116: A Sweet Chat with Chef AJ—How She Went from a Junk Food Vegan to a Whole-Food Plant-Based Chef

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Chef AJ, someone I’ve admired for many years for her incredible contributions to the plant-based community.

We dive into her journey from aspiring veterinarian to a dedicated vegan, sparked by a squeamish moment in her early career that changed her path forever. Despite ditching animal products, Chef AJ found herself struggling with obesity due to a vegan junk food diet.  After a life-changing diagnosis in 2003, she had a wake-up call and has been healing through food ever since.

If you’ve ever battled food addiction or found it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Chef AJ shares down-to-earth, practical advice on overcoming obstacles and setting yourself up for long-term success. Talking with Chef AJ was an absolute joy, and I know our community will resonate with her story. I’m thrilled to have connected with her and can’t wait for you to hear this episode.

Plus, she shared an amazing Rustic Fruit Tart recipe from her new book.

About her book

Indulge your sweet tooth the healthy way with Chef AJ’s new cookbook, Sweet Indulgence. This book is filled with treats that are plant-based, gluten-free, and sweetened only with fruit. It’s a fantastic tool for sharing the joys of healthy eating with loved ones. Pre-order by August 27 and transform your dessert game while spreading the plant-based love!

Things we discuss

• Her evolution from being a junk food vegan to WFPB SOS-Free eating
• How calorie-density was the key to her sustained weight loss and a quick tip
• What the conditioned cram circuit is
• Practical advice for people new to a whole-food plant-based diet

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Preorder Chef AJ’s new book, Sweet Indulgence, by August 27 for exclusive bonuses
• Chef AJ’s website
• Chef AJ on YouTube
• The Pleasure Trap by Douglas J. Lisle, Ph.D & and Alan Goldhamer, D.C.
• Volumetrics: Feel Full on Fewer Calories by Barbara J. Rolls, Ph.D., and Robert A. Barnett
• Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD
• Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Dean Ornish
• The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss by John McDougall, MD
• Clean Food Dirty Girl Facebook group
• Start a free 10-day trial to Clean Food Dirty Girl