I wrote a poem a few years back that I wanted to include in the presentation, but knew I would not be able to read it without tearing up. So I thought I would share it here for more context: There was once a big girl Who wished that she were thin Without a clue just how to change Or where she could begin Wishing did not make it so There was SO much weight to lose It felt beyond impossible Until she learned to choose To focus thoughts deliberately To reign in the Hangry monster To learn to like to exercise To rise, to fight, to conquer Backbone strained each single day But the strength is there within To lovingly release the big girl Who wished that she were thin

I switched my eating to Whole Food Plant Based because of Rondi in August 2020 and haven't gone back.

Watching while eating a steamed head of purple cabbage, a pound of strawberries and 6oz of blueberries. After only eating vegetables and Yukon gold potatoes for a few weeks, all these berries taste like straight candy. Feels like a huge relapse. If only eating vegetables and potatoes puts me in this magical world where berries every now and then feels like a crazy splurge, it’s worth it. When you find yourself in heaven, just stay put. Every other place will feel like hell. Heaven may get boring, being all heavenly all the time, but boring heaven beats exciting hell 👊🏼 Feeling more than enough comfort from these berries.

I LOVE that the mental work was addressed - so important; the setting of realistic expectations, changing self talk, the small sustainable changes, changing one thing at a time, making choices. Loved the honesty and openness regarding the food choices at the beginning, the middle and currently. Such a great conversation after a really good presentation.

I love her transparency and how genuine Rondi is. She is very inspirational. Often it feels like there is lots of judgement from people who have kept the weight off. She is very vulnerable about the way she really feels and it is actually very encouraging to give it a try, and continue day by day. Very human. Thank you Rondi 🌟🌺

Started the Ultimate Weight Loss program in January and what a joy to include carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes rice, etc and enjoy eating because of the carbs and in 35 days, lost 22lbs and improved health.

I really enjoyed the "Dear Diary." So relatable and kind of on the humorous side at the same time. Also, what a great accomplishment that Rondi Neuven lost over 200 pounds.

This is a fantastic presentation! Chef AJ thank you for featuring Rondi who is shining the lite on the importance of mind set to face the “life between the plates” of WFPB. 👏👏👏💫

I l-o-v-e her presentation and transparency…the struggle is real.

Love this! You did this with small sustainable changes and you weren't an overnight wfpb eater. Bravo!

Thanks for a great interview. From SK as well. You should have a chat with Chef AJ about what REAL cold feels like.

This was a great interview, thank you both 🥰!

I actually started my 100-pound weight loss midway through Covid. As strong extroverts, it was easy because we couldn't eat out.

So I don’t eat any sugary foods any longer. I used to eat a couple of giant Hershey bars and a couple of glasses of milk, but I find that if I don, don’t eat the sugary stuff I’m good and as long as I don’t have it in my house I’m even better.

Great presentation Chef AJ and Rondi,💞🇨🇦

What a great interview full of inspiration and hope! So many people will be helped. Thanks for being so very honest!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 (Chef AJ’s outfit is fabulous!)

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful story. Your story could change so many lives! Congratulations! ❤️😘

Thanks! From another Saskatchewanian here ❤

I wish I had a support system like you.

Self talk really worked for her and I understand that because I talk to myself so much I get sick of my voice, but each of us has to do what works for us

Grew up on a farm as well. Thanks tor pointing out the struggles with converting. Also have a mom who struggles greatly with weight and food addiction and am trying to show her the benefits of being Whole Foods plant based. Will send this to her! Also, this woman’s voice is so soothing and animated. She needs to do voice work like audible or something. 👌

I love this girl because she is so real and inspirational❤️

So happy to hear this calorie restriction will ease in a few years!!!

Two lovely women!🌹 Thank you both for sharing and for the encouragement!❣️🙏

Thank you, Rondi, for being so open and honest. Your story mimics mine in so many ways!!!❤❤

This is Excellent!! I would purchase the T Shirt❤Thank you for being so honest and inspiring! I would love your shirt and hat also Chef AJ is it one of a kind?❤You are also always inspiring and a great hostess ❤

Thank you chef Aj! Great interview ( I’m sure you weren’t doing everything wrong❤ in your coaching!)

Funny how KZfaq runs Arby's commercials during this.

Maintenance is so much harder. I’ve been able to lose in the past. Keeping it off has been my struggle.

Amazing accomplishment. Congrats on getting the message.

Very entertaining presentation.

Wonderful program, learned so much!!

Rondi is such an inspiration!

I love Rondi! And her presentation of the blog entries was fantastic! Concerning sugar: I find my sugar cravings being satisfied when I have a juicy medjoul date - or two 😂

My addiction: Lean Cuisine Vermont Macaroni and Cheese. My first step to healing is admission. 🙄

I’m reading “The Hunger Habit” to study the mental aspect. Not sure yet what I think about the authors message but worth exploring.

I started having Diet Coke so in dint drink beer or wine 🍷. It’s working but I have 2 glasses so this week I’m only doing one then no more . I have tryed tea n lots of water but they don’t work as well . I’m plant based no sos but do wine 😢

Did you get them??? Sadly, It’s not grape season for a little while 😔. I personally wouldn’t by ocean spray…… but I’m a fruit snob, lol

TRY MORE RAW... Juicing helps a lot

❤❤❤