Client Outcomes

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

I believe differently about food, nutrition and the necessity of self-care. I no longer feel guilty about setting boundaries or taking care of myself. I have a clear vision of rescuing my kids from my bloodline, that the unhealthy destruction of food addiction stops with my kids because we're proactively choosing another way & building new patterns and habits.

I've learned that, as "mother-bear" as I am about protecting my kids from cultural influences that go against our family values, that I didn't see food as something to be protective over. This is different in me. I see our health (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental) now as a permanent place in our family, something that we're doing together as a team...this is the goal. That our kids will feel this way, too, and not that we are forcing this upon them.

I'm learning grace. That mistakes and setbacks don't mean unreturnable failure. I love the concept of alignment vs perfection. This is truth.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

My husband is more motivated to move, more motivated to push past ADHD tendencies to start tasks and finish them. He is proactively teaching our kids the principles in this program, asking them questions, pulling the girls in on their own learning and awareness. He's lost weight, his mood is better overall. He's more patient and listens more to the girls. Huge!

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

Our daughter is tired of chicken!!! :) So, this week she's excited to start helping me pick out our dinner menus for the week. She is still our most resistant one to this (the patterns run deep) but I've seen her stop before second helpings to listen to her body. She's learning emotional regulation and how to take a breath to figure out if her emotions are due to the situation or hunger cues. Our daughter is moving more...loves joining us on walks and bike rides. She's talking with us when she feels frustrated about our new health habits, sometimes wishing we would end them but coming to grips that this is who we're becoming. The conversations are good and I love that we are a safe place for her to talk to about this.

Our older daughter is slowly learning how much she snacks/eats out of boredom. She's working on not sneaking food but allowing reflection on why she does this sometimes. She's been exercising daily (this comes easy for her!). In the middle of this time with you, one of her good friends has shown unhealthy signs of starving herself and struggling with a lack of eating to stay thin. Our older daughter is really processing this. This friend, such a sweetheart, is someone our older daughter really admires but she sees the disconnect with her friend's choices and health. She's witnessing the destruction that food addiction or food avoidance can bring to our bodies and trying to form her own identity in it.

What are you most proud of?

I'm proud that the fear of failure is no longer the voice in my head regarding my health. I feel a confidence in my thinking that I've never had. I'm learning how to live how we feel our family should live regardless of the opinions or responses of others, especially my side of the family...without arrogance or judgement, but also without apology. I feel resolved in this, honestly. This is now who we are. THAT feels good to say!

I know it's not about the scale (truly) but it still feels pretty freakin' awesome to see the results due to changes we've made. I started this program at 250...I'm now down to 229!

What are you still working to improve?

My husband and I were talking today about how we need to grow in pulling our kids more in on this process of learning/change rather than doing it for them. When we were hiking in Hocking Hills a few weeks ago, we took on those trails together as a family...each at different paces, but together in the same direction. Our daughter and I were mostly in the rear playing catch up with the other three. My husband would often slow down to carry our youngest or hold our daughter's hand to encourage her to keep moving forward through the hard parts. Sometimes I would stop and wait with our daughter until she felt like she could keep going again. Sometimes they would stop to wait for me. We often had to tell our older daughter to hold up, wait and think about what was coming. I honestly feel like the visual of this trip was symbolic of what these past four months have been and our continuation on with what we've learned. We're doing this together. Encouraging each other on when one feels tired, refusing to leave anyone behind, slowing down for the one who needs an extra push or extra time to keep walking forward. This is what we're growing and improving.

On the practical level...obviously I have to move beyond chicken!! HAHA! But, as we've talked about, I'm still working on making movement as fixed and permanent in my mind as food has now become. I look at many foods and without work see it as poison (CHOBANI!!!)...I want to feel this way about movement. That without work I will see not moving as poison.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

Continued success looks like increased growth and maintenance of what we've already learned. I'm again caught by the truth of "alignment vs perfection." This new lifestyle we've created, instead of being seen as work or sometimes painful for our kids (haha! that sounds really bad the way I wrote that!), will be a natural part of their thinking and choices. Our daughter will have one more year under her belt of living free from food addiction. She will be more confident and more settled in who she is, rather than struggling with stress and anxiety. My husband and I will be guiding them, teaching them, encouraging them to listen to their bodies still and to love themselves by caring for themselves. We will all have a greater ability to not live by unhealthy impulses, but to choose to pause, wait, listen and then act when it comes to health/emotions. We will love exercise and the connection that it brings as we do this together. This will be our youngest's norm, as young as she is, that she'll never struggle with food addiction.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

This future is breakthrough. This future is freedom. This future offers life to my children, rather than bondage and painful decay. It's important to keep going because I still see this as a rescue mission for my girls, and the mission isn't over.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

I mean...can I just copy all of those???

