
Michele Olender is a Vegan Life Coach and Podcaster
As a vegan life coach, Michele provides specialized coaching for people new to plant-based eating or struggling to maintain a vegan diet. She obtained a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate through eCornell and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.
Additionally, Michele works with accomplished individuals in a variety of fields who are embarking on their next “big project.”
For more detailed information about Michele and the coaching she offers, continue reading below.
I NEVER thought that I could be vegan. I had ALL the doubts:
- I’m too old
- I’m too busy
- I travel for business and pleasure
- What will I cook?
- What will my family think?
- No one will ever invite me over again
- How will I get enough protein? What about calcium?
- What about my leather shoes and bags?
Ack!
And yet committing to a vegan practice in 2015 at age 56 was the single most powerful thing I have ever done.
Like most people, I was raised consuming all kinds of animal products. I raised my children more or less the same way. Even after I started moving toward veganism, I was an “Excusitarian” for a long time–I was vegan unless I had an excuse.
Why? Because I didn’t believe it was really possible for me. It took practice to turn my thoughts gradually but steadily toward what I would gain.
Once I made that commitment, though, I realized that one change made everything better: my health, my work, my relationships with others, and my relationship with myself.
Today I eat a wider variety of foods and enjoy what I eat more than ever before. I’ve learned that a plant-based diet is never about restriction, but rather about freedom and compassion.
All of this is why I KNOW I can help you on your vegan or plant-based journey.
“All results in your life start in your mind. Using your brain to manage your mind can be challenging and that's where a coach can come in and make all the difference. All of the most successful people I know get coaching regularly."
Brooke Castillo
As a certified life coach, I’m committed to helping people limit or eliminate the consumption of animal products and create a vegan/vegetarian/whole food plant-based practice. On my Vedge Your Best podcast I share ideas that encourage listeners to choose a big goal and start right where they are with what they have.
My 8-week coaching program will put you on a path toward reaching whatever goal you’ve chosen. Over weekly Zoom calls and with email support in between, I’ll help you decide what you want and then give you the tools to make it happen. All the decisions are yours; I’ll be here to help you Vedge Your Best!
In 2020 I successfully completed both the Plant Based Nutrition Certificate Program through Cornell University and the Life and Weight Coaching Program from The Life Coach School. I hold a BA in Russian from Smith College and an MA in the History of Art from the University of Massachusetts.
My “impossible goal” is to encourage a million people to move towards veganism by coaching individuals one-on-one; sharing encouragement on my weekly podcast, Vedge Your Best; creating vegan challenges; and partnering with vegetarian and sustainable startups, side gigs, communities and thought leaders.
No, I do not only work with vegans. Most of my clients DO resonate with veganism or plant-based living, but it is not always their primary focus.
Life Coaching is the most powerful and efficient process I know to create change, build new habits and get excited about your life. My mission is to bring the best tools I know to support you as you work toward achieving your goal, no matter what that goal is.
Want to know more? Book yourself into my calendar for a free call so we can talk about the results you want.


