Take Charge with Derek Tresize
Nov 01, 2019
Welcome to Take Charge!, a series of interviews with some of our favorite health and wellness thought leaders. Each post features advice on topics like longevity, nutrition, exercise, and physical optimization. You'll also receive guidance on how to follow through with your goals and work through feelings of fear and doubt. Plus, we compiled the best tips in this free ebook - click here to download it.
Today we're featuring Derek Tresize, a four-time natural bodybuilding champion, a WNBF and NFF Pro Men’s Physique Athlete, as well as a Nationally Qualified NPC Classic Physique Athlete. He is also an A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, certified in Plant-Based Nutrition via Cornell University, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Derek Tresize and his wife are the team behind fitness and nutrition site Vegan Muscle and Fitness since 2009, and Root Force Personal Training, Richmond's only plant-based training studio, since 2012.
We first met Derek at the LA Fit Expo a few years ago when he was repping Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness with our good friend Robert Cheeke (also interviewed in this series) and a team of plant-based athletes. Rest assured, his heart is a big as his biceps. His positive energy and powerful presence lit up the room and he's an incredible example of what consistency, determination and a plant-based lifestyle can do for your mind, body and spirit.
This interview series felt like the perfect time opportunity to reconnect with Derek and hear about his perspective on topics like goal setting, handling doubt, eating well, monetizing with integrity and prioritizing travel. We gave him a few prompts and he had some powerful responses that we're excited to share with you.
Derek's Tips on How To Take Charge Of Your Life:
-
Following a whole foods plant-based diet is to key to living a long, healthy life. Derek advises, "It takes some planning and practice, but focus on staple foods like oats, rice and beans, potatoes, and lots of fruits and veggies. You'll find that by mixing and matching sauces, seasonings and sides - the options are endless."
-
When it comes to following through on goals, don't be too afraid to try. Derek has seen enough people who had a lot of passion but never took a chance, which he sees as an easy trap to fall into. Waiting a month, season, or year to begin. He says, "One thing I've been lucky to have is my willingness to take a chance - and having a wife who is too. Whenever you aren't sure about switching careers, entering a competition, or evening taking up a new hobby you've never tried - don't worry about failing, just give it a shot."
-
When asked further about doubt, Derek replied, "Everyone has times where they feel down or like quitting. My lows and thoughts of quitting usually come when I'm dealing with an injury, which has happened a lot in the past 4 or 5 years. There's no easy answer, but knowing that it's a temporary feeling helps. Focusing on the things you can do to keep moving forward, however small, is the best thing I've found for getting through the rough patches. Keeping the big goals in mind can help too. The main thing is: remember why you started, and keep moving forward."
-
Derek's best advice on achieving peak physical condition is: beans and greens! "Ever since reading Dr. Fuhrman's book Eat to Live in 2009, I've focused on whole foods, and especially beans and greens as a foundation of my diet. These food groups are both incredibly nutritious, high in protein, and low in fat, so the more you eat the easier it will be to get and stay lean. I eat so many beans now I even put them in my smoothies! Google 'Bean Shake' if you don't believe me :)"
-
When we asked Derek about monetization he responded: "Find your niche, and make sure it's where your passion is. You see a lot of people try to become great entrepreneurs and great salesmen/women, but only a few ever seem to be really successful and make a big impact. I think the difference is passion. If you focus on what you love and are good at, and avoid being distracted by all the other quasi opportunities that cross your path, you stand a much better chance of being successful."
- Travel feels like a challenge for Derek since his family has two full-time jobs and two small children, but they still try to make it a priority. "We've been fortunate enough to speak at events around the US in 8 states, as well as intentionally on the Holistic Holiday at Sea vegan cruise for several years. We also try to fit in at least one non-work trip a year. Whenever possible on these trips, we strive to rent a local apartment or flat rather than a hotel to really feel what it's like to live somewhere else. Travel is one of the best ways to broaden your world view by experiencing different cultures and perspectives, and it's also a lot of fun!"
Want more tips to help you take charge of your life?
Click here to receive a free ebook with advice from health and wellness thought leaders who want to help you thrive. Uplevel and get more consistent with a balanced diet, impactful fitness routine, and positive mental health practices. Find the motivation to achieve your goals and release feelings of doubt, fear, stress, and anxiety. Gain clarity, a sense of purpose and the drive to follow through so you can take charge of your life like never before!
Get more from Derek on his website, Instagram, Facebook page, Twitter, and YouTube channel.
disclosure: when books and other resources are recommended, we may use affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something after clicking on it, we may receive a small financial commission (at no additional cost to you). This is a great way for you to support us, so thanks for trusting our recommendations!