I really enjoyed this! I’m 29 and have lost 82 pounds and overcame food and alcohol addiction and infertility on a whole foods plant based diet! I’m so thankful for people like Chef AJ and all the amazing plant-based doctors. 🌱
Omg, where has Rich Roll been all my life? These are the best conversations ever. Best guests, best questions, best subjects. What a beautiful contribution, this is what the world needs, now more than ever. So much love.
If you have a problem with food addiction...you need to listen to this wisdom! She may save your life. Her life was spared for a reason. God bless you Chef AJ..you have helped me when nothing else has!⚘
There are a few factors in using yoga reduce weight. One place I discovered which successfully combines these is the Yaras Yoga Tactics (check it out on google) without a doubt the most incredible plan i've heard of. Check out the interesting information .
Chef AJ is stunning and just a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for your bravery and honesty and for everything you have done for all of us who suffer from food addiction and eating disorders. You are truly made of awesome.
"you can't never have excuses and results at the same time" (Checf AJ). What a great statement by such an intelligent person. Also I love how she said: "well all these plant based doctors are great, but they have never been overweight", such a good point. She has experienced the struggles and knows how to help you overcome them!
You can tell the trauma is still so raw for her when she was talking about. It couldn't have been easy discussing that, she's amazing and a great inspiration
She was on a documentary series called 'Obsessed', which is where I first saw her. I felt so much for her, that I just found out about her career from just looking up that episode...
When I saw Chef AJ's name my jaw dropped. I haven't listened yet, but I KNOW this will be a great conversation. Rich Roll and Chef AJ-- Two of the coolest people ever! Bless.
I don’t have a clue who on earth could possibly give a thumbs down to this video!!! Thank you so much for having Chef AJ on, she is a huge inspiration to me and also thanks to Chef AJ for sharing her powerful story, You were an inspiration to me before and now you are tenfold! Thank you so much from the bottom my heart. To all the haters out there please stop hating on others that are just trying to do good.
She made me cry by getting to the eating disorders. My life is so similar to hers in so many aspects as she describes. Im also into fighting my sugar addiction and starting a more fitness oriented lifestyle. Thank you so much for sharing her journey. 🙏🏻
I love Chef AJ! After several years as a vegan, doing good but not thriving, I found Chef AJ and True North and within a couple months all the people who had rolled their eyes at veganism were suddenly asking me WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING??? I wanna try it! Chef AJ, True North, Dr. Goldhammer, Dr. Lyle, Dr. McDougall....love these people :)
I don't know if you are asking me or Rich. If you are asking me I work there a few times a year and host their annual Holiday Extravaganza. I don;'t believe Rich ever check this page if you are asking him
I've only listened to 10mins or so and find it riveting, inspiring and my heart goes out to AJ for her past struggles in life. Thank you so much for sharing your life and inspiring others.
I’ve finally admitted to myself and outloud that I’m a good addict and it’s so true... people will tell you “just have one” or “oh, it’s ok just try this” and they don’t understand that just a little bit can lead you down a slippery road. I will be listening to this interview multiple times. ❤️
Chef AJ is so amazing. She is so kind, so real, so hardworking. She is spunky and adorable! She is a person who gets it. She is also inspiring and correct!
I realize that this was 3 years ago, but I have to leave a comment. I am disappointed with the extreme negative light on needing an antidepressant, how awful that is, feeding into the stigma of mental health challenges. As AJ experienced, they can be helpful at a real time of need. Also disappointed in both of you talking down about a mental health hospital and the people who work may also have mental health issues, like they are not allowed to be real people. Sort of like AJ being judged about teaching valuable information about health because she carried extra weight. Oy vey. Judgement is the devil. Let's remember that we all have our paths, challenges and purposes. Who are we to judge? There is a place for many different everythings - we can all agree that diversity is critical to our wellbeing! In a world with so many people suffering with mental illness, please don't make it wrong to lean on medication. And by the way, at least 95% (I wanted to say 99%) of the people I have seen get off "psych meds" especially Lexapro, are able to come off when they are ready with no physical problems, especially not like a doll who is being squeezed and her eyes and ears are popping out! Maybe you, AJ, had extra sensitivity for whatever reason, but that is NOT a 'normal' response. This kind of talk scares people to reach out for help if/when they may need it. Rich, I speak to you and your obvious negative leaning and judgement around mental health care as well. Not many people live the luxury of the lifestyle you and your circle lives. Put your money where it could be used and help support people who can't afford organic foods or supplements that could be good alternatives to medications if sustainable. I will get off my soap box now. I do love the RR podcasts and suggest them often. That is why when I saw this I just had to speak up.
Just eat our human ancestral human diet and all your ailments, both physical and mental would heal themselves. Nutrition is what your body is craving and tells you by presenting in these ways. Stop suffering and I wish you well in your healing journey.
Chef AJ is such an inspiration! I too detoxed from antidepressants in a dark room for a week. Now I'm weaning myself off of the Xanax. I'm prescribed 2mg Twice a day! 4mg a day!. I'm down to .5mg, Once a day. I'm going slow, but eating healthy. My lupus is so much better and my panic attacks are under control. 42 pounds in 5 months! I can never thank her enough. 40 more to go! Onward bound.
