OK, so you’ve decided to go vegetarian, but now you’re sobbing in your soymilk ‘cause you think you’ll never be able to achieve the R-E-S-U-L-T-S you crave at the gym. Well, au contraire mes frères et soeurs.

There’s a big-time misconception that one must eat tons of meat in order to build a strong body, and like most so-called conventional wisdom—it’s total bollocks; which seems perfectly clear if you think about it. Horses, for example, don’t gorge themselves on steaks and sausages –they’re herbivores who eat hay, and they’re among the most muscular and athletic species on the planet.

Fortunately, the guys and gals over at Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness are here to pump you up in a humane and oh-so-environmentally responsible way. I met Robert, the founder of the site, at Veg Fest 2007, and trust me when I tell you that he’s knowledgeable, buff and dedicated. These resources would have saved my fakin’ bacon when I went veg 10 years ago. Back in my day, all we got was a macramé owl and a recipe for homemade muesli and we had to like it, ya whippersnappers!

Then there’s my inspiration, Big Ben:Powerful, beautiful and built like a comic book hero are words that come to mind –he’s also vegetarian. I’ve been doing Big Ben’s work out, and it’s kicked my ass into shape. He’s refreshingly honest about the process and agrees that genetics play a big role, which many bodybuilders and trainers won’t admit for some reason.

By following some basic rules for mixing the appropriate amount of calories, including protein, carbs and fats, along with weightlifting and cardio, vegetarians can find the right mix that works for us, just like everyone else. And if you’re ever confronted by some gay-bashing Latvians, just channel your inner Big Ben and snap ‘em in half.