Ethan McConnell
bodybuilder
Vegan bodybuilder who's as good in the kitchen as he is on the stage!
- WNBF Pro Card holder
- Winner, NPC Oregon Open
- Three overall wins in 2024
Ethan is a bodybuilder living and competing in the US.
He enjoyed the training and competition for several years before things picked up in 2024. Competing alongside his wife Maddie McConnell, he took three overall wins and secured the mark of elite competitor – a Pro Card in Men’s Bodybuilding with the WNBF.
Ethan started eating vegan in 2019.
“I was intrigued about how my friend had managed to be a successful bodybuilder being vegan” Ethan explained. “After aligning with the health benefits and the impact I could have on our world and the animals I ultimately decided to go vegan and thrived on the diet since week one.”
Like many people, Ethan believed that animals were the best source of protein, although he sees things very differently now.
“I used to think I had to eat meat to put on muscle but little did I know I had it all wrong. Going vegan I immediately noticed more even energy levels and no signs of a hard time building muscle.”
After the transition, Maddie has taken Pro Cards and world titles too.
“It was just a matter of learning how to build my meals around plant protein instead of animal protein. Since plants had everything I need to be successful at building muscle and living a healthy lifestyle I had no problem making the best meals that had me feeling my best.”
Vegan power couple
An important part of Ethan’s love of the sport is that he trains and competed with Maddie. They turned vegan around the same time and have been able to plan meals together. That last part is something Ethan has enjoyed.
“I have always been a chef in the kitchen and since going vegan it has only made it more fun to cook and bake new recipes. Since there are thousands of plants to choose from to make unbelievably good meals. Friends and family were always asking for our recipes so in 2024 we decided to make an Instagram page filled with some of our favourite recipes/staples that helped us achieve what we’ve built today.”
Ethan continues to enjoy all aspects of bodybuilding including the kitchen, gym and stage.
“Going vegan was best for my health, the planet & animals. I’m trying to help show the world what’s possible on a vegan diet.”