CHELSEA MAE

I'm Chelsea Mae.

Weird vegan mum, former serial dieter (even though I woudn't admit it), and founder of Lean with Plants! Passionate about helping women lose weight on a plant-based diet.

I'm super dorky, opinionated, and oh... I love statistics! That's why you won't hear me giving advice that isn't backed by science. And that's a scientific fact (um...).

I’m married to Nick, my best friend from high school (cue heart emoji). Together we live in New Zealand's Winterless North (north of the Shire and east of Narnia) with our two beautiful girls Riley and Morgan!

Losing 18kg (40 lbs.) in 2018 was a catalyst for so much inner growth and good. I started skateboarding, mastered a 4 am morning routine, and smashed my lifelong goal of doing 1 chin-up (my record is now 9).

Not everything is perfect though. Nick was diagnosed with MS in 2014 and I kinda cracked. That’s a story for another time, but you don’t have to have everything together to start improving small areas of your life… rather that’s the perfect time to start!

So where did my weight loss journey start?

CHELSEA MAE

I'm Chelsea Mae.

Weird vegan mum, former serial dieter (even though I woudn't admit it), and founder of Lean with Plants! Passionate about helping women lose weight on a plant-based diet.

I'm super dorky, opinionated, and oh... I love statistics! That's why you won't hear me giving advice that isn't backed by science. And that's a scientific fact (um...).

I’m married to Nick, my best friend from high school (cue heart emoji). Together we live in New Zealand's Winterless North (north of the Shire and east of Narnia) with our two beautiful girls Riley and Morgan!

Losing 18kg (40 lbs.) in 2018 was a catalyst for so much inner growth and good. I started skateboarding, mastered a 4 am morning routine, and smashed my lifelong goal of doing 1 chin-up (my record is now 9).

Not everything is perfect though. Nick was diagnosed with MS in 2014 and I kinda cracked. That’s a story for another time, but you don’t have to have everything together to start improving small areas of your life… rather that’s the perfect time to start!

So where did my weight loss journey start?

COACH JANELLE

Janelle is a 40-year-old mom of two teenagers, two cats and is married to her best friend.

She came to LWP, looking for hope after years of disordered eating, extreme dieting, and feeling stuck. Even after earning a health coach certification at one point, she still struggled with consistency and the pull of old habits. It wasn’t until she found Lean with Plants that everything clicked.

She realized she was not broken.

She went from client to Coach to Head Coach, fully committed to our mission of transforming lives. She says Lean with Plants changed her life, and being a part of this team carried her through one of the hardest physical seasons of her life. With determination and the support of her team and clients, she grew stronger, choosing to remain a hero, not a victim—a mindset we help other women embrace.

Being around women who are obsessed with growth, she kept going and even got certified as a Pilates instructor!

Determined to show women that movement is a gift. She believes every woman, regardless of size, age, or place in the journey, can start small and build strength from the inside out.

Grateful to be the example her daughter mirrors and empowering women to take ownership of their lives, break free from diet culture, and create lasting change through habits, community, and mindset shifts, they need to build a life they love.

COACH ABBIE

Abbie has been a devoted vegetarian for over 30 years

and her commitment to health took on new meaning in 2020 after losing both her parents to heart disease. With a family history of health challenges, Abbie turned to plant-based eating and the principles of calorie density to transform her own life.

By focusing on nutrient-dense, satisfying foods that naturally promote satiety and sustainable weight loss, she discovered the power of small, consistent habits.

As a certified health coach, meditation teacher, and breathwork practitioner, Abbie combines her expertise in mindfulness and nutrition to help her clients achieve not only a healthy weight but also a vibrant and balanced lifestyle.

Abbie is passionate about empowering women to embrace

plant-based eating as a sustainable and effective way to reach their health goals. She educates her clients on the principles of calorie density, showing them how to fill their plates with delicious, low-calorie, high-volume foods that leave them feeling satisfied and energized.

