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.
Preventing Disease Through Plant-Based Eating
For Julie, coaching is about more than weight loss—it’s about preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. “Most people come to me for weight loss, but what we’re really doing is preventing disease,” she explains. Her method combines practical dietary advice with behavioral coaching to help clients uncover their deeper motivations.
Julie’s coaching also addresses the societal and family dynamics that often complicate lifestyle changes. Whether navigating unsupportive households or social events, she teaches clients to stay consistent and confident in their choices.
Aging with Vitality: Breaking the Myths
Julie challenges the belief that aging means losing vitality. She cites Dr. Michael Greger’s How Not to Age, emphasizing that a whole-food, plant-based diet can help individuals maintain energy, bone health, and mental clarity well into their senior years. “You can almost age backwards if you’re giving yourself the right fuel,” Julie says.
She encourages her clients to focus on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, tofu, and whole grains while avoiding acidic, processed foods that contribute to conditions like osteoporosis. “The answer is simple: whole, unprocessed plants,” she says.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Health
Julie Davis’s journey from aerospace engineer to plant-based coach is proof of the transformative power of food. Her story inspires others to take control of their health by starting with small, manageable changes.
“Educate yourself,” Julie advises. “Don’t take your doctor’s word for it—read everything you can, watch documentaries, and be open to learning.”
Her message is clear: The path to health begins with what you put on your plate. By taking charge of your diet, you can transform your body, mind, and life for the better.
To learn more about Julie Davis and her coaching services, visit www.JulieDavisCoaching.com.
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
About Julie Davis
Julie Davis is a certified Health and Wellness Coach with a deep passion for empowering women over 40 to achieve sustainable, healthy weight loss through plant-based nutrition. As the founder of Julie Davis Coaching, LLC, she offers a comprehensive program that combines online courses, group coaching, and personalized one-on-one sessions, all designed to guide clients toward their health goals. Julie holds a master’s degree in Lifestyle Health Sciences and Coaching from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, as well as a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the prestigious T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell. She is also a certified Health and Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches.
Before transitioning into the health and wellness space, Julie’s first career was in aerospace engineering, where she worked as a systems engineer. This background has given her a unique perspective, teaching her the importance of a systems approach to problem-solving. Julie integrates this mindset into her coaching by considering the big picture—acknowledging that health and well-being are influenced not just by individual habits, but by the environments in which we live, work, and play. She understands that lasting behavior change is difficult and often requires adapting to challenging external factors.
Having experienced her own health transformation, Julie’s journey from a junk food omnivore to a committed whole-food vegan has spanned nearly 20 years. This personal evolution has fueled her conviction in the power of plant-based eating to prevent disease, promote vibrant health, and enhance overall quality of life. She’s passionate about helping others embrace the potential of a plant-strong diet, assisting clients in shifting from living in fear of illness to living life with joy, vitality, and anticipation of what’s possible.
Julie’s coaching philosophy blends practical culinary instruction with behavior change science, helping her clients overcome barriers and build healthy, sustainable habits. Her mission is to guide women toward achieving their ideal weight, improving their health, and living their best lives with the support of plant-based nutrition and personalized coaching strategies.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.