I just returned from ESPN the Weekend, at Disney World's Hollywood Studios. One of the highlights for me was when I stumbled across an interesting conversation between football all-stars Donovan McNabb, Chris Carter, Tony Gonzalez and a few others. The men were on an open stage being interviewed my Mike Greenberg of the Mike and Mike Show. What caught my attention was the taunting of Tony Gonzalez with strange veggie jokes. Why were they poking fun at this "lettuce man"? Little Miss Fitzness had to stop and listen.

The taunting was followed by Kansas City Chief tight-end Tony defending his vegan lifestyle. I was both surprised and impressed. Tony was bragging about his ability to jump rope and hit the weight room while his teammates were stuck in the mud the day after a game. He's beaten lethargy, increased his energy, and found many more fascinating benefits since he changed his eating habits. The nearly 250 pound tight end is not someone anyone would guess to be a vegan, but I think that's why he's so neat.

TonyGonzalez88.com(click thumbnails to view gallery)

It's a misnomer that meat and dairy are essential to both strong muscles and athletic performance. Studies have shown that although a vegan lifestyle may not enhance athletic performance...when done right, it doesn't harm it either. Click here to read a great story on how Tony came across his decision to try vegan-ism and how he's making it work for him

Some folks choose vegan-ism because they're opposed to eating animals. Some folks choose it because of other health reasons. I've been teaching fitness for almost 19 years and have a Master's Degree in Exercise in Sports Sciences. The more I know, the more I want to consume fruits and veggies. I do not categorize myself as a vegetarian or vegan. But the bottom line is that when I'm given the chore of choosing food, I'm desperate to devour some produce. I love avoiding satiety. I love the intense flavors without the cost of high calories or fat. I love the way my system runs perfectly when I live off the ground. NOT a HIPPY here. Just a girl who loves for my body to be the way that I love it to be.

I grew up eating beef twice a day. Then I cut all meat except for white turkey and chicken out. Now I'm steering away from those things too. This is not a story to get you go vegan. Tony is just a great example of someone who has experienced the benefits of fruits, veggies and whole grains. Maybe you too can incorporate more of those things in to your lives.