134: From Aerospace Engineering to Health Coaching: (Julie Davis’ Plant-Based Transformation)

Americans consume over 60% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a study published in The BMJ. Julie Davis, a former aerospace engineer, was once among them. Fueled by fast food, sugary coffees, and Coke floats, her diet left her feeling decades older than her age. She had no idea the profound impact her food choices were having on her health—until a series of eye-opening moments set her on a transformative journey.

A Diet of Fast Food and Fatigue

Julie’s health struggles began in her early 20s while working as an airplane refueler at an airport. Living on burgers, fries, and ice cream sodas, she found herself constantly fatigued despite her active lifestyle. “I was 21 years old but felt like I was 80,” Julie recalls. Hiking, a passion of hers, became a chore as she struggled to muster the energy for even short trails.

Years later, as a busy engineer, she attempted to shed extra pounds through fad diets and SlimFast shakes but found no lasting success. “I thought I was the unlucky sister, the one who was just big-boned,” Julie says. It wasn’t until 2008, when she stumbled upon Food Revolution by John Robbins at a vegan diner, that the pieces began to fall into place.

Opening Her Eyes to a New Way of Living

Robbins’ book introduced Julie to the environmental and ethical implications of food choices, sparking her curiosity to learn more. Over the years, she devoured resources like Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals, the documentary Forks Over Knives, and works by plant-based experts like Dr. Michael Greger and Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

Despite her growing knowledge, Julie didn’t fully commit to a plant-based lifestyle right away. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to make a permanent change. Motivated by a desire to protect her family’s health, she transitioned from “80% vegan” to 100% plant-based, and the results were life-changing.

From Engineer to Plant-Based Health Coach

Julie’s transformation didn’t stop at her personal life. After leaving her engineering career to raise her children, she began exploring ways to turn her passion for plant-based living into a career. Returning to school, she earned a Master’s degree in lifestyle health sciences and coaching, equipping herself with the tools to help others achieve their health goals.

Today, Julie Davis Coaching focuses on women aged 40 and older, guiding them through a 12-week transition to plant-based eating. Her approach emphasizes gradual, sustainable changes, starting with simple habits like modifying breakfast and building a supportive environment.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[01:15] The vegan journey begins with a rock bottom on food.
[03:45] Weight was the added burden.
[06:15] The pandemic shutdowns were a turning point.
[09:30] How coaching unfolded.
[14:00] Drive is not the same as action.
[18:45] The healthy choice has to be the easy choice.
[24:30] Formula for relating to coaching clients.
[28:00] Aging backwards.
[32:00] Formula for minimizing osteoporosis