Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Rison.
Marlon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey began in July of 2017. On a random afternoon, I was looking for something to watch on Netflix with a friend and “What The Health” popped up. In addition to working in radio in DFW (sales with K104/KRNB 105.7), I personal train in my free time and am always interested in learning more about improving my health and that of those around me. Midway through WTH we looked at each other, and I said, “Life just changed.” No ramp up. No last chicken sandwich. No final bowl of cream. The message of how harmful animal products are to our health especially within urban communities was more than enough to inspire a lifestyle change. At the age of 44, it was time to clean up my eating.
When I began my vegan journey the priority was to live healthier, continue to be active and improve my quality of life. In fact, I would tell people to refer to me as “plant-based” versus vegan because it was initially all about the food. But when you make a lifestyle change for the better, there is no limit to the good that can come from it. Case in point, before I began this trek my weight was up to almost 370lbs! I was big but extremely active… powerlifting, boxing, pushing trucks up hills were all things that I did on a regular. The problem was I ate more than necessary which included a very high amount of chicken, turkey, fish and dairy (gave up beef in 2005 and pork in 1992). Mix in ridiculous amounts of protein via protein supplements, insane training habits and you have a very, very large man.
As we enter 2019, I have lost over 140lbs! What’s even more amazing is that weight loss was not in my plan. Did I figure I would drop some pounds in the process, of course. Maybe lose 50-60lbs or a little more but nothing like this. How did I do it? I began eating as if l loved to live. It starts with shopping on the outer areas of the grocery store–primarily produce section, embracing the opportunity to cook more and holding yourself accountable for what goes in your body.
In addition, I began consuming more life than death. By that, I am saying when we consume animals, we are consuming everything that comes with the slaughter process… the accelerated growth via artificial means, anxiety from living conditions and the certainty of being born to die for consumer consumption. Not only did this thought process aide in my improved health but it changed the way I view life for all beings. By embracing the entire vegan lifestyle and respect for animals, I have become an advocate for the elimination of slaughterhouses and poor animal conditions and more importantly have become a more compassionate and thoughtful individual.
Add in the fact that a man that once weighed close to 400lbs, could squat over 600lbs, but with the lifestyle enhancement of becoming vegan (at the age of 45) just completed the BMW Dallas Marathon (and I am not a runner but feel so good wanted to encounter new challenges)… life is on a definite crescendo. In 2019, I will be appearing at a number of vegan/health-related events including the Central Coast Veg Fest (California) in February and will be a part of the motivational “Changing Your Road” tour with the ageless wonder Chef Babette and former federal inmate turned reformed life coach Charles “Silk” Dunn.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My vegan transition honestly hasn’t been a struggle. I choose this lifestyle. I choose LIFE. Once I made that decision, I was where I needed to be. I am grateful.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with PlantbasedG.Life – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
PlantbasedG.Life is a healthy lifestyle motivational movement. We educate on the benefits of a vegan lifestyle while reshaping the image of your traditional vegan. What is this updated “vegan image”?
• Heavy hip hop influence
• Major style and fashion
• Responsible for food planning and prep which means COOK (men especially)
• Active physical lifestyle while being as cool as a polar bear’s toenails
This unique approach has spanned across multiple audiences who typically would not pay attention to the messaging. Specifically within minority communities who are typically the most affected by unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits.
Nothing is more gratifying than receiving emails/direct messaging from people who have changed their approach to eating and life based on the information and example set.
In addition to public speaking about my experience, I provide personal training and health coaching, am putting the final touches on a “motivational cookbook” to be released in 2019, have an online clothing store launching this summer and will continue to travel and blog some of the best vegan restaurants throughout DFW and the US.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As the vegan movement continues to evolve, we have a number of projects in the near to immediate future:
• collaborate with progressive physicians interested in incorporating a plant-based vegan eating plan to improve the health of their patients, a program on a medical level vegan lifestyle;
• open a plant-based vegan restaurant in South Texas (an area I’m originally from);
• provide one-on-one health coaching, eating plans and motivation;
• continue to document my journey and speak to as many people/groups as possible about how a vegan lifestyle benefits all living beings.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PlantbasedG.Life
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @PlantbasedG.Life
- Facebook: @PlantbasedG.Life
Image Credit:
Alex Martin (IG @iamalexjmartin)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
