The Plantpower Way: From Fast Food to Vibrant Health

From Cheeseburgers to Ultramarathons: Rich Roll’s Transformation

In 2006, Rich Roll was a 40-year-old lawyer struggling with obesity, addiction, and a sedentary lifestyle. One night, after barely making it up a flight of stairs without gasping for air, he had an epiphany: If I don’t change now, I might not live to see my kids grow up.  

Determined to reclaim his health, Rich ditched processed foods, alcohol, and meat—embracing a whole-food, plant-based diet. Within months, he lost 50 pounds, gained boundless energy, and did the unthinkable: he became an ultra-endurance athlete. Just two years later, he completed the EPIC5 Challenge—five Ironman-distance triathlons on five Hawaiian islands in under a week—earning him a spot among Men’s Fitness’s "25 Fittest Guys in the World" .  

But Rich’s transformation wasn’t just physical. It sparked a mission—to prove that plant-powered living isn’t just for elite athletes but for everyone, especially families.  

Julie Piatt: The Healing Power of Plants

Meanwhile, Rich’s wife, Julie Piatt, had her own awakening. After being diagnosed with a supposedly incurable thyroid cyst, she refused surgery and instead turned to plant-based nutrition, meditation, and holistic healing. Miraculously, the cyst disappeared—a story she later shared in interviews, inspiring thousands .  

Julie, a chef and artist, began crafting delicious, nutrient-dense meals that even their four kids loved. From creamy cashew cheeses to protein-packed energy bars, she proved that vegan food could be indulgent, satisfying, and family-friendly.  

The Birth of The Plantpower Way

As Rich’s fame grew (thanks to his bestselling memoir Finding Ultra and top-ranked podcast), fans kept asking: What do you actually eat? How do you get your kids to love veggies?  

The answer came in 2015, when Rich and Julie released The Plantpower Way—a cookbook and lifestyle guide packed with 120+ recipes, stunning photography, and practical advice for busy families. Unlike other vegan cookbooks, this one wasn’t about deprivation but joyful abundance—showing how plant-based eating could be simple, delicious, and transformative.  

A Global Movement  

Today, the Plantpower movement has reached millions:  

- Plant Power Fast Food, a vegan drive-thru chain, serves cruelty-free burgers and shakes, proving that junk food can be healthy.  

- Plant Power Day (March 7) encourages people worldwide to try plant-based meals for health and sustainability .  

- Rich’s podcast and Julie’s cooking demos continue to inspire, showing that wellness isn’t just about food—it’s about community, purpose, and love. 

The Takeaway: Small Changes, Big Impact 

 
Rich and Julie’s story proves that radical transformation is possible—not through extreme diets but through consistent, loving choices. Whether you’re a parent, athlete, or fast-food lover, The Plantpower Way offers a roadmap to vibrant health—one delicious bite at a time.  

Want to try it? Start with their Ultra Energy Bars (packed with nuts, cacao, and goji berries) or swap dairy for oat milk in your coffee. Who knows? You might just discover your own plant-powered potential.  

Inspired? Dive deeper into AntonG’s journey in The Plantpower Way or listen to Rich’s podcast for more life-changing stories! 🌱💪