OMG, the story about feeling helpless with your dad beating Snoopy just killed me. I can so relate!! I cannot handle people abusing animals and I think that is the root of my food addiction. I am so helpless to help animals.
@@CHEFAJ hey! Do you think McDougall diet can be followed by everyone? I am an Indian and predominantly vegetarian.. do you think this diet is universal?
AJ is absolutely beautiful!!!!! And I feel so sorry about AJ’s little dog…. It’s incredible to see AJ nowadays so vibrant, so beautiful, so pure, so magnificent after what passed in her past… what a beautiful transformation and AJ deserves everything good in this life…. I love you AJ. Thank you so much for sharing your story….
Honesty is a rare commodity these days. AJ communicates it beautifully, eloquently all while laughing it all off. What a life full of pain despair and triumphant joy. One of the best Rich, inspirational. Vegan or not everyone needs to watch this podcast
Thank you Chef AJ for telling your difficult story, I too suffered from food addiction, mainly dairy, but since moving towards a wfpb diet my relationship with food has dramatically changed and I have started losing weight and keeping it off for the first time in my life
So enlightening and authentic. So encouraging knowing you guys have experienced so much but have persevered and now share how others can be successful. Life changing info!!! Love the “C’s”!
Rich, your interview with Chef AJ's was the most informative, touching, and useful of any interview of the 100's I've seen! Thanks so much for your gentle and effective probing into Chef AJ's 'story', it's definitely a story any human can benefit from on many levels. A true eye opener! Tons of thanks!!
Love you A.J. you are amazing just like me your past taught you what you didn't want to be. I was raised in the same type of environment without the junk food. It was hell and the hardest part was watching my mother and sisters and brothers all being abused. I thought I could take it and would have rather taken all the abuse myself. We even had the abused dogs. Life is good now and we found the right path. Thank you for all you do!
@@MrDcc1234 then use a word instead of giving a negative comment. I would say @Chef AJ felt safe with @Rich Roll and was enlivened by the conversation and his gentle probing.
I first came across Chef AJ when I was searching for a recipe online. I thought, “This woman is far too extreme!” and although I’d given up meat by that time, I thought I would never go as far as she did, avoiding oil and sugar and salt. Over the next few months I found myself going more and more in that direction as I researched the whole-food plant-based diet (which I’d never heard of till I watched one of her videos with one of the famous doctors as her guest) and now I’m 100 percent on board, apart from the salt. I have a medical condition which requires that I add salt to my diet in order to keep my electrolytes in balance but I suffer from low blood pressure so the salt does not affect me adversely. I had heard snippets of Chef AJ’s story but never the whole thing from the beginning. I share several elements of her story in my own life and can really identify where she is coming from. She is an inspiration to so many people. I have also been in situations where the only explanation for my escaping them has been down to divine intervention. My mother always used to say that nothing you do or experience in life is ever wasted, and this has certainly proved true in my own life, and I think in Chef AJ’s. If she had not gone through all those traumas and problems, she would not be in a position today to help so many people. “Spared for a purpose” really means something! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful interview. Definitely one to save and re-watch again and again!
She's so vibrant!!! The whole interview I had a smile on my face just because her vibe. And I had a brainorgasm because she has so much knowledge to share
I have been applying this diet *2WeightLossFast. Com* for several weeks now and until now I like them! I have the vitality I need without having controlling my desire for foods without having making me feel jittery. I did nothing special on my diet regime and I still are able to reduced my unwanted weight to 7 pounds. .
This is Chef AJ at her absolute best. She is so often interviewing others, and she's great at that, but it's so refreshing for her to be interviewed. She's shown a side of her here in this chat that she doesn't often get to show when she's the interviewer. Great job Rich. Love your channel, love how well spoken you are, love your message. I absolutely loved this conversation.
Wow. I learned so much watching this. Been a Forks over Knives follower for a year and just added so so much more understanding and deeper connections. Great talk from both of you.
My name is Mary I can relate to you so much I was overweight in school and teased about it I am a recovering alcoholic Sober over 20 years I am a sugar addict I want to lose weight You give me hope to be able to get back to what I used to look like.. thank you so much
Hi Mary! It’s been a year according to the time marker on this comment. Hope you’re doing well and hope you’ve made some changes to promote lasting health ❤️ and congratulations on your sobriety 🎉
Dear Mary, I have been the fattest kid in kindergarden, elementary school and high scool. I was morbidly obese in college (125 kg). At the age of 33 I went whole food vegan and started to walk briskly every day. Today I am 34 (1 year difference) I have 83 kg, I run marathons and have so much energy! You can do it!
How amazing is Chef AJ for personally replying to all our posts, and with her wonderful and witty characteristic sense of humour, too. Can this woman get any more awesome!!. She is the sweetest.
So true about the food addiction! I knew a woman who told me that if she eats refined carbs of any kind, she simply cannot stop eating them. She is diabetic. One time, she ate so much pastry and bread to the point that she lost her vision during the binge. The only carb she can eat safely is oats.
AJ tells the reality of food addiction with no filter. She is not exaggerating. People minimize and say binging and food addiction is not a real disease. AJ you are a hero for telling the truth!!
Chef AJ, I can relate to your up bringing, personality, abused, on the edge of suicide, anxiety panic attacks. You made it here and very inspiring, thank you. I am here too hopefully inspiring others to going vegan, cooking and never ever to give up in life. Aloha Chef AJ :) Mahalo Rich Roll!
@@denasharpe2393 I’m doing fine thank you. I haven’t posted cooking a video lately on RUclips. I recently got swamped with media work and asked to do a virtual vegan cooking show for both a Japanese and US travel companies. 😃
Ah chef aj. What a testament to change your diet and have a blessed life where people can have hope who maybe thought there wasn't any. Bless you. I know someone who ate themselves to death. This is serious.
I remember AJ on Dog Whisperer with Cesar!!!!! Didn’t know you are a chef!!! So glad to see you and how well you’re doing!!!! So happy!!!! I’m a HUGE Cesar Milan fan!!!! HUGE!! I remember every person he helped and their dog!! 😃♥️🤷🏻♀️ So happy to see you AJ!!!!!
I made him my German Chocolate Cake. It's from my new book called "A Date With Dessert" and it is available as a free bonus along with the audio version of my book if you buy on the release day. To find out how go to www.EatUnprocessed.com
CHEF AJ thanks so much for the info! Also, what was in the plastic container with the red top that you mentioned you will take with you when you travel?
Sooo helpful Chef AJ! I’ve heard Dr Lisle speak about breaking the freeze when in a panic attack, running in place etc... and wondered what to do when it happens while driving. My panic attacks only happen when driving and stuck in a traffic jam or driving by an accident etc. I will try squeezing my hands etc. Anything to get your mind out of the space and back to reality. Also I just ordered your book 😃
My God. Chef AJ! I really connected with you on a level that I wouldn't think possible with a person whom I've never met. You are a simply marvellous human being. Rich Roll this is monumental! One of the best interviews in history.
My goodness! I just came across this interview & what an amazing, honest & inspiring woman, I was in tears listening to her childhood stories. She carries no bitterness or blame which is awesome. Thank you Rich, you are a wonderful interviewer, such patience & sensitivity . Much gratitude to you both ❤️
I’ve been dropping weight like never before, using the diet plan *2WeightLossFast. Com* It’s been the most powerful plan I’ve ever used. Do a Google search and read up on this.?
A very moving story - you're beautiful Chef AJ ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm really grateful you made it through and with such AWESOME success as only God can.
What a fantastic interview. I was touched by AJ’s vulnerability and impressed by her wisdom. Rich is a very good interviewer. He listens, asks meaningful questions and contributes to the conversation. I loved everything about this.
That was the best podcast I’ve ever heard! So inspiring. Completely has given me new perspective on so many issues and my life will be changed for the better because of it! Wonderful interview!
Love you AJ and have listened to tons of your work but this interview was so much easier to listen to and follow. Rich did an amazing job at focusing your passion into the best flow. Between the two of you; you’re a force!
Chef AJ has changed my life for the better with her hands-on instructional videos and her realism. I've been a professional dieter for 40+ years and now I just eat. Finally.I.just.eat. Whole, natural food from the earth and lots of it! This was an awesome podcast and the unbridled emotions accentuate her authenticity as a person and of her message.
Thanks so much to you both for sharing your difficult pasts and wonderful ideas. I still struggle with my food addiction and cravings and this gave me some things I can apply personally to help. I'm impressed about how far you guys have come and your many obstacles you have had along the way!
Wow ... I’ve listened to and read Chef AJ for years but somehow never heard her full story ... it’s amazing how knowing something about what someone has been through can shift one’s perspective about that person. I never would have believed that someone could be a sugar and caffeine addict to the point of destruction had I not lived with one ... I’ve witnessed my beloved husband struggle with a sugar addiction for 16 years. He discovered his dad crushed under a tractor at age 8 and I’m certain that that trauma and the subsequent years of abusive stepfathers and moving from place to place had him turn to a substance like sugar. He never drank alcohol, smoked or did drugs but the effect of sugar on him is no less damaging. Thank you for a powerful interview with an amazing woman Rich ...
I went veg at around 17 also b/c of the animals. That was the late 80s, and i used to have to go to the chinese supermarket to get soymilk and i learned to cook. there were no veggie burgers, cheese, etc. It's so easy to be vegan today, if you want to.
yes but this is not about being vegan, it's about being fat free, flour free and sugar free vegan which is hard if you don't cook and prepare things yourself
Ive had so many wonderful “amen brother” moments in this interview!!!! The questions and the back and forth and the understanding between you two is incomparable.
This video was so helpful to me because I have been doing so well and consistent on my lifestyle of almost no fat, raw till 4 and delicious starchy cooked food in the evening. But recently in emotional moments at 2 different social gatherings caused me to eat crap. I did feel very much like an addict. I got very sick both times. I was analyzing what happened and how to succeed in the future, and I realized there were unloving moments at the gathering that left an emotional depletion. The high-fat processed food was suddenly irritable at that moment. My mind became obsessive and there was nothing else I could focus on or think about until I ate it...... the technique: I realized when I get in that state, I need to leave the gathering - either temporarily, or completely and get away from the food. I need to take a moment to be with my emotions and see if I can comfort them immediately outside, or if I need to leave all together and go comfort them at home. But either way, it is a lot like an alcoholic needing to leave a party because alcohol is served. It's real. The addiction and compulsion. Another key is to be well-fed before going.
