Do you know people who want to eat more whole, plant-based foods but don’t know how to do it successfully? Or who are struggling with digestive issues they can’t resolve?

Well, through my coaching programs, my busy clients learn to cook delicious, life-giving meals while spending less money on food and less time in the kitchen. I’m helping them resolve a variety of issues causing gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, you name it. As a result, they have more energy, think more clearly, and sleep more soundly.

In fact, my client Jenny learned to cook a variety of whole food, plant-based recipes, and loves it! She’s lost 25 lbs, lowered her cholesterol 35 points, and her doctor is no longer bugging her about taking statin drugs. She went from experiencing daily gas and bloating to having none at all. She has more energy, less brain fog, and sleeps soundly.

As a coach, I love helping my clients feel better using plants as medicine. My clients meet their weight goals, discover food sensitivities, balance blood sugar, resolve emotional eating, and soothe cravings. As a result, they feel balanced, sleep well, enjoy exercising, and eat to live. They recognize when their body is out of balance and know how to get it back in balance. It takes courage to get started, but it’s a journey well worth beginning!

Carrie is certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching, by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and as a Plant-based Health Coach by the Food Revolution Network.

Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers grew up in Atlanta, GA.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN in 2003 where she earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Toombs-Withers earned a Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine located on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA in 2007.  After completing her formal medical education, Dr. Toombs-Withers continued her medical training at the University of Cincinnati, The Christ Hospital.  She is double board certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Over the years, Dr. Toombs-Withers has served as Adjunct Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine with the University of Cincinnati Family Medicine Residency Program and she worked as a Family Physician for a federally qualified health center caring for underserved populations in the Cincinnati area. In 2013 Dr. Toombs-Withers was named as the Medical Director for the All Care Health Center in Council  Bluffs, IA where she continued to practice family medicine and supervised a staff of physicians and nurse practitioners. Dr. Toombs-Withers moved to Chattanooga, TN in 2015 and became a Family Medicine Physician in the UT/Erlanger Primary Care Medical Group at the Pineville Road office.  She earned a certification in Plant Based Nutrition in 2016 and the was board certified in Obesity Medicine in 2018. Dr. Toombs- Withers has practiced a plant based diet for over 15 years and over the past 5 years she has moved to a vegan diet.  She has trained as an endurance athlete and she has completed the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Ironman Chattanooga 70.3, Ironman Augusta 70.3, Ironman Texas and a host of other endurance races. Dr. Toombs-Withers founded the Essence of Health Wellness Clinic in Chattanooga, TN in 2019 so that  she could combine her deep knowledge of medicine, plant based nutrition, and athletic training to provide comprehensive primary care to her patients using a Concierge Primary Care Model. Outside of work, Dr. Toombs-Withers is a mom for her three sons, wife, and dog wrangler.  She loves Chattanooga and all of the outdoor experiences it has to offer.  She enjoys cycling, hiking, camping, swimming, triathlons and trail running.