Her approach focuses on health first, with weight loss as a natural byproduct of nourishing the body and mind. Through personalized coaching, Abbie inspires her clients to invest in themselves, proving that with consistency, self-care, and a love for wholesome, plant-based foods, they can achieve lasting wellness and a life they truly enjoy.

DOMINIC

In 2021, Dominic faced a hard truth: despite years of trying, he was stuck, out of shape, frustrated, and overwhelmed by conflicting fitness advice. A former aspiring pro athlete, he struggled to turn his ambition into real, lasting results.

Determined to change, Dominic took full responsibility and dove deep into the science of transformation. After thousands of hours of research and testing, he cracked the code to building a lean, confident physique without sacrificing lifestyle or sanity.

Today, with his experience and expertise, Dominic serves as the gatekeeper and habits advisor for Lean With Plants, personally determining who is ready to join the program and designing the best strategy for their success. He evaluates each client’s unique situation, mindset, and goals, ensuring they are set up for lasting change.

Dominic’s approach focuses on cultivating the right habits and mindset, small, consistent actions that build momentum and lead to powerful transformations. His mission is to simplify the process and remove guesswork, empowering clients to finally embody the confidence, control, and vitality they deserve.

Dominic’s journey from frustration to breakthrough fuels his passion: if he can do it, so can you.

ERICA

Erica has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of seven, when her mother began bringing her to the gym. Growing up, Erica watched her mom — a single mother working two and sometimes three jobs — still prioritize her health and well-being. Her mom knew that caring for herself wasn’t selfish; it was essential to having the energy, strength, and mindset to raise her daughter and set an example of resilience and self-respect.

Erica has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of seven, when her mother began bringing her to the gym. Growing up, Erica watched her mom — a single mother working two and sometimes three jobs — still prioritize her health and well-being. Her mom knew that caring for herself wasn’t selfish; it was essential to having the energy, strength, and mindset to raise her daughter and set an example of resilience and self-respect.

That example shaped Erica’s lifelong commitment to health, wellness, and empowering women. Having personally experienced struggles with self-confidence, emotional eating following her parents’ divorce, and the impact of mental health challenges, Erica understands the deep connection between physical health and emotional well-being. She found her own confidence and mental clarity through working out, eating well, and learning to care for herself in a way that allowed her to show up fully for others.

With a professional background in the wellness industry, Erica has dedicated her career to helping women step into the highest version of themselves — women who know they are worthy, beautiful, and capable. She believes that prioritizing one’s own health is not only the foundation for personal fulfillment but also for serving others from a place of strength. As an advisor for Lean With Plants, Erica brings both her professional expertise and her personal journey to inspire and guide women to take up space in the world with confidence, energy, and purpose.

MOLLIE

I have been a health and fitness fanatic for most of my adult life, after having been a chubby teen with low self esteem and growing up on the Standard American Diet.

Once I found a healthy lifestyle and self image, I was hooked for life! I became a Personal Trainer and owned my own successful fitness studio for several years, while also raising a family. 

Once I entered my 50's, I started to notice a "candy coating" on my body that was making me realize something had to change.  I went to my doctor who told me "it is just menopause and there is nothing you can do about it." 

Needless to say, that was not a reasonable answer for me so I began to research and after watching a couple of documentaries on Whole Food Plant Based lifestyles, I flipped the switch overnight and never looked back. 

I discovered Lean With Plants early in my WFPB journey and quickly became obsessed with listening to every podcast and learning as much as I could. 

I had already lost weight due to changing to this lifestyle, but I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of a community of like-minded women to share ideas, stories, recipes, tips and tricks to make this lifestyle even more sustainable.  I also wanted accountability, which I gained immediately when I joined the 12-week program and started working with my Coach (Abbie). 

Upon entering the program, I thought I could lose 3-5 more lbs but ended up losing 10. Most importantly, I got my confidence back and knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this movement that Chelsea has created.  It was the best investment I have ever made for my health, without question.