Just discovered the RR podcasts and I must say, I'm an addict 😀 AJ is such a charismatic person, so likeable and she's been through a lot. Thanks to both of you for sharing and inspiring people.
Chef AJ, your courage to share is amazing, I am empathic and felt you pain telling this story. I have such respect for you and how you picked yourself up and help other people. Your an amazing light in the world, wishing you continued shining 🙏❤ love your show Rich Roll. Thank you for all you have taught me🙏
Yeah, year's ago I gave my sister Dr Esselstyn's book. She took it to her cardiologist and the guy said Dr Es is a quack. She suffered her second heart attack a month ago. I don't even bother to mention anything about plant based eating.
What a show! What a show! Chef AJ I am blown away by your story and inspired by your insights. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing. My admiration for what you have accomplished continues to grow. And I’m taking your words to heart and applying them in my own life. I’m on the right path now and I’m thankful you are there walking it with me.
I really enjoyed this! I’m 29 and have lost 82 pounds and overcame food and alcohol addiction and infertility on a whole foods plant based diet! I’m so thankful for people like Chef AJ and all the amazing plant-based doctors. 🌱
Wow! You rock! I’m not there yet but LOVE to hear success stories.
You are amazing
@@mick5841 then be sure to check out the new plant based documentary, ‘Disease Reversal Hope!’ My husband and I share some of our story there!
@@peasquiet4948 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
@@chrispeterson3647
She is such an incredibly strong woman. Not just because she survived so much, but is thriving! Love her!
She had a hard life!
It made her stronger & she has overcome her food addiction!
Omg, where has Rich Roll been all my life? These are the best conversations ever. Best guests, best questions, best subjects. What a beautiful contribution, this is what the world needs, now more than ever. So much love.
“The opposite of addiction is connection.” This hit home, thanks for such a great interview!
If you have a problem with food addiction...you need to listen to this wisdom! She may save your life. Her life was spared for a reason. God bless you Chef AJ..you have helped me when nothing else has!⚘
I love this woman. The vulnerability and authenticity she brings to this conversation takes my admiration of her to a whole new level.
Amen
Vegan Soul Mama g Jeff lhe
true
There are a few factors in using yoga reduce weight. One place I discovered which successfully combines these is the Yaras Yoga Tactics (check it out on google) without a doubt the most incredible plan i've heard of. Check out the interesting information .
💜 LOVE Chef AJ
amazingly strong in her openness
Skillfully conducted interview -
she opened like a gorgeous flower
7 Important C's
1. commitment
2. Compliance
3. Consistency
4. Cooking
5. Change
6. Community
7. Compassion
Chef AJ is stunning and just a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for your bravery and honesty and for everything you have done for all of us who suffer from food addiction and eating disorders. You are truly made of awesome.
"you can't never have excuses and results at the same time" (Checf AJ). What a great statement by such an intelligent person. Also I love how she said: "well all these plant based doctors are great, but they have never been overweight", such a good point. She has experienced the struggles and knows how to help you overcome them!
I burst out crying when she spoke about her childhood..and the dog. I didn't expect her to be this honest and wonderful.
Me too. I’ve witnessed animal abuse as well. It’s the worst.
You can tell the trauma is still so raw for her when she was talking about. It couldn't have been easy discussing that, she's amazing and a great inspiration
She was on a documentary series called 'Obsessed', which is where I first saw her. I felt so much for her, that I just found out about her career from just looking up that episode...
Same, the dog, poor girl seeing that in her house all the way up to the dog💔 it's just heartbreaking
She really is a sensitive person.
When I saw Chef AJ's name my jaw dropped. I haven't listened yet, but I KNOW this will be a great conversation. Rich Roll and Chef AJ-- Two of the coolest people ever! Bless.
Thanks!
Same!
she's such a power player :)
I don’t have a clue who on earth could possibly give a thumbs down to this video!!! Thank you so much for having Chef AJ on, she is a huge inspiration to me and also thanks to Chef AJ for sharing her powerful story, You were an inspiration to me before and now you are tenfold! Thank you so much from the bottom my heart. To all the haters out there please stop hating on others that are just trying to do good.
She made me cry by getting to the eating disorders. My life is so similar to hers in so many aspects as she describes. Im also into fighting my sugar addiction and starting a more fitness oriented lifestyle.
Thank you so much for sharing her journey. 🙏🏻
I love Chef AJ! After several years as a vegan, doing good but not thriving, I found Chef AJ and True North and within a couple months all the people who had rolled their eyes at veganism were suddenly asking me WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING??? I wanna try it! Chef AJ, True North, Dr. Goldhammer, Dr. Lyle, Dr. McDougall....love these people :)
I don't know if you are asking me or Rich. If you are asking me I work there a few times a year and host their annual Holiday Extravaganza. I don;'t believe Rich ever check this page if you are asking him
@@CHEFAJ What about healthy fats, such as Chia seeds or other EFAs? 🤔💜 #BrainHealth 🤗 Thank you in advance. 🍇🍓💯
@@ShariLikesFruit Sure! Have a tablespoon a day if you are worried
@@CHEFAJ You. Are. *Awesome!* 🙏 Thank you for reply! 💜
I am shocked by how accurate and revelatory her definition of "refined food addiction" is!
