We’re honored by the many experts, teachers, and speakers that will be joining us for the March 2015 cruise. To celebrate those voices, we’ll be running a short series of presenter interviews.

Devoted to a plant-based diet for over 36 years, Chef AJ is a chef, culinary instructor, professional speaker, and author. Chef AJ is author of the popular book Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight. She holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University and is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Based in L.A. and never content to leave her audience with mere “just do it” advice, Chef AJ teaches how to create meals to transform your health, how to deal with cravings and food addiction, and how to address the emotional side of eating. Click here for a full list of Chef AJ’s classes.

1) When did you first realize that it’s important to prioritize your health?

On January 1, 2003, I woke up bleeding profusely. Turned out I had precancerous polyps in my colon. Even though I had been vegan for 26 years, I was eating a junk food vegan diet, not a healthy one.

2) What one change would you suggest for someone just getting started on their journey to having a healthier life?

EAT MORE VEGETABLES!!! Americans eat over 92% of their calories from animal products and processed foods and less than 10% from fruits and vegetables. Hardly anyone is eating enough veggies.

3) Who are some of your influences?

In alphabetical order they are Dr. Colin Campbell, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Alan Goldhamer, Dr. Doug Lisle, and Dr. John McDougall.

4) What do you see as the future of healthy living?

More people going plant-based for their health, which is also better for the planet and all the critters that inhabit it.

5) What do you think are the ingredients for a life well lived?

Eating a healthy plant-based diet, getting adequate exercise and enough sleep, and helping other people.

6) What healthy eating trends excite you the most?

The kale craze. Not that there’s anything particularly special about kale but it’s getting people to eat more veggies!!!

7) Can you provide 3 or 4 tips for dealing with cravings?

Again, eating vegetables, especially the dark green leafy ones. They are almost magical that way. They literally reduce your cravings for unhealthy junk like flour and sugar products, especially of you start your day with them.

1) Eat more vegetables.
2) Eat them for breakfast.
3) Avoid all processed foods, especially sugar, flour, and oil.
4) Reduce or eliminate salt. The more salt you eat, the more food you eat and the more you will crave the opposite, which is sweet.

Consider joining Chef AJ and a host of amazing presenters on the 2015 cruise. Click here for more information on the cruise, including rates, ports, and more .