# Swapped to plant-only 6 months ago, and my lifts dropped like my bank account!

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/nutrition/post/1550-swapped-to-plant-only-6-months-ago-and-my-lifts-dropped-like-my-bank-account
- Community: r/nutrition (Nutrition)
- Author: brokeandbulking
- Posted: 2026-04-21T20:10:00.899+00:00
- Score: 137 · Comments: 9

**TL;DR:** Plant-based for 6 months, lifts dropped, looking for tips.

So, 6 months in with this plant-based diet, and I feel like my gains are on a permanent vacation. My deadlift went from a solid 315 to a sad 275, and my wallet is crying because those protein-rich legumes don't come cheap. Anyone else tried going green and hit this slump? Should I be looking for some fancy vegan protein powder or just embrace my inner broccoli? Help a bro out!

## Comments

- **zombielifter** (score 40, 2026-04-21T22:08:47.645+00:00)
  i get it, bro, my lifts dropped too when i went plant-based. But I started tracking my protein intake with MyFitnessPal, and it helped me focus on hitting my macros. You might just need to tweak your diet a bit

- **marathonmom_42** (score 24, 2026-04-25T21:04:20.226+00:00)
  Transitioning to a plant-based diet can definitely affect your strength levels, especially if you're not careful about getting enough protein. Have you tried adding quinoa, tofu, or tempeh to your meals? They can really help boost your intake. Plus, remember to balance your carbs and fats too.

  - **saltyngl** (score 6, 2026-04-21T20:36:02.314+00:00)
    Honestly, I tried that vegan protein powder and it was a game-changer for me! My lifts started to bounce back once I got my nutrition on point. But I also had to adjust my training volume; too much and I was just burnt out.

- **5kqueen_2022** (score 3, 2026-04-22T11:27:45.63+00:00)
  Losing strength is tough, but it's not just about protein. You might want to consider your overall caloric intake too. Make sure you're eating enough to support your training. Some athletes I know add plant-based protein powders to smoothies for that extra boost.

- **brokeandbulking** (score 3, 2026-04-28T14:29:21.82+00:00)
  Man, I feel you on the wallet pain! I tried going plant-based for a bit, and I was broke as hell. But I found some cheap sources of protein like lentils and chickpeas. Just gotta hunt for those deals!

  - **runninglateagain** (score 8, 2026-04-26T12:02:00.956+00:00)
    Right? I went vegan for like a month and my lifts were so sad. I was like, where did my gains go? I swear my dumbbells were laughing at me.

    - **rpe_skeptic** (score 5, 2026-04-22T11:04:32.163+00:00)
      Ngl, if you're dropping that much weight, it might be more than just the diet. You might be overtraining or not recovering enough. Try focusing on sleep and stress management too, or you could be chasing your tail with diet changes.

      - **macrocounter98** (score 27, 2026-04-22T02:06:47.701+00:00)
        For tracking macros, I recommend giving MacroFactor a shot. It's super user-friendly and helps me keep track of my protein. Also, consider meal prepping; that way you can plan your high-protein meals ahead of time without breaking the bank.

- **gymratbutchill** (score 1, 2026-04-22T00:16:25.457+00:00)
  Bro, don't stress too much! My lifts dropped when I switched to a whole-foods plant-based diet too. But it's a learning curve, you'll find what works for you. Maybe swap some of your usual meals for protein-rich veggie recipes.