Thanks
Amazing !!Thanks.
I've only listened to 10mins or so and find it riveting, inspiring and my heart goes out to AJ for her past struggles in life. Thank you so much for sharing your life and inspiring others.
Thank you
The 7 C's:
1. Commitment
2. Compliance
3. Consistency
4. Cooking
5. Change
6. Community
7. Compassion - including self-compassion
I’ve finally admitted to myself and outloud that I’m a good addict and it’s so true... people will tell you “just have one” or “oh, it’s ok just try this” and they don’t understand that just a little bit can lead you down a slippery road. I will be listening to this interview multiple times. ❤️
Chef AJ is so amazing. She is so kind, so real, so hardworking. She is spunky and adorable! She is a person who gets it. She is also inspiring and correct!
I realize that this was 3 years ago, but I have to leave a comment. I am disappointed with the extreme negative light on needing an antidepressant, how awful that is, feeding into the stigma of mental health challenges. As AJ experienced, they can be helpful at a real time of need. Also disappointed in both of you talking down about a mental health hospital and the people who work may also have mental health issues, like they are not allowed to be real people. Sort of like AJ being judged about teaching valuable information about health because she carried extra weight. Oy vey. Judgement is the devil. Let's remember that we all have our paths, challenges and purposes. Who are we to judge? There is a place for many different everythings - we can all agree that diversity is critical to our wellbeing! In a world with so many people suffering with mental illness, please don't make it wrong to lean on medication. And by the way, at least 95% (I wanted to say 99%) of the people I have seen get off "psych meds" especially Lexapro, are able to come off when they are ready with no physical problems, especially not like a doll who is being squeezed and her eyes and ears are popping out! Maybe you, AJ, had extra sensitivity for whatever reason, but that is NOT a 'normal' response. This kind of talk scares people to reach out for help if/when they may need it. Rich, I speak to you and your obvious negative leaning and judgement around mental health care as well. Not many people live the luxury of the lifestyle you and your circle lives. Put your money where it could be used and help support people who can't afford organic foods or supplements that could be good alternatives to medications if sustainable. I will get off my soap box now. I do love the RR podcasts and suggest them often. That is why when I saw this I just had to speak up.
Just eat our human ancestral human diet and all your ailments, both physical and mental would heal themselves. Nutrition is what your body is craving and tells you by presenting in these ways. Stop suffering and I wish you well in your healing journey.
Eating Carnivore is the proper human nutrition that our bodies need to work properly. 🥩
Chef AJ is such an inspiration! I too detoxed from antidepressants in a dark room for a week. Now I'm weaning myself off of the Xanax. I'm prescribed 2mg Twice a day! 4mg a day!. I'm down to .5mg, Once a day. I'm going slow, but eating healthy. My lupus is so much better and my panic attacks are under control. 42 pounds in 5 months!
I can never thank her enough. 40 more to go! Onward bound.
Anti-depressants made me fat & sick. Glad I'm off of them. I just treat myself with supplements, everything helps but no cure for depression.
OMG, the story about feeling helpless with your dad beating Snoopy just killed me. I can so relate!! I cannot handle people abusing animals and I think that is the root of my food addiction. I am so helpless to help animals.
Two of my favorite people! Love how they have transitioned both of their lives...
Kindred spirits
Transformed
yes, that is what I meant!
@@CHEFAJ hey! Do you think McDougall diet can be followed by everyone? I am an Indian and predominantly vegetarian.. do you think this diet is universal?
Seher sadana - of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be?
AJ is absolutely beautiful!!!!! And I feel so sorry about AJ’s little dog….
It’s incredible to see AJ nowadays so vibrant, so beautiful, so pure, so magnificent after what passed in her past… what a beautiful transformation and AJ deserves everything good in this life…. I love you AJ. Thank you so much for sharing your story….
Omg this woman is so special. So strong
Thank you for introducing her into my life
Excellent interview Rich. One of the best, if not "THE" best I've ever seen you do.
She is incredible.
Thank You!
Honesty is a rare commodity these days. AJ communicates it beautifully, eloquently all while laughing it all off. What a life full of pain despair and triumphant joy. One of the best Rich, inspirational. Vegan or not everyone needs to watch this podcast
Thank you...
She actually suggested that people lie to other people in restaurants about their own food choices! Thats not very honest- lying.
@@shroudwoman at what time did she say that?
WOW, yes, that is how I started when I went totally plant-based, I went on the Daniel fast for 21 days, but never stopped.
I like this. Junk food is junk food, vegan or not! That’s at 12 minutes in. This is pretty intense. Love it.
:)
Thank you Chef AJ for telling your difficult story, I too suffered from food addiction, mainly dairy, but since moving towards a wfpb diet my relationship with food has dramatically changed and I have started losing weight and keeping it off for the first time in my life
So enlightening and authentic. So encouraging knowing you guys have experienced so much but have persevered and now share how others can be successful. Life changing info!!! Love the “C’s”!
