We had the pleasure of speaking with Ronnie Penn about his navy service, his work as a chef and a coach, and what Veterans Day means to him. We hope you take pleasure in this interview. |  |
Thanks in your service, Ronnie. We’re honored to talk with you at the moment. Are you able to begin by sharing a bit about your background? What impressed you to enlist, and when did your navy journey start?
I grew up desirous to serve one thing larger than myself, and the Marine Corps gave me that chance. I enlisted in 2004 and deployed to Iraq throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan from 2012 to 2014. Later, I served within the Coast Guard as a chef, which opened an entire new chapter in how I seemed deeper into diet. Service taught me self-discipline, resilience, and the significance of teamwork—qualities I carry into all the things I do at the moment.
How did your time within the navy form who you’re at the moment? Is there something specifically about your service that you just wish to share?
The navy taught me to remain calm below strain and adapt shortly. Whether or not it was on deployment abroad or working with my shipmates within the galley, I realized how a lot influence meals, mindset, and self-discipline can have on efficiency and morale. These classes formed who I’m now—not solely as a veteran, but in addition as a coach who helps others take management of their well being.
Had been there any habits or disciplines out of your navy expertise that helped in your transition to plant-based dwelling or in your work at the moment as a coach?
Two habits caught with me: construction and accountability. Within the Marines, each element mattered. That very same mindset helps me follow meal prep, coaching schedules, and training purchasers. It additionally made the transition to plant-based consuming simpler as a result of I used to be already used to planning forward and being intentional about what I put into my physique.
You’ve spoken about well being points that arose throughout competitors prep, which in the end led you to change to a plant-based food plan. What signs have been you experiencing on the time, and what bodily or medical modifications did you discover after the transition?
Once I was competing in bodybuilding, I pushed my physique laborious—a number of animal protein, dietary supplements, and restrictive weight-reduction plan. Over time, I developed digestive points and fixed fatigue. Switching to an entire meals, plant-based food plan modified all the things. My digestion improved, and my vitality got here again. It was eye-opening to see how shortly the physique can heal whenever you give it the correct gasoline.
Did you encounter any challenges accessing or getting ready plant-based meals throughout lively service? How did you make it work in that setting?
Again then, plant-based choices have been restricted, particularly on deployment. I loaded up on oatmeal, beans, rice, fruits, and greens every time I may, and I needed to get artistic, too. I realized make easy meals with what was accessible, and that creativity carried into my function as a chef within the Coast Guard.
Had been there any significantly memorable reactions out of your shipmates or friends whenever you launched them to plant-based meals as a chef within the Coast Guard?
At first, my shipmates have been skeptical. However as soon as I began cooking hearty meals, like lentil stews, veggie burritos, or black bean burgers, they have been stunned by how satisfying plant-based meals might be. I nonetheless keep in mind one crew member saying, “I didn’t even miss the meat.” Moments like that confirmed me how highly effective meals will be in altering perceptions.
You’ve change into a vocal advocate for plant-based consuming in high-performance settings. Are there any specific research or sources that knowledgeable or bolstered your selections?
The work of Dr. Greger and NutritionFacts.org has had a big impact on me. I additionally leaned on analysis from the Physicians Committee for Accountable Medication (PCRM) and books like The China Research. Seeing the science laid out gave me confidence {that a} plant-based food plan wasn’t simply private choice; it was evidence-based. Additionally, the Netflix documentaries What the Well being and Forks Over Knives have been additionally extraordinarily efficient influences.
In your opinion, how can schooling about getting ready entire plant meals be a path ahead for folks to realize higher well being?
Training is the important thing. When folks learn to put together entire plant meals in easy, tasty methods, it removes the intimidation issue. As soon as they see the way it can decrease blood strain, enhance vitality, and even forestall continual illness, it clicks. Meals literacy is among the strongest instruments we have now for higher well being.
Please inform us about your on-line private coaching program and app. What impressed you to begin these initiatives, and the way do they provide help to attain extra folks together with your message?
I began my on-line health teaching as a result of I needed to succeed in folks past the gymnasium. Not everybody can afford a coach, however most individuals have a smartphone. By means of my coaching app, I present meal plans, exercise routines, and a grocery record with accountability check-ins. It’s a option to scale what I do—serving to folks take small, each day steps towards a more healthy life.
Lastly, what does Veterans Day imply to you? Is there something you wish to share together with your fellow veterans?
Veterans Day is a second of reflection for me. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of those that served, in addition to reminding myself to stay in a method that makes that service significant. I wish to encourage different veterans to handle themselves, not simply bodily, however mentally and emotionally, too. We served our nation; now it’s time to serve ourselves by dwelling wholesome and purposeful lives.
To be taught extra about Ronnie, go to his web site: https://www.ronniepenn.com/