Now I am thrilled to be able to help other women gain their confidence and live the healthy life they were meant to live!  I mean, who doesn't want to be able to eat sweet potatoes every day???

ANNIKA

Annika’s career in health and wellness spans over a decade, beginning with a degree in nutrition and exercise science and expanding into life coaching, meditation, kinesiology, and Human Design. Her path has taken her from hospitality and business ownership to coaching and teaching snowboarding on the slopes, giving her a unique understanding of how health integrates into every aspect of life.

After experiencing burnout and the frustration of inconsistent habits, Annika discovered the power of small, sustainable changes and tools that connect body, mind, and energy.

Today, she blends evidence-based nutrition and movement with mindset and emotional wellbeing strategies to help clients feel stronger, calmer, and more at home in their own skin.

Her mission is to strip away the confusion and overwhelm, guiding people toward a lifestyle where health feels natural, enjoyable, and deeply personal — because lasting change comes from the inside out.

COACH JANELLE

Janelle is a 40-year-old mom of two teenagers, two cats and is married to her best friend.

She came to LWP, looking for hope after years of disordered eating, extreme dieting, and feeling stuck. Even after earning a health coach certification at one point, she still struggled with consistency and the pull of old habits. It wasn’t until she found Lean with Plants that everything clicked.

She realized she was not broken.

She went from client to Coach to Head Coach, fully committed to our mission of transforming lives. She says Lean with Plants changed her life, and being a part of this team carried her through one of the hardest physical seasons of her life. With determination and the support of her team and clients, she grew stronger, choosing to remain a hero, not a victim—a mindset we help other women embrace.

Being around women who are obsessed with growth, she kept going and even got certified as a Pilates instructor!

Determined to show women that movement is a gift. She believes every woman, regardless of size, age, or place in the journey, can start small and build strength from the inside out.

Grateful to be the example her daughter mirrors and empowering women to take ownership of their lives, break free from diet culture, and create lasting change through habits, community, and mindset shifts, they need to build a life they love.

COACH ABBIE

Abbie has been a devoted vegetarian for over 30 years

and her commitment to health took on new meaning in 2020 after losing both her parents to heart disease. With a family history of health challenges, Abbie turned to plant-based eating and the principles of calorie density to transform her own life.

By focusing on nutrient-dense, satisfying foods that naturally promote satiety and sustainable weight loss, she discovered the power of small, consistent habits.

As a certified health coach, meditation teacher, and breathwork practitioner, Abbie combines her expertise in mindfulness and nutrition to help her clients achieve not only a healthy weight but also a vibrant and balanced lifestyle.

Abbie is passionate about empowering women to embrace

plant-based eating as a sustainable and effective way to reach their health goals. She educates her clients on the principles of calorie density, showing them how to fill their plates with delicious, low-calorie, high-volume foods that leave them feeling satisfied and energized.

Her approach focuses on health first, with weight loss as a natural byproduct of nourishing the body and mind. Through personalized coaching, Abbie inspires her clients to invest in themselves, proving that with consistency, self-care, and a love for wholesome, plant-based foods, they can achieve lasting wellness and a life they truly enjoy.

DOMINIC

In 2021, Dominic faced a hard truth: despite years of trying, he was stuck, out of shape, frustrated, and overwhelmed by conflicting fitness advice. A former aspiring pro athlete, he struggled to turn his ambition into real, lasting results.

Determined to change, Dominic took full responsibility and dove deep into the science of transformation. After thousands of hours of research and testing, he cracked the code to building a lean, confident physique without sacrificing lifestyle or sanity.

Today, with his experience and expertise, Dominic serves as the gatekeeper and habits advisor for Lean With Plants, personally determining who is ready to join the program and designing the best strategy for their success. He evaluates each client’s unique situation, mindset, and goals, ensuring they are set up for lasting change.

Dominic’s approach focuses on cultivating the right habits and mindset, small, consistent actions that build momentum and lead to powerful transformations. His mission is to simplify the process and remove guesswork, empowering clients to finally embody the confidence, control, and vitality they deserve.