Dairy was my last holdout, It took me a year to finally ditch it.
Rich, your interview with Chef AJ's was the most informative, touching, and useful of any interview of the 100's I've seen! Thanks so much for your gentle and effective probing into Chef AJ's 'story', it's definitely a story any human can benefit from on many levels. A true eye opener! Tons of thanks!!
Thank you for your kind words
Love you A.J. you are amazing just like me your past taught you what you didn't want to be. I was raised in the same type of environment without the junk food. It was hell and the hardest part was watching my mother and sisters and brothers all being abused. I thought I could take it and would have rather taken all the abuse myself. We even had the abused dogs. Life is good now and we found the right path. Thank you for all you do!
Loved how relaxed this conversation felt- how detailed and empowering the stories were. Great work, Rich and AJ.
Jose Maciel I luv chef aj, but relaxed is not the word I would use to describe her demeanor.
Well then you should have seen me on sugar!
Thank you
@@MrDcc1234 then use a word instead of giving a negative comment.
I would say @Chef AJ felt safe with @Rich Roll and was enlivened by the conversation and his gentle probing.
I first came across Chef AJ when I was searching for a recipe online. I thought, “This woman is far too extreme!” and although I’d given up meat by that time, I thought I would never go as far as she did, avoiding oil and sugar and salt. Over the next few months I found myself going more and more in that direction as I researched the whole-food plant-based diet (which I’d never heard of till I watched one of her videos with one of the famous doctors as her guest) and now I’m 100 percent on board, apart from the salt. I have a medical condition which requires that I add salt to my diet in order to keep my electrolytes in balance but I suffer from low blood pressure so the salt does not affect me adversely.
I had heard snippets of Chef AJ’s story but never the whole thing from the beginning. I share several elements of her story in my own life and can really identify where she is coming from. She is an inspiration to so many people. I have also been in situations where the only explanation for my escaping them has been down to divine intervention. My mother always used to say that nothing you do or experience in life is ever wasted, and this has certainly proved true in my own life, and I think in Chef AJ’s. If she had not gone through all those traumas and problems, she would not be in a position today to help so many people. “Spared for a purpose” really means something!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful interview. Definitely one to save and re-watch again and again!
AJ is a breath of fresh air.
What an inspiration Chef AJ is. Love and respect her so much!!!
Thank you
She's so vibrant!!! The whole interview I had a smile on my face just because her vibe. And I had a brainorgasm because she has so much knowledge to share
CHEF AJ!!!!!! I never listened to any content from Rich Roll until now. Love me some Chef AJ and I am glad I am now exposed to Rich!
Thank you!
rich roll will change your life ❣️
New subscriber here!☝️
This interview spoke to my soul, as a recovering refined carb addict myself.
Unrefined, unprocessed carbs are not a bad thing though. AJ cooks carbs all the time.
I have been applying this diet *2WeightLossFast. Com* for several weeks now and until now I like them! I have the vitality I need without having controlling my desire for foods without having making me feel jittery. I did nothing special on my diet regime and I still are able to reduced my unwanted weight to 7 pounds. .
I fell in love with her just listing yesterday during a drive, now watching you two, love you both a lot thank you :)
Awww...
This is Chef AJ at her absolute best. She is so often interviewing others, and she's great at that, but it's so refreshing for her to be interviewed. She's shown a side of her here in this chat that she doesn't often get to show when she's the interviewer. Great job Rich. Love your channel, love how well spoken you are, love your message. I absolutely loved this conversation.
I've watched this episode 3x in a week's time. Its soooooo good. What a blessing these two are! THANK YOU!!!
Wow. I learned so much watching this. Been a Forks over Knives follower for a year and just added so so much more understanding and deeper connections. Great talk from both of you.
My name is Mary
I can relate to you so much
I was overweight in school and teased about it
I am a recovering alcoholic
Sober over 20 years
I am a sugar addict
I want to lose weight
You give me hope to be able to get back to what I used to look like.. thank you so much
Hi Mary! It’s been a year according to the time marker on this comment. Hope you’re doing well and hope you’ve made some changes to promote lasting health ❤️ and congratulations on your sobriety 🎉
Dear Mary, I have been the fattest kid in kindergarden, elementary school and high scool. I was morbidly obese in college (125 kg). At the age of 33 I went whole food vegan and started to walk briskly every day. Today I am 34 (1 year difference) I have 83 kg, I run marathons and have so much energy! You can do it!
This is the best one by far!!! She is the greatest woman!!!!
A very strong woman. Many guys and girls can learn form her. Aloha :)
Yes she is!
Absolutely the best!
How amazing is Chef AJ for personally replying to all our posts, and with her wonderful and witty characteristic sense of humour, too. Can this woman get any more awesome!!. She is the sweetest.
Thank you
Lion king opening
I'm only seeing this 4yrs later and Chef AJ is MAGIC.....thank you for this interview, completely amazing ❤
So true about the food addiction! I knew a woman who told me that if she eats refined carbs of any kind, she simply cannot stop eating them. She is diabetic. One time, she ate so much pastry and bread to the point that she lost her vision during the binge. The only carb she can eat safely is oats.
