Is it possible to make massive muscle gains without any animal products? How can you shed those last few pounds without relying on boring meals high in animal protein and low in carbs?    The guest in today’s episode can teach you how to do both.   Derek Tresize made the switch over a decade ago when his now-wife took a break from her role as Guild Master in their World of Warcraft game to school him on the evidence supporting a plant-based diet.    As a B.S. in Biology, he dug into research and was convinced by the works of Drs. T. Colin Campbell and Joel Fuhrman to try a thirty-day plant-based challenge. Now he’s a certified plant-based nutritionist, personal trainer, competitive vegan bodybuilder, and author of Vegan Muscle and Fitness.    Derek joins Dotise and Alexandrea today to share the science behind both building muscle and getting lean with the help of a plant-based diet.    He busts the protein myth, breaks down the fear of soy and estrogen, and gives excellent advice for anyone looking to cut animal products from their diet.    Plus, you’ll hear this fitness and family fanatic’s secrets for gaining weight, dropping fat, and raising two healthy vegan children.   What we discuss in this episode:   - Dotsie’s top three dairy-free coffee creamers you have to try, including her favorite Silk Vanilla Soy Creamer   - The one piece of scientific evidence that was most convincing for Derek to make the switch   - How Robert Cheeke encouraged Derek to compete in bodybuilding competitions as a vegan   - Are you afraid of the estrogen in soy? Check out this biologist’s perspective   - Derek’s secret weight gain weapon, and the plant-based alternative to chicken and rice   - Why you need to be weight training, even if your goal is to get lean -- plus, hear how it can help your bone health   - The two pieces of advice Derek gives his clients who are looking to go plant-based   - Busting the protein myth: Why you don’t need to worry about protein when you eat plant-based whole foods   - Tips for feeling full while cutting calories, plus Alexandra’s secret to thick, creamy smoothies   - Follow Derek on Instagram at @veganmuscleandfitness, on Facebook at @veganmuscle, on Twitter at @veganmuscle, and grab the How to Gain Muscle and Lose Body Fat on a Whole Food Plant Based Diet ebook at VeganMuscleAndFitness.com.   Connect with Switch4Good   - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwitchForGood   - Website: switch4good.org