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

I like the idea of weekly check ins...seeing how the kids are doing, how they perceive us doing. We've said this whole time we'd love your content to be made into a workbook of some kind! But we keep reading and rereading your lessons...talking about them and how we're doing at implementing them into our life.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

We went off track a little bit during our Hocking Hills trip - rather than seeing that as being derailed, when we got home we jumped right back in. Food/movement was brought back in line.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

It's a marathon, not a sprint. This is longterm which requires grace, thinking, practice. Remember where I started as motivation to keep going...we started to rescue our daughter.

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

Thank you for choosing the hard thing.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

It works. Legitimately my brain has changed and my natural responses towards food have changed. My most impactful moment as a parent was when you said, "you'll protect your kids against the internet, why not food?" That changed me.

And...we have so loved getting to know you and having the honor of sharing our family with you, sharing our weaknesses and strengths, sharing our successes and failures. Thank you, truly...for being an ally, an encourager, for setting us up to win in this journey. You absolutely embody taking all that you've been given and using it to give it away to others. We support you, we are behind you in this mission you're on and we pray for God to use you greatly to bring freedom to so many from addiction. He loves you massively...you are a gift and we are your biggest cheerleaders!

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

I have so little constructive criticism with this, honestly. It's so well thought out and laid out. I think the one thing, for me personally, that would have given more direction is practical help on recipe ideas for kids and workouts??? But it looks like more of that could be building as you bring in these new coaches and bring in their knowledge as well.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

We love you!! Thank you!

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

Zero fast food drive thrus and packaged snacks bought at the grocery. We also go to bed earlier in general, we're upstairs usually a full hour earlier than we were. I feel good about my own balanced plate and education on how to plan meals.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

He's made a real effort with planning dinners that are more balanced, though the kids don't always adopt the fiber portion of the plate. Mostly having the 60 minutes of coaching a week has given him an outlet to share how he feels, and for us to talk about the household. The focus on it has been really important and nice for us as a couple. I know this isn't the intention of the program but I think the last 16 weeks has seen a huge improvement in our relationship. We seem to appreciate each other more!

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

Willingness to take walks, and she is definitely more health conscious / educated. While we try not to talk about foods as "good" or "bad," she asks us questions in that frame.

Mostly it's reinforced what I've grown to understand and learn more about -- that she uses food to self-soothe. It has been a challenging because I think we've realized that modeling behavior hasn't seemed to really impact her. I think the main thing is that we feel educated and equipped on what food addiction is, and she knows we're here to support her.

With that said, if we make the curricula of the program available (encouraging evening walks, social time together, etc.) she is open to it.

What are you most proud of?

The pattern that sticks out the most for me is how I walk through the grocery store. So much of what I buy is different, and I simply skip the treats and snacks. I think that's pretty huge and I want to stick with it.

What are you still working to improve?

Everything around the mindfulness and slowing down in life. I'm still quite digitally distracted and busy with starting a business, taking care of my mom from afar, and obviously all the stress of raising two ND kids. I have plenty of moments where an evening will go by and I'll realize we're all still on screens. And I myself still have symptoms of ADHD rearing their head. But I'm also really appreciative of the quiet times, and the walks together and the better for you meals, and the kids that are consistently eating breakfast.