Great questions and I love how AJ is authentic
Rich, you set a different level to a conversation and you raise the bar for every discussion you are in! Amazing!
AJ tells the reality of food addiction with no filter. She is not exaggerating. People minimize and say binging and food addiction is not a real disease. AJ you are a hero for telling the truth!!
Thank you for this and for your honesty. It takes courage to share such an intimate and personal story.
Thank you
Chef AJ, I can relate to your up bringing, personality, abused, on the edge of suicide, anxiety panic attacks. You made it here and very inspiring, thank you. I am here too hopefully inspiring others to going vegan, cooking and never ever to give up in life. Aloha Chef AJ :) Mahalo Rich Roll!
Thank you
TLC Vegan vc. Xx.EDAd
I wonder how you are doing now??
@@denasharpe2393 I’m doing fine thank you. I haven’t posted cooking a video lately on RUclips. I recently got swamped with media work and asked to do a virtual vegan cooking show for both a Japanese and US travel companies. 😃
Have Doug Lisle as a guest please!!!
Ah chef aj. What a testament to change your diet and have a blessed life where people can have hope who maybe thought there wasn't any. Bless you. I know someone who ate themselves to death. This is serious.
I'm only 33 min. into this. But, just HAD to post! WOW!!!
AJ, i love you more now! hearing and seeing you speak about your past made me cry..
I remember AJ on Dog Whisperer with Cesar!!!!! Didn’t know you are a chef!!! So glad to see you and how well you’re doing!!!! So happy!!!! I’m a HUGE Cesar Milan fan!!!! HUGE!! I remember every person he helped and their dog!! 😃♥️🤷🏻♀️ So happy to see you AJ!!!!!
Wow, the warmth of friendship between AJ and Rich is such a pleasure to hang out in. Thank you for this wonderful conversation.
I have been searching for you. These are all the things I’ve been searching for. Thank you so much
What a wonderful, inspiring woman. Great interviewer, actually fully listening and not interrupting all the time! 🌞
OMG the cake, looks delicious! Admirable woman, with great energy.
It's in my new dessert cookbook
CHEF AJ what’s your new dessert cookbook called?! And what kind of cake did you make him?
Thank you
I made him my German Chocolate Cake. It's from my new book called "A Date With Dessert" and it is available as a free bonus along with the audio version of my book if you buy on the release day. To find out how go to www.EatUnprocessed.com
CHEF AJ thanks so much for the info! Also, what was in the plastic container with the red top that you mentioned you will take with you when you travel?
Sooo helpful Chef AJ! I’ve heard Dr Lisle speak about breaking the freeze when in a panic attack, running in place etc... and wondered what to do when it happens while driving. My panic attacks only happen when driving and stuck in a traffic jam or driving by an accident etc. I will try squeezing my hands etc. Anything to get your mind out of the space and back to reality. Also I just ordered your book 😃
You have been through a lot AJ, but you made it and you are a very strong woman!! Enjoyed this interview.
So many people go through so much trauma in life. We all need to be more understanding of their pain.
Chef AJ you are honest and I for one, love AUTHENTICITY. May you live a VERY long, blessed life!!
I absolutely love this interview with Chef AJ! She’s a huge inspiration ❤
My God. Chef AJ! I really connected with you on a level that I wouldn't think possible with a person whom I've never met. You are a simply marvellous human being. Rich Roll this is monumental! One of the best interviews in history.
My goodness! I just came across this interview & what an amazing, honest & inspiring woman, I was in tears listening to her childhood stories. She carries no bitterness or blame which is awesome. Thank you Rich, you are a wonderful interviewer, such patience & sensitivity . Much gratitude to you both ❤️
Love you AJ ❤Appreciate your courage, your humor, your generosity. Thank you.
So excited for an update on Chef AJ. She is life changing for so many!
Thank you
I’ve been dropping weight like never before, using the diet plan *2WeightLossFast. Com* It’s been the most powerful plan I’ve ever used. Do a Google search and read up on this.?
A very moving story - you're beautiful Chef AJ ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm really grateful you made it through and with such AWESOME success as only God can.
A wonderful example of never giving up. Honest and humble.
A recipe for happy days.
Thank you
What a fantastic interview. I was touched by AJ’s vulnerability and impressed by her wisdom. Rich is a very good interviewer. He listens, asks meaningful questions and contributes to the conversation. I loved everything about this.
That was the best podcast I’ve ever heard! So inspiring. Completely has given me new perspective on so many issues and my life will be changed for the better because of it! Wonderful interview!
I could listen to her for decades... wealth of knowledge that makes this incredibly simple.
Love you AJ and have listened to tons of your work but this interview was so much easier to listen to and follow. Rich did an amazing job at focusing your passion into the best flow. Between the two of you; you’re a force!
Thank you for your openness, Chef AJ. This was so great!
This was a great podcast. Thank you for having AJ on. She’s an inspiration.
