The Davis Family
Angie, Ken & Elise / Marietta

The Davis family wanted to participate in our Get Fit Makeover for a few reasons. “I have had weight problems my entire life,” says mom Angie. “I began my first diet when I was in fourth grade, and it seems like I have never stopped.”

Dad Ken was placed on his first diet in fifth grade by his family doctor, and though he lost weight, he has regained it over the last 10 years. “Our daughter is 10 and has continued the overweight cycle,” says Angie. “I want my family to become healthier by breaking the habits that have gotten us to where we are.”

“I believe Elise will benefit from this change by losing weight and becoming more fit, and in so doing will acquire the knowledge and skills she needs to stay fit and healthy throughout her life,” says Angie.

Angie thinks the time commitment will be the most difficult obstacle for her family. “Between my husband’s busy work and school schedule, my daughter’s schedule, and me racing to keep up, we find ourselves eating fast food on a seemingly daily basis,” says Angie.

Update: Nutrition Knowledge

Flourishing Life has taken a lifestyle approach to the Davis’ nutrition plan. First, the family learned the basics of calories, types of foods and how they are used as energy. Then their pantry and fridge received makeovers. The family will also be adding extra fruits and vegetables to their diets and eating healthy dinners as a family.

Eliminating soft drinks, desserts and bread has been a challenge, say the Davises. “Trying to cut back on sugar and starch is quite difficult for us as a family,” says mom Angie. “We miss chocolate! My husband just adores candy bars and sweets, so it has been a sacrifice to him. Elise misses chocolate milk. I miss brownies.”

They have had an easier time adjusting to eating as a family. “This has become a very special part of our day. We clean the kitchen as a family after the meal and even it is fun when we all pitch in,” says Angie.

Using the journal at www.fitday.com to record food intake has made the family think about what they’re eating. “When you know someone is watching what you are eating and seeing it for yourself makes a difference,” says Angie. “The journal also shows you what percentage of the food you eat is broken down. This is very eye opening!”

The whole family is noticing a difference in the way their clothes fit, and all of Elise’s new school clothes are now too big.

Update: Making Fitness Routine

The Flourishing Life has taken a lifestyle approach to the Davis’ fitness plan. They are working on gradually building endurance and strength through various cardiovascular and weight exercise programs.

Incorporating activity into their schedule at least twice each week, the Davises can commit to the program since it isn’t too time consuming; this also allows them to meet their goals each week.

The Flourishing Life has also helped the Davis family implement family activity nights and is helping them train to run a 5K as a family.

For the Davises, regular exercise has made them think more about their health and ideas of fitness. “Before staring this program, exercise and fitness were lofty but unrealistic goals,” says mom Angie. “Now we realize how much our health really depends on being active, and it is becoming part of a daily ‘here and now’ routine instead of something we want to do ‘someday.’ My favorite thing about exercise is the feeling of empowerment it gives me.” The family’s least favorite aspect about exercise is the frustration of not being able to exercise regularly as a family.

The results of their hard work are evident in their attitudes and appearances. “We are all feeling better and more energetic,” says Angie. “My husband can barely keep his pants up, and Elise’s clothes are literally starting to fall off of her. It’s great!”

Get Fit Partner:

The Flourishing Life (www.theflourishinglife.com) is a lifestyle management group that provides services (exercise, nutrition, life management) for families who want their lives to thrive. Our focus is on ministering to families and individuals in their neighborhoods, homes, parks, community centers and places of worship. Our philosophy involves helping people change the way they think and thus change the way they live. We believe that everyone has a purpose and our focus is to help people find their purpose and make lifestyle modifications in order to fulfill it. We believe there are five building blocks to living a Flourishing Life: exercise, nutrition, home, organization & scheduling and emotional connections.

The Flourishing Life became a Get Fit Partner because they believe in partnering with people in the community and investing resources in them so their lives can thrive. “The Get Fit challenge is an excellent opportunity for families to embrace a lifestyle makeover and learn to live a life that flourishes,” says owner Amia Freeman.

To The Flourishing Life, fitness is not about how far a person can run or how many push-ups she can do. “For most people it’s about playing with their children at the park all afternoon and still having enough energy to go home and cook a healthy meal,” she says. “Getting and staying fit is a lifestyle, and to get there requires a shift in thinking and acting.”

Freeman recommends making the time to eat dinner together, at least three nights a week. “For overall life and health connecting with family, eating a healthy meal and sharing stories about the day is an excellent way to improve familial connections, reinforce healthy eating behaviors and lays a solid foundation for all other areas of life and fitness,” she says.