text: can bodybuilders be vegans? where would they get most of their protein from? absolutely!  i am a relatively new vegan and also somewhat new to lifting weights.  i am active on two message boards that are specifically for vegan athletes, both with large numbers of people who are vegan bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen, or other forms of weightlifters.  some eat huge amounts of calories and protein to bulk up, some don't worry so much about that.  but it is entirely possible to get a lot of calories and a lot of protein, and to gain muscle, on a vegan diet.  legumes, grains, tofu and other soy products, and seitan are some examples of good vegan protein sources.  some vegans who are seriously trying to bulk will add smoothies with vegan protein powder to their diets, just like many bodybuilding omnis will have protein drinks.  and the important part, of course, is the actual training in the gym!