Chef AJ: From Fat Vegan to Skinny Bitch

Have a question, a helpful tip, or a story from your journey? Add it below - your voice matters.

1. 

   Kat says:

   May 22, 2026

   My challenge is depression, when I am depressed I don’t care about what’s good for me. Puts me at 70% of the time I’m ok. But the 30% is killing me. The inflammation has made it difficult to walk. I can’t stand to sign up to your program and just fail. What hope do you offer?

   Reply
1. Admin

   

   Heather McDougall says:

   May 28, 2026

   Thank you for being so honest. You are definitely not alone in this. Many people struggle to care about their health when they are depressed or overwhelmed, and that cycle can feel exhausting. Please do not think of needing support as failure. That is exactly why we created both our Community and our 12-Day Program. The goal is not perfection — it is learning how to keep returning to simple habits and simple meals, even after difficult days. Many people come into the program feeling discouraged, inflamed and convinced they are going to fail again. What often changes things is finally not trying to do it alone anymore. You do not have to do this perfectly forever. You just have to start with the next meal.
2. 

   Kat Christensen says:

   September 5, 2026

   I’m ready to join. I had a heart attack 3 days ago. The pain was horrible. Like an elephant on my chest. They put a stint in the right side of my heart. and still have more blockage. And talking about open-heart surgery to remove the blockage. So I’m ready to eat healthy. To clean out the Junk. Already told the family don’t bring pizza in this house. Do not bring ice cream in this house. I am worth more and I don’t need the temptations of things that want to hurt my body. I was on mcdougall for years and then the last couple of years and just totally went off and boy am I sorry. House is kind of busy right now with visitors. I’m thinking Monday to sign up and be ready to have the support I need. Thank you thank you all for staying strong and continuing to teach and reach us hardheaded once.

   Reply
1. Admin

   

   Heather McDougall says:

   September 19, 2026

   Hi Kat, I’m so sorry you went through such a frightening experience. I’m grateful you are here and ready to take care of yourself. You are absolutely worth it. We would love to have you join us. Our next program is getting underway now, with participants beginning their medical appointments and meeting their Support Specialists. The official classes begin October 9. If you enroll today, our team will reach out to help you get started. We would be very happy to support you through this next chapter. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before enrolling. You can reach me directly at heather@drmcdougall.com Heather