A man who embarked on a vegan diet for a span of 12 weeks has shared the challenges he faced adopting such restrictive eating habits.
Identical twins, Hugo and Ross Turner, have participated in five distinct health studies. In one study, Ross was on a high carbohydrate diet for three months, while Hugo followed a high-fat regimen.
The findings of their latest study were intriguing, as Ross’ body mass increased only slightly by 0.2kg, whereas Hugo experienced an increase of 2.7kg.
However, one of their most well-known experiments is the meat vs. vegan challenge.
Ross and Hugo conducted the study to observe how their individual diets would impact their gut health specifically.
Reflecting on the outcomes, Hugo, who adhered to the vegan diet, expressed to UNILAD that he ‘didn’t miss meat’ and actually ‘felt pretty good,’ noting an increase in energy.
Despite this, Hugo experienced a reduction in the diversity of his gut bacteria, making him more vulnerable to diseases.
Recalling the difficulties of maintaining the diet, Hugo recounted a particular episode.
He told UNILAD: “I got so annoyed one day about being vegan. I said, ‘Right, I’m just gonna go buy garlic bread, and that’s it’.”
“I came back, and then a friend was like, ‘It’s got butter in’.”
Upon realizing he couldn’t consume it on a vegan diet, a frustrated Hugo ‘literally threw [the bread] across the room.’
Hugo also mentioned another challenge of being vegan was the difficulty in finding suitable foods and recipes, describing it as ‘really, really tough.’
Fortunately, he and Ross conducted their respective diets during the lockdown, which alleviated some social pressures of his restrictive diet.
“I don’t even think restaurants were open which probably masked the reality of going vegan in the sense of if restaurants were open, pubs, bars, all that kind of stuff — eating out would have been an absolute nightmare,” he said. He added: “Socializing more, going to friends for suppers, and lunches at weekends would have been hard.”
Even with social restrictions during the study, Hugo found adhering to a strict vegan diet to be ‘annoying,’ especially when it impacted his limited social interactions during lockdown.
When it comes to choosing who undertakes which diet, the decision is sometimes influenced by Hugo and Ross’ individual health conditions.
Discussing their recent high-fat vs. high-carb study, Hugo explained to UNILAD: “Ross has got really high cholesterol (really, really high), so I took the bullet for him, and I did the high fat diet.”
Regarding their meat vs. vegan challenge, Hugo was ‘interested in’ exploring the vegan aspect, which is why he volunteered for it.
Looking ahead, the twins are eager to conduct a fasting study, with Ross expressing his desire to take on the more challenging aspect this time.
“I’m genuinely curious about what it would do to me if you just carry on doing the normal diet,” he disclosed. “There’s always an opportunity to do it for a reason and a purpose.”
While they have some ideas for future studies, the twins are also interested in public suggestions. Potential studies include fasting vs. non-fasting, one rep vs. 12 rep workouts, and ab simulator pads vs. sit-ups.
Which of these studies would you like to see Hugo and Ross explore? Share your thoughts below!