Meet Rocky Luedeker, the 62-Year-Old World Record-Holding Vegan Powerlifter

Kickass vegan powerlifters who buck the stereotypes and prove the might of plant-powered strength are always inspiring, and appear to be everywhere these days. The latest vegan powerlifter to join the likes of Hulda B. Waage and Kendrick Farris is the inimitable Rocky Luedeker. The 62-year-old is smashing world records and shows no sign of slowing down.

Arizona-based Rocky, who started competitively lifting four years ago, now holds 13 world records and 26 state and national records.

“My best curl is 45 pounds, my best squat is 124 pounds, my best deadlift is 184,” Luedeker told Arizona Family. If you, like us, sometimes get winded just having to carry groceries home from the market, you may begin to have an inkling as to why this is a huge feat.

Check out those plant-powered gains!

Rocky Packard Luedeker/Facebook

Luedeker eats beans, rice, and lettuce every day, and scoffs at the notion that vegans don’t get enough protein. In truth, a plant-based diet has no shortage of protein — and there are also plenty of plant-based protein powders on the market to help the athlete in you thrive.

Now, Luedeker’s vegetarian daughter, Bianca, is training for the 2024 Olympics — a fact which makes Luedeker proud. She strives to prove that anyone, no matter their age or gender preference, can thrive on plants.

“It’d be nice to see more ladies my age doing things,” Rocky said. “I’d really like to see that … I’m doing it! If I’m doing it, they can do it!”

Foods to Eat as a Plant-Based Athlete

If you’re an athlete who is looking to eat more plant-based, congratulations. An incredible spread of protein-rich, good-for-you foods await you! Here are some of our favorite recipes, courtesy of our Food Monster App.

Start your day off with protein.

This Whole Grain Protein Bowl by Emily von Euw is packed full of protein for your muscles! It has bananas, nut butter, goji berries, coconut, and cacao nibs. It’s terrific for after a workout, or whenever you want a filling, super healthy snack or meal.

Follow Luedeker’s lead, and fill up on beans!

For a hearty meal that only takes a half hour to make, look no further than this Spinach and Bean Chipotle Casserole by Annabelle Randles. It’s loaded with iron and protein and drenched in delicious tomato-y goodness. Serve this casserole with fresh coriander sprinkled on top and with some crusty bread to soak up all the tasty juices!

Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet in delicious ways!

This Turmeric Tofu Cashew Curry by Gunjan Dudani has important anti-inflammatory properties. The dish combines lightly sautéed vegetables along with tofu seasoned with a delicious turmeric-based spice blend.

Remember to check out these Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for the Vegan Athlete and these Sample Meal Plans for the Female Vegan Athlete!

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Rocky Packard Luedeker/Facebook