Dominic’s journey from frustration to breakthrough fuels his passion: if he can do it, so can you.

ERICA

Erica has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of seven, when her mother began bringing her to the gym. Growing up, Erica watched her mom — a single mother working two and sometimes three jobs — still prioritize her health and well-being. Her mom knew that caring for herself wasn’t selfish; it was essential to having the energy, strength, and mindset to raise her daughter and set an example of resilience and self-respect.

Erica has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of seven, when her mother began bringing her to the gym. Growing up, Erica watched her mom — a single mother working two and sometimes three jobs — still prioritize her health and well-being. Her mom knew that caring for herself wasn’t selfish; it was essential to having the energy, strength, and mindset to raise her daughter and set an example of resilience and self-respect.

That example shaped Erica’s lifelong commitment to health, wellness, and empowering women. Having personally experienced struggles with self-confidence, emotional eating following her parents’ divorce, and the impact of mental health challenges, Erica understands the deep connection between physical health and emotional well-being. She found her own confidence and mental clarity through working out, eating well, and learning to care for herself in a way that allowed her to show up fully for others.

With a professional background in the wellness industry, Erica has dedicated her career to helping women step into the highest version of themselves — women who know they are worthy, beautiful, and capable. She believes that prioritizing one’s own health is not only the foundation for personal fulfillment but also for serving others from a place of strength. As an advisor for Lean With Plants, Erica brings both her professional expertise and her personal journey to inspire and guide women to take up space in the world with confidence, energy, and purpose.

MOLLIE

I have been a health and fitness fanatic for most of my adult life, after having been a chubby teen with low self esteem and growing up on the Standard American Diet.

Once I found a healthy lifestyle and self image, I was hooked for life! I became a Personal Trainer and owned my own successful fitness studio for several years, while also raising a family. 

I have been a health and fitness fanatic for most of my adult life, after having been a chubby teen with low self esteem and growing up on the Standard American Diet.

Once I found a healthy lifestyle and self image, I was hooked for life! I became a Personal Trainer and owned my own successful fitness studio for several years, while also raising a family. 

Once I entered my 50's, I started to notice a "candy coating" on my body that was making me realize something had to change.  I went to my doctor who told me "it is just menopause and there is nothing you can do about it." 

Needless to say, that was not a reasonable answer for me so I began to research and after watching a couple of documentaries on Whole Food Plant Based lifestyles, I flipped the switch overnight and never looked back. 

I discovered Lean With Plants early in my WFPB journey and quickly became obsessed with listening to every podcast and learning as much as I could. 

I had already lost weight due to changing to this lifestyle, but I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of a community of like-minded women to share ideas, stories, recipes, tips and tricks to make this lifestyle even more sustainable.  I also wanted accountability, which I gained immediately when I joined the 12-week program and started working with my Coach (Abbie). 

Upon entering the program, I thought I could lose 3-5 more lbs but ended up losing 10. Most importantly, I got my confidence back and knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this movement that Chelsea has created.  It was the best investment I have ever made for my health, without question.

Now I am thrilled to be able to help other women gain their confidence and live the healthy life they were meant to live!  I mean, who doesn't want to be able to eat sweet potatoes every day???

ANNIKA

Annika’s career in health and wellness spans over a decade, beginning with a degree in nutrition and exercise science and expanding into life coaching, meditation, kinesiology, and Human Design. Her path has taken her from hospitality and business ownership to coaching and teaching snowboarding on the slopes, giving her a unique understanding of how health integrates into every aspect of life.

After experiencing burnout and the frustration of inconsistent habits, Annika discovered the power of small, sustainable changes and tools that connect body, mind, and energy.

Today, she blends evidence-based nutrition and movement with mindset and emotional wellbeing strategies to help clients feel stronger, calmer, and more at home in their own skin. Her mission is to strip away the confusion and overwhelm, guiding people toward a lifestyle where health feels natural, enjoyable, and deeply personal — because lasting change comes from the inside out.