85-Year-Old Vegan Shares Simple Tips That Helped Him Do 650,000 Press-Ups

If you had told Paul Youd in his 40s that he would be a plant-powered grandad on a mission to perform a million press-ups and complete a hundred ultramarathons by his 100th birthday, he would have probably laughed. Back then, arthritis kept him from comfortably running or even changing gears in his car. But life takes curious turns, and Paul, now 85, is living proof of the transformative power of a vegan diet and a resilient spirit.

Living in Somerset with his wife, Teresa, Paul first tried running in his 40s. However, arthritis made it a painful experience, and he quickly abandoned the effort. Instead, he turned to cycling as a gentler way to keep active. But the real game-changer, he says, came when he decided to eliminate meat from his diet in his 60s. Originally motivated by the fear of mad cow disease, the switch soon led him to adopt a fully vegan diet, which had an amazing impact on his health and significantly reduced his arthritis symptoms.

Paul, a passionate advocate for animal rights and a former RAF and Royal Australian Air Force worker has since become a role model for active aging. At 80, he set himself a challenge to perform a million press-ups before turning 90. He’s already surpassed the 650,000 mark and shows no signs of stopping.

Fuelled by his plant-based diet, Paul felt invigorated and decided to give running another shot. To his surprise, the arthritis pain that had deterred him in the past was gone. He was no longer just chasing his grandkids around the table; he was chasing his newfound passion for running and fitness.

As Paul’s stamina improved, he set himself another ambitious goal. After completing a 10k run every day for ten days to raise money for charity, he decided to start participating in ultramarathons—grueling races that exceed the standard marathon length of 26.2 miles. Since completing his first ultramarathon in 2021, Paul has been “hooked,” reveling in the euphoria and freedom he feels when running.

Driven by his love for animals and the desire to contribute to their welfare, Paul is also raising funds for the vegan advocacy charity Viva! through his running exploits. Some of his ultramarathons will be virtual, using an app to track his distance, while others will take place at specific locations.

Paul’s daily routine includes a run or walk every weekday, kettlebell strength and conditioning exercises, and a nutrient-packed vegan diet, including a daily fruit smoothie and plenty of leafy greens, beans, lentils, and legumes. He also enjoys beetroot juice as a natural performance enhancer.

Reflecting on his journey, Paul has a simple message for others: “You don’t know what you’re capable of until you actually try it.” He has proven that age is just a number and that a vegan lifestyle can contribute significantly to overall health and wellness, allowing you to live your best life, no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.

Plant-based eating is the way to go. If you’re looking to make the switch but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. This is where the Food Monster App comes in! The app has thousands of recipes, with more added daily. It makes eating plant-based so easy because there are so many options to choose from that you will be able to find something that appeals to you. Plus, you don’t even have to think about it – there’s no swapping out ingredients to veganize on your own. You can even search for different cuisines, types of food, dietary restrictions, and more to make your plant-based journey effortless. Check out some of the recipes below:

• The Ultimate Grillable Veggie Burger
• Easy Bean Burritos
• Pad Thai with Tofu in Peanut Sauce
• Tempeh Bacon
• Lobster Mushroom Mac ’n’ Cheese
• Quick Veggie-Sushi
• Sunny-Side Up Fried ‘Egg’
• Vegan Carrot Lox Toast with Herbed Cheese
• Chicken and Waffles
• 15-Minute Tofu Scramble
• Seitan Steak With Peppercorn Sauce
• Savory Mushroom and Vegetable Ramen Soup

Related Content:

• The Ultimate Guide to Being a Vegan Athlete!
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• EXCLUSIVE: Why James Cameron’s New Documentary About Vegan Athletes Is a Real Game Changer
• Top Sports Nutrition Expert Says It’s Possible To Be A High-Performing Vegan Athlete
• Sample Meal Plans for the Female Vegan Athlete

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

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