In this special (and slightly jet-lagged) episode, Dani and Giacomo record straight from Brussels, Belgium—and no, the podcast name Muscles by Brussels wasn’t inspired by Jean-Claude Van Damme. They reflect on their European travels through Amsterdam, Heidelberg, and now Brussels, sharing real talk on what it’s like to stay plant-based while abroad. They discuss the difference between travel for work vs. actual vacation, why they’re not tracking macros on this trip, how they try to weave in fitness habits without stressing, and the subtle-but-important label differences between vegan and vegetarian foods across countries.

Have you traveled as a vegan? Let us know your tips and stories—we’d love to hear them!


✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application
Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:
http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:
https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:
Try it free for one month:
https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

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In this episode, Dani and Ben explore what it really takes to build discipline — and why borrowing lessons from military training isn't as simple as it sounds. They break down the difference between external and internal motivation, the role of routines and rituals, and how everyday civilians can cultivate true mental toughness without needing a drill sergeant. Whether you're trying to build healthier habits or simply hold yourself to a higher standard, this conversation offers practical (and realistic) strategies to help you level up.

📢 Highlights from this episode:

• Why true discipline must come from within — and why external pressure only gets you so far.
• How routines, rituals, and personal standards can set you up for automatic success.
• Creative ways to build mental toughness without going “full Goggins.”
• The power of reflection, accountability, and setting consequences that actually move you forward.

👉 Tune in for an honest, relatable chat that goes beyond the highlight reels and into the heart of what it means to connect authentically.

✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application
Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:
http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:
https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:
Try it free for one month:
https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

In this insightful episode, Ben and John dive deep into the nuanced world of coaching natural and enhanced athletes. From mindset shifts to prep challenges, they unpack key strategies and misconceptions in physique competition prep. Whether you're a coach, competitor, or curious fitness enthusiast, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical wisdom.

📢 Highlights from this episode:

• Key differences in coaching natural vs. enhanced athletes
• Understanding stress, water retention, and their effects on weight fluctuations
• How visual assessment often trumps the scale in contest prep
• The complexity of managing more variables in enhanced athlete prep

👉 Tune in for an honest, relatable chat that goes beyond the highlight reels and into the heart of what it means to connect authentically.

✨ Helpful Links and Resources:

🌱 Coaching Application
Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:
http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:
https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:
Try it free for one month:
https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• Bi-weekly live coaching calls
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

natural bodybuilding prep, enhanced athlete coaching, muscle retention strategy, visual physique assessment, stress and water retention, weight fluctuation in prep, contest prep mindset, body recomposition effects, advanced coaching tactics, stage-ready conditioning

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