Chef AJ has changed my life for the better with her hands-on instructional videos and her realism. I've been a professional dieter for 40+ years and now I just eat. Finally.I.just.eat. Whole, natural food from the earth and lots of it! This was an awesome podcast and the unbridled emotions accentuate her authenticity as a person and of her message.
Thank you!
Thanks so much to you both for sharing your difficult pasts and wonderful ideas. I still struggle with my food addiction and cravings and this gave me some things I can apply personally to help. I'm impressed about how far you guys have come and your many obstacles you have had along the way!
Wow ... I’ve listened to and read Chef AJ for years but somehow never heard her full story ... it’s amazing how knowing something about what someone has been through can shift one’s perspective about that person. I never would have believed that someone could be a sugar and caffeine addict to the point of destruction had I not lived with one ... I’ve witnessed my beloved husband struggle with a sugar addiction for 16 years. He discovered his dad crushed under a tractor at age 8 and I’m certain that that trauma and the subsequent years of abusive stepfathers and moving from place to place had him turn to a substance like sugar. He never drank alcohol, smoked or did drugs but the effect of sugar on him is no less damaging. Thank you for a powerful interview with an amazing woman Rich ...
What an extraordinary woman, what a beautiful soul. And Rich, oh man, the dynamic duo!
I went veg at around 17 also b/c of the animals. That was the late 80s, and i used to have to go to the chinese supermarket to get soymilk and i learned to cook. there were no veggie burgers, cheese, etc. It's so easy to be vegan today, if you want to.
Alexandra C So how has your health held up or prospered? :)
yes but this is not about being vegan, it's about being fat free, flour free and sugar free vegan which is hard if you don't cook and prepare things yourself
@@famzini4424 The answer is to learn to cook and prepare things yourself. It's not hard at all. You don't even have to thoroughly cook these things.
He is an amazing interviewer as well! Well-guided and energetic.
Love Chef AJ and her honesty and vulnerability here! Thanks Rich for helping people open up and asking deep questions.
What fascinating stories AJ has to tell, I was glued to this interview. Thank you.
So happy Chef AJ made it onto your podcast. My two people together in an interview!! That's my 18 mile run sorted!
I love Chef AJ- a beautiful inspiring woman. TY, Rich. Love you too 💕
Ive had so many wonderful “amen brother” moments in this interview!!!! The questions and the back and forth and the understanding between you two is incomparable.
What an amazing exchange. So many parallels with my own experience and truly inspirational. Once again amazing content from the rich roll podcast.
This video was so helpful to me because I have been doing so well and consistent on my lifestyle of almost no fat, raw till 4 and delicious starchy cooked food in the evening. But recently in emotional moments at 2 different social gatherings caused me to eat crap. I did feel very much like an addict. I got very sick both times. I was analyzing what happened and how to succeed in the future, and I realized there were unloving moments at the gathering that left an emotional depletion. The high-fat processed food was suddenly irritable at that moment. My mind became obsessive and there was nothing else I could focus on or think about until I ate it...... the technique: I realized when I get in that state, I need to leave the gathering - either temporarily, or completely and get away from the food. I need to take a moment to be with my emotions and see if I can comfort them immediately outside, or if I need to leave all together and go comfort them at home. But either way, it is a lot like an alcoholic needing to leave a party because alcohol is served. It's real. The addiction and compulsion. Another key is to be well-fed before going.
Thanks Rich and Chef AJ! GREAT pod cast. Informational and inspiring!!!
Thank you
Just discovered the RR podcasts and I must say, I'm an addict 😀 AJ is such a charismatic person, so likeable and she's been through a lot. Thanks to both of you for sharing and inspiring people.
Awesome! This will be a good stroll tonight, can't wait.
Thanks Rich!
A stroll with the Roll!
Yes 😁
It was a glorious evening.
Thank you very much for sharing your very personal story with us. You're such an inspiration 🤘
✌️❤️🌏
Thanks for reconnecting with AJ. I found your presentation uplifting and got me back on track! Thank you!
Chef Aj...you are a BEAUTIFUL SOUL!!! Thanks for sharing your story! This was the best Rich Roll interview I have watched!!! Love you AJ!!!!!xoxoxox
Thank you
Chef AJ, your courage to share is amazing, I am empathic and felt you pain telling this story. I have such respect for you and how you picked yourself up and help other people. Your an amazing light in the world, wishing you continued shining 🙏❤ love your show Rich Roll. Thank you for all you have taught me🙏
Who in the world is giving these two inspirations a thumbs down????? Love you two and thanks for all you do!!!! #Vegandrew
Probably my brother and sister! :)
Haha! 🤣
those who know the are right and don't want to face it.....
It would be probably someone that knows they will be losing money from spreading plant based message 😂
Yeah, year's ago I gave my sister Dr Esselstyn's book. She took it to her cardiologist and the guy said Dr Es is a quack. She suffered her second heart attack a month ago. I don't even bother to mention anything about plant based eating.
Speaks to me and my fabulous family history. Jones reunion in KY.
Incredible.!!! Best interview so far.
Thank you
What a show! What a show! Chef AJ I am blown away by your story and inspired by your insights. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing. My admiration for what you have accomplished continues to grow. And I’m taking your words to heart and applying them in my own life. I’m on the right path now and I’m thankful you are there walking it with me.