Let me introduce you to a very special client of mine: Jessica Yoder. We started working together just a month ago, and already she has made life-changing discoveries! Jess is an incredible woman: courageous, committed, willing, creative, strong, adventurous, and very kind. She dreams of being a health coach herself, sharing the gifts of vibrant wellness with others (she’s already begun with her own family), and I have no doubt she will fulfill that dream sooner than she realizes! I want you to hear directly from her, so here is Jess’s unedited guest post:

“Mission: Elimination Diet for 7 days
Avoid: Wheat, corn, dairy, tomatoes, soy, eggs
Goal: To identify food allergies

Chloe’ has been guiding me through an elimination diet that was intended to last 7 days. No wheat, corn, dairy, tomatoes, soy or eggs! On the days following that intial timeframe, one food was to be added back per day, eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, while carefully recording any symptoms or reactions in a food journal. I could say YES to all meat, nuts, beans, fish, seafood, most grains, fruits, veggies, and rice or almond milk.

Without any proper diagnosis from traditional doctors & specialists, I had been progressively feeling worse for at least 3 years, although symptoms began long before that. They ranged from an itchy skin rash that would “break out”, dermatologist said it was ecsema and offered a steroid pill that I refused. Swollen hands & face. Insomnia and hot flashes. Itchiness around my mouth. Fatigue; any activity made me so tired. Depression & anxiety, some of which was hormonal after having 2 babies within 2 years. Cloudy thinking and poor memory. My family doctor ran some tests and then sent me to a stomach specialist for constant pressure in my stomach along with pain, bloating, a strong heartbeat feeling in my upper stomach area that felt hard to the touch when pressed on with fingertips. That specialist suggested more pills to combat the symptoms, which I refused. Daily, every single day, I would try to figure out what was making me feel so sick & tired. I felt strongly about going a natural route to health, that pills were not the answer, and suspected it could be food related but had no clue how to go about this. A college friend referred me to Chloe.

After our initial one-hour, free consultation over the phone this spring, Chloe’ said, “I think I can help you.” With her coaching, I have taken on the Elimination Diet and personally extended it because I feel so great! I don’t want it to end! Not only am I eliminating foods that I discover have been making me sick, but I’m adding in greens & whole grains, and finding local organic farms to purchase fruits, veggies & meats. And in addition, she has encouraged me to re-connect with some acquaintances, reminding me to take time for deepening friendships. I began taking piano lessons and I’m a 30 year old wife & mother of 2 children! In this process, I’ve lost 10 pounds, and I only began a month ago.

So, within two days of beginning the Elimination Diet, the insomnia and hot flashes stopped. My hands & face stopped swelling and itching. Those pains in my stomach have gone away. I have more energy and brightness of thought & memory. I’ve discovered that wheat and dairy, possibly corn & tomatoes as well, have been making me sick from food allergies that I never knew I had! What a relief to finally know how to eat well to be well. There is a world of grains and greens and good food beyond the things I had grown up eating. I am re-learning how to cook and dedicating time and energy to practicing.

Greens all dressed up

Spinach & Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients: raisins, garlic, onions, curry, sea salt, olive oil, spinach, sweet potatoes, and green beans. served over brown rice.

Although it hasn’t been easy, I have seen & felt instant results from following through with Chloe’s advice for my specific experience with food. Her generous and selfless support, sharing of knowledge and guidance in this journey has been essential. I give thanks to God for putting her in my path, and allowing me to finally taste the satisfaction of living symptom-free.”

Signed Jessica Yoder.

THANK YOU, Jess! I couldn’t be more proud of you. ~Chloe*