We also still eat out too much, mostly on weekends. It's not great for the 80/20 ratio, and it's not great for $. I think awareness and conscious choices around that moving forward will be key.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

A year from now we'll have a third driver (!) in the house. Our daughter will have embraced the nutrition education and feel empowered and motivated to adopt some of the balanced plate and whole food practices we're modeling. We'll maintain daily walks and despite her being in the throes of puberty (she will have had her growth spurt), she'll have some confidence that comes with knowing her own choices impact her overall wellness and health. My husband and I will continue to keep a practice of meeting and talking about the kids (we having a standing meeting to talk about the business of the household). We plan together as a partnership, we help each other and hold each other and ourselves accountable in a loving way. We eat dinner together every night without phones and slow down to enjoy it. I still work my ass off but have figured out a rhythym to close the laptop and be present every day. Mornings are less of a fight and a rush. The kitties are less spazzy! And the whole house just feels a little bit more calm and peaceful.

Most of all, I have frequent moments of genuine gratitude and am enjoying life. It all goes so fast!

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

I feel better when I know I'm committed to the right choices. I feel shitty when the old patterns emerge. I really liked Kamy's points in this last lesson - you're going to make mistakes and that's okay. It's a "get back up on that horse." Life is what you make of it and while we can't control everything, the cliche is all true -- it starts with the man in the mirror. I want to be my best self, and I know I play a huge role in how the household works.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

This is hard. I like all of the examples! I think a sort of inside joke that my husband and I have always had with each other is "bless this mess." Life is SO messy and our mess is our special private brand of it. When we say that to each other now, I hope the "mess" includes our version of this program -- better, better, never best -- it's all about moving #onwardandupward

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

I am going back to my gratitude journal and making it a practice. I have a daily intention -- present, positive, purposeful. I want to keep that going.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

I have practiced a good morning routine for years. Though I don't actually meditate in the traditional sense, I do have my routines. One of the thing I've started doing again is (literally) high fiving myself in the mirror every morning. The beauty of life is that you get a new chance at it every 24 hours.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

I will remember my "Yukon tradwife" Michaela! I will think of her up in northern B.C. bringing slop out to the kids, with her free range, rosy cheeked kiddos running around in the fresh air. In a million years there's no way we would've met her if Kamy hadn't matched us. Very grateful for that. Keep pullin for us! (Also, I really do plan to return to the lessons, and I think I'll need to, so I'm really glad we have access to them).

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

"Progress not perfectionKeep going!"

"You have more control than you think you do. Embrace it, you're worth the effort." (Our daughter)

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

I really enjoyed it more than I anticipated. It's an incredibly well designed program but I think the obvious / genuine passion and sincerity of Kamy and Michaela and their personal success stories are a really important part of it. It's so highly personalized and human in a very... automated world.

I have a pretty high touch business myself (executive ghostwriting for AI leaders in tech). I have been trying to scale it over the last two years and I've been inspired by this program. My right hand (at work) my colleague calls it "the personal-touch experience." this has been the Kamy and Michaela experience for us -- that's the most memorable part. I don't think it woudl've been as successful if it didn't have that emotionally driven heart to the program. I really appreciate that, and it will stick with me.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

I will recommend it DESPITE the fact that our daughter seemed to lose zero weight throughout these 16 weeks. (She didn't gain any though, so that's a win given the severity of her addiction). We learned a ton, it's taught with such empathy and curiosity, and the whole thing was a net positive for me and our household.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

I actually wouldn't call them a "Child Weight Loss Expert." I think the weight isn't (at least in our case) the point. It's definitely more of a life/nutrition/wellness/neurodivergent parenting coach. I was saying that to Michaela. The top funnel message of "average kid loses 20 pounds was the only thing I felt was a disconnect for us - because a) she didn't and b) it undersells the breadth / depth / value of it.

I can actually say that having been to a more clinical / traditional nutritionist as well. I really like the holistic nature of this program. It will stick with us. The value goes beyond weight loss.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

My approach to cooking meals - this program has got me to simplify the approach and thinking towards meals and meal prep. But bringing it back to from the ground or off the bone, and the portions of fiber, carbs and protein on the plate, it has actually helped remove the noise and pressure I was feeling around cooking and what constitutes a meal.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

Just having my husband bought in thus far has been huge. He has never really committed to any of the health or lifestyle changes I have tried to implement for the family, so this is huge just to have had him join on the journey to this point.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

Hearing our daughter say no to foods she knows aren’t best for her, showing curiosity around what is fibre, protein and carbs and what they are, or pacing her eating or being up for being active - evening walks, swimming lessons, bike riding, has been huge.

