Is Mike Israetel Vegan? His Diet & Views Explained
Dr. Mike Israetel is not vegan. He eats meat like ground beef, turkey, and chicken.
However, he does not dislike vegan diets. He says that eating only plant-based food can be healthy, but it depends on what you eat. Today, there are many vegan junk foods, so being vegan does not always mean eating healthy. In the past, vegans ate more natural foods, which made them healthier.
Dr. Israetel also believes that no diet is perfect for everyone. Some people eat only plants, while others eat only meat, but he says it’s best to focus on eating healthy food that works for you.
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The Truth About Vegan Diet and Muscle Growth

Can a vegan diet help with muscle growth? The good news is yes, you can build muscle on a vegan diet! However, it requires a bit more planning compared to a diet that includes meat, eggs, and dairy.
Dr. Mike Israetel says that research shows that, in terms of muscle growth and strength, vegans have slightly lower performance compared to those who eat meat. However, this difference is very small, and with proper diet planning and supplementation, vegan lifters can achieve results similar to meat-eaters.
A big challenge of building muscle on a vegan diet is getting good-quality protein. Animal foods like meat, eggs, and whey have complete proteins, which means they contain all the important building blocks (amino acids) that help muscles grow. But plant-based proteins often miss some of these important parts or are harder for the body to use properly. Because of this, vegans need to eat more protein to make up for the difference.
How to Overcome These Challenges
Normally, according to Mike Israetel, 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight is recommended. However, vegans need around 1.5 grams per pound. This means they have to eat a larger amount of food or include protein supplements in their diet.
Best Foods for Vegan Muscle Growth
To build muscle as a vegan, it’s important to eat high-protein plant foods such as:

- Soy products (tofu, tempeh, soy milk) – Best because they are complete proteins
- Quinoa – A great grain with all essential nutrients
- Beans and lentils – Good sources of protein but need to be combined with other foods
- Nuts and seeds – Healthy but not as protein-rich as soy and beans
A soy protein shake in the morning and another at night can help vegans reach their daily protein goal without having to eat huge amounts of food.
Debunking Myths: Do Vegans Stay Weak?
Dr. Mike Israetel says that some people believe vegans can’t build muscle, but this is not true. Many vegans are not super muscular, but that’s usually because they are not trying to build muscle, not because of their diet. At the same time, just because someone eats meat doesn’t mean they will automatically have big muscles, most meat-eaters don’t look like bodybuilders either!
The truth is, the most important thing for muscle growth is eating the right foods and exercising properly. It doesn’t matter if you eat meat or not as long as you get enough protein, calories, and nutrients, you can build muscle.
The Best Way to Prove Strength is to Show It
Dr. Mike jokes that if someone says a vegan can’t get strong, the best way to prove them wrong is to get strong and show them. Of course, he is not serious about fighting anyone, but his point is that results matter more than opinions. In the end, vegans can build muscle just like anyone else if they eat enough protein, take supplements if needed, and stay consistent.
Summary
Dr. Mike Israetel isn’t vegan, he eats meat like beef, turkey, and chicken. However, he believes well-planned vegan diets can still be healthy. He points out that modern vegan diets sometimes include too much junk food, unlike the past when vegans ate more natural foods. He also believes that no single diet is perfect for everyone, and people should focus on eating what works best for them.
When it comes to muscle growth, Dr. Israetel says vegans can build muscle, but they need to plan their diet carefully. Since plant-based proteins are often incomplete or harder to use, vegans need to eat more protein, about 1.5 grams per pound of body weight. The best vegan protein sources include soy products, quinoa, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. He also recommends protein supplements to meet daily needs. He debunks the myth that vegans are weak, explaining that muscle growth depends on proper diet and exercise, not just eating meat.
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