“Audrey, there is nothing more I can do for you, there’s something deep going on here, you need to find the root cause of your sinus infections.” This was the response I got from the best PA I had the privilege to work with shortly after my second baby was born. Her kindness, care, humility, and honesty is something I have not been able to find again in the allopathic healthcare system. At that time I was only in my 20’s, struggling with chronic infections and an overall weakened immune system. My glands were always swollen, gut crampy and bloated, and anxiety attacks were the norm. The amount of Dr. visits and prescription drugs prescribed to treat the symptoms for so many years were lost track of, and my body was still sick. According to everyone who knew me I was the healthiest person they knew–a passionate healthy eater and athlete. It was then I began to question everything:
Why am I so sick when I am doing everything I was taught to do to be healthy including; following the government nutrition guidelines, exercising, drinking water, and sleeping…
What is my body trying to tell me?
Why was I given so many prescription drugs?
What started this all?
Is this my destiny?
What other options do I have?
What is TRUE health and how can I find it?
What will help my body heal?
Why is it always so hard to maintain my weight?
And my favorite question which led me here today: Who decides what is the best way to eat, why and how?
While I will carry with me some damage and side effects from all those years of avoiding addressing the root cause, I will never keep my answers to myself in hopes to help as many people as possible.
My body was struggling because I numbed, ignored, and avoided the signals it was giving me.
My body was frustrated because I was looking externally for quick fixes instead of internally for guidance.
My body was confused because I kept giving it what it wasn’t asking for.
My body was sick because my gut, and therefore mind and spirit, needed copious amounts of care.
As it turns out, there is a much better way to eat and live to avoid chronic infections and thrive as a healthy and happy human being–what works for me may not work for another, but involves getting back to the basics of nature! This discovery was utterly liberating and paved the way for utilizing the coach approach to bridge the gap in the healthcare system. The body is healthy by default and working hard to stay in it’s happiest state every single day!
Nutrition, health, and wellness coaching focuses on habit, behavior, and mindset change, only possible when trust in a relationship with a professional is built. It takes time and patience to build awareness, set realistic goals and action steps, and to change from the inside out. Every story and life is unique just as every plant, animal, and detail of creation. I wouldn’t want it to be any other way.
Vegan Lemon Lentil Salad
By Audrey Byker Health Coach
This lemon lentil salad is a tasty meat free/vegan meal prep lunch, high in protein and fiber!
1 cup dried lentils, cooked and drained
1 cup baby yellow tomatoes, diced
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil diced
1/2 red onion diced
1/2 cup red pepper, diced
½ cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted
Lemon Dressing
1 lemon juiced
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp raw honey
2 Tbsp dijon mustard
3 Tbls olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
Prepare lentils then chill
Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and whisk. Dice all of your vegetables fine, and add them to a bowl with the lentils, along with the sunflower seeds, if using. Drizzle the dressing over top and enjoy.
