A man who committed to a vegan diet for 12 weeks has shared what he found to be the most challenging aspect of following such a restrictive eating plan.
Identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner have participated in five different health-related studies. In one experiment, Ross followed a high-carb diet for three months, while Hugo stuck to a high-fat regimen.
The results were intriguing—Ross’s body mass increased by just 0.2kg, whereas Hugo gained 2.7kg.
However, one of their most well-known experiments was the meat vs. vegan challenge.
Ross and Hugo conducted the study to examine how their different diets would impact their gut health, with a particular focus on microbial diversity.
Reflecting on his experience, Hugo—who followed a vegan diet—told UNILAD that he “didn’t miss meat” and actually felt “pretty good,” noting that he had more energy.
However, his gut microbiome became less diverse, which made him more vulnerable to certain diseases.
Recalling the challenges of sticking to the diet, Hugo shared one especially frustrating moment.
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 eat it, Hugo—understandably frustrated—”literally threw [the bread] across the room.”
Opening up about another challenge of being vegan, Hugo admitted that finding suitable foods and recipes was “really, really tough.”
However, what made things easier was that both he and Ross were experimenting with their respective diets during lockdown. Because of that, Hugo didn’t have to stress too much about the social difficulties that often come with restrictive eating habits.
“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 explained. He added, “Socializing more, going to friends for suppers, and lunches at weekends would have been hard.”
Even with social restrictions in place, Hugo still found sticking to a strict vegan diet “annoying”—especially when it came to his already limited social interactions during lockdown.
When it comes to deciding who takes on which diet, it often boils down to Hugo and Ross’ individual health conditions.
Reflecting on their recent high-fat vs. high-carb experiment, 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.”
As for their meat vs. vegan challenge, Hugo said he was particularly “interested in” exploring the vegan side, which is why he chose to take on that role.
Looking ahead, the duo is eager to try a fasting experiment, with Ross determined to take on the more difficult side this time.
“I’m genuinely curious about what it would do to me if you just carry on doing the normal diet,” he shared. “There’s always an opportunity to do it for a reason and a purpose.”
While they already have a few ideas in mind for their next challenge, they’re also open to suggestions from the public. Some potential experiments include: fasting vs. non-fasting, one-rep vs. 12-rep workouts, and ab simulator pads vs. traditional sit-ups.
Which one would you like to see Hugo and Ross take on next? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
