Hugo and Ross Turner tested a vegan vs meat diet to compare the impact on their health
One man who switched to a vegan diet for 12 weeks has opened up about the biggest challenges of adjusting to a restrictive way of eating.
Identical twins, Hugo and Ross Turner, have taken part in multiple health experiments over the years.
In one of their studies, Ross followed a high-carb diet for three months while Hugo focused on a high-fat approach.
The results were fascinating, Ross’ body mass barely changed, increasing by just 0.2kg, while Hugo’s weight went up by 2.7kg.
However, one of their most well-known studies was their vegan vs meat diet experiment.
Hugo and Ross wanted to explore how these two very different diets would impact their gut health and overall well-being.
Reflecting on the experience, Hugo, who committed to the vegan diet, told that he didn’t actually miss eating meat and, in fact, felt he had more energy throughout the process.
Despite the benefits he noticed, one downside was a decline in his gut bacteria diversity, which made him more vulnerable to certain diseases.
Looking back on some of the biggest struggles of the diet, Hugo shared a particularly 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’.”
Hugo, understandably frustrated, admitted that after realizing he couldn’t eat it, he ‘literally threw the bread across the room.’
He also found that one of the most difficult aspects of sticking to a vegan diet was figuring out what he could eat.
Finding new foods and recipes that fit within the restrictions was a constant challenge.
Hugo and Ross Turner have done several fitness and diet-related studies
theturnertwiins/Instagram
One silver lining for Hugo was that their study took place during the lockdown, which meant he didn’t have to deal with the social difficulties of a strict vegan diet as much.
“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, before adding: “Socializing more, going to friends for suppers, and lunches at weekends would have been hard.”
Even though lockdown made things a little easier in terms of avoiding social gatherings, Hugo still found the experience frustrating. Limited options and constant meal planning made the diet feel restrictive, even at home.
Hugo and Ross (right) don’t plan on stopping taking part in studies any time soon (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Tissot UK)
left
The twins don’t just pick their diets at random – sometimes their personal health concerns influence their choices.
Talking about their recent high-fat vs high-carb experiment, Hugo explained his reasoning: “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 the vegan vs meat challenge, Hugo admitted he was intrigued by the idea of trying a plant-based lifestyle, which is why he volunteered for it.
Now, the duo is eager to take on a fasting experiment, with Ross expressing a strong interest in pushing himself further this time.
“I’m genuinely curious about what it would do to me if you just carry on doing the normal diet,” he revealed. “There’s always a opportunity to do it for a reason and a purpose.”
While they have a few ideas in mind for future experiments, they’re also open to suggestions from the public.
Some of the possible challenges they’re considering include fasting vs non-fasting, one-rep vs 12-rep weight training, and testing ab simulator pads against traditional sit-ups.