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We had the pleasure of speaking with Ronnie Penn about his military service, his work as a chef and coach, and what a day on the water means to him. We hope you enjoy this discussion. |
Thanks for your service, Ronnie. We are honored to speak with you today. Could you start by sharing a little about your background? What inspired you to enlist, and when did you begin your military journey?
I grew up wanting to do something bigger than myself, and the Marine Corps gave me that opportunity. I was drafted in 2004 and deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraq for the liberation of Iraq and Afghanistan from 2012 to 2014. Later, I opened a new Chapter when I looked too deep into food. The service taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork – qualities I carry with me in everything I do today.
How did you spend your time in the military situation you are in today? Is there anything in particular about your service that you would like to share?
The military taught me to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly. Whether it’s shipping overseas or working with my fellow travelers, I’ve learned how much impact food, mindset, and discipline can have on performance and behavior. Those lessons shaped who I am now – not only as a veteran, but also as a coach helping others take control of their lives.
Were there habits or convictions from your military experience that helped in your transition to a plant-based lifestyle or in your work today as a coach?
Two habits stuck with me: Structure and accountability. On the water, all the details matter. That same mindset helps me stick to diets, training schedules, and coaching clients. It made the transition to a plant-based diet easier because I was used to planning ahead and being intentional about what I put in my body.
He talked about health problems that arose during the competition, which led to a change to a plant-based diet. What symptoms did you experience at the time, and what physical or medical changes did you notice after the change?
When I competed in bodybuilding, I pushed my body Hard – Lots of animal protein, supplements, and restricted foods. Over time, I developed digestive issues and chronic fatigue. The shift to a whole foods, plant-based diet has changed everything. My digestion improved, and my energy returned. It was eye opening to see how quickly the body can heal when you give it the right fuel.
Are you experiencing challenges finding or preparing plant-based meals during active duty? How did you make it work in that area?
At the time, options for plants were limited, especially for shipping. I loaded up on oatmeal, beans, rice, fruits, and vegetables whenever I could, and I had to be creative, too. I learned how to make simple meals with what was available, and creativity came into my role as a chef.
Was there an especially memorable reaction from your travelers or peers when you introduced them to plant-based food as a coast guard chef?
At first, my attendees were skeptical. But when I started cooking savory dishes, like lentil swedes, veggie burritos, or black burgers, they were amazed at how plant-based food can be. I still remember one member of the group saying, “I didn’t miss the meat.” Moments like these have shown me how powerful food can be in changing perceptions.
Become a spokesperson for herbal supplements in high performance clothing. Were there any particular studies or sources that informed or strengthened your decisions?
Dr. Greger’s work and NutritionFacts.org have had a huge impact on me. I also relied on research from the physician committee on medicine (PCRM) and publications such as A Chinese lesson. Seeing the science behind it convinced me that a plant-based diet wasn’t just something you liked; Evidence was based. Also, Netflix documentaries What is life and Forks over knives they also had the highest influence.
In your opinion, how can education be a whole plant food can be a way forward for people to achieve a better life?
Education is the key. When people learn to prepare whole foods from plants in simple, tasty ways, it takes away the intimidation factor. When they realized how it could lower blood pressure, improve energy, and even prevent chronic disease, it clicked. Food in learning to eat is one of the most powerful tools we have for better health.
Please tell us about your online personal training program and application. What inspired you to start these projects, and how does it help you reach more people with your message?
I started my online fitness training because I wanted to reach people beyond the gym. Not everyone can afford a trainer, but most people have a smartphone. Through my training app, I offer meal plans, exercise routines, and meal lists with test-answer-ins. It’s a way to measure what I do – to help people take small, daily steps towards a healthier life.
Finally, what does veterans day mean to you? Is there anything you would like to share with your fellow veterans?
Veterans day is a moment of reflection for me. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of those who served, and reminding themselves to live in a way that makes that service meaningful. I want to encourage other veterans to take care of themselves, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally and emotionally. We served our country; Now is the time to serve yourself by living a healthy and meaningful life.
To learn more about Ronnie, visit his website:
