food comes from, that is a clear indicator that we shouldn’t be eating it.
What does being vegan mean to you?
Vegan means to do your best to do the least harm. Eating, clothing, anything. No only to animals but to all sentient beings. This is about being human as much as being vegan.
Is it every vegan’s duty to become an activist?
I think people can spread their message in lots of ways. Ultimately every message and way of spreading it is important to get the message across. I do think however that as a vegan, it’s important to spread the message positively with understanding and respect. Someone helped me become vegan by giving me understanding and respect – so I always try to follow the same way for others.
How compassionate or empathetic are you towards non-vegans?
I most certainly am. It’s no one’s fault. I wasn’t born Vegan. Who am I to judge? I think judging someone else who isn’t vegan does two things, 1. Makes you unhappy and 2. Makes others less likely to become vegan. I want to help people once they’re ready to head to the truth. So it’s a balance between being positive but also getting the message out there that needs to be heard. I think having a raise in consciousness is an amazing life changing experience so long as we don’t become a slave to our own ego. I totally understand why, but all change takes time. Help the animals, the people and the planet.
Any recommended Vegan books?
Proteinaholic – Dr. Garth David’s
How not to die – Dr. Michael Gregor
Favorite vegan films?
Cowspiracy and what the health.
What’s your favorite Vegan restaurant?
Sister of Soul – St. Kilda, Melbourne
Please share your favorite vegan recipe?
All of My wife’s cooking @theplantritionist
Some encouraging words for new Vegans?
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. It might not be an overnight process for you. Maybe it might. But ultimately – make changes with the end goal of becoming vegan. Your life will Thankyou for it and it’s the best karma.
What is the vegan scene like in your city?
Absolutely awesome. One of the best in the world I hear.
What personal recommendations can you make for people to meet other vegans?
Get on social media and spread your message. I met so many people since doing this and made life long friends across the world.
What is the toughest Vegan item to find that you need?
There’s none. Search and you shall find haha! I don’t think about it anymore. It becomes second nature. Easy to find alternatives that I don’t find alternatives anymore, just vegan products.
Talk about a time when you struggled with your Veganism?
Never. It only keeps getting better, socially, morally, ethically, spiritually, physically, mentally. Most things are sold to you and don’t hold up. Veganism is one thing that you can take – and if you understand why, how and what, it’s the gift that keeps on giving
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