What are you most proud of?

I think I am most proud of the fact that we have stuck to thjs as a family for over 16 weeks! We’ve had ups and downs but this feels like it’s the default factory setting for me and the way I want to live and show up for my family.

What are you still working to improve?

Consistency is our biggest struggle.

- Predominately with sleep. Getting myself to sleep at a more consistent time each night.

- Eating meals at a more consistent time (moreso for myself - we are pretty good with ensuring the girls eat at the same time)

- Screen time (TV) with the girls - feels like that’s has slipped a little lately, and they’re watching more than I’d like, with my husband and I being pretty worn out.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

I’d love to have a more “locked in” routine around physical activity - both for myself and as a family - the daily after dinner walks becoming more consistent, the girls engaged in sports of any kind, more consistently. It truly does feel like we are on our way towards these goals. Our daughter and our other daughter are both showing signs and requesting wanting to be out and about more and more - going to the beach. Or a walk or a bike ride. Which is music to my ears. As it has felt like I have been the only one beating that drum up until this point.

Continued success also looks like us remembering progress over perfection. We have realised what works for our family - simple meals where we can come together and connect. Not stressful over complicated recipes. So ensuring we continue this approach. And connecting special treats to activities. Eg) having an ice cream after a big bike ride.

There will be times we we might stray from our progress. But what I need to remind myself is that is part of life, that is not failure. And it’s all about trying to reset as soon as possible. Even if it’s starting with smaller wins to get back towards our ideal version of progress.

So overall for me continued success is witnessing the girls make choice for them and their bodies that align with a values - around health, action and connection. To see them learn and connect to how nourishing their body through food and movement and connection is what will set them up for success, in whatever shape or form that might be.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

I’ve come to learn through my own habits and experiences, and also witnessing others that a life that prioritizes health and nourishment, that is active, spent outdoors and spent connecting with community is one that is ultimately the most fulfilling.

I’m also learning more and more the importance of rest, and balancing an active life with quality frequent rest - through sleep, down days, etc. Rather than running full speed until I fizzle out, it’s about more of a long game approach. Slow and steady.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

Some family values that have emerged though this course have been:

1) Eating whole foods - off the bone or from the ground is - is our baseline to how we eat.

2) Movement and being outdoors is what fills our cup and nourishes our spirits and wellbeing.

3) Progress over perfection - this is just how we live now, but we know there will be times where things stray, but we’ll always return to these values as our baseline.

4) And one that I need to get better at is curiosity over judgment when good habits slip.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

Continuing to do check-ins around the dinner table on a weekly basis,.

I find I am good at doing check-ins with myself so I want to ensure I keep doing that.

Going back to listen to some of the past lessons would also be something I’d consider, to refresh my thinking and help realign myself when I may feel myself slipping.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

I find when I am feeling I’ve gone off track, I try to do the things that I know help me feel realigned:

- a good solid breakfast,

- a long walk,

- a good nights rest

- remembering to take my supplements

Often these things provide me with the clarity to get things back to my ideal baseline, and that allows me to then show up for the rest of the family, the way they need me to, to keep us on track or get us back on track.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

Progress over perfection. This is a continuous journey. Not a destination. There is no end date, this is just how we choose to live.

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

I am proud of us for making the commitment, for seeing it through and for opening ourselves up to change the things that were not working for us and to embrace the things that do.

I am so proud of our daughter for taking on the learnings for putting them into practice and embracing these new ways and approaches to how we want to live.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

Our coach Michaela was phenomenal - she really made this experience what it was. Supportive, shared and inspiring. I think the daily logs and getting to see into how she did things - whether it was food, exercise or mediation really helped me understand and see a real life example of progress over perfection. She also met us where we were at and helped us see the wins that sometimes we didn’t recognised ourselves.

I think a big “aha moment” was also recognising that while it was our daughter that was the driving factor bringing to the course was was revealed is that our other daughter actually is more of a thermostat of our family - and in fact learning to understand and support her has been more influential in our success in achieving our values.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

I’m not sure what I would want improved. But maybe a cool addition to the program would be to have doctors/therapist that could help with any of the underlying diagnoses that might help families on their journey- particularly around adhd/autism. So if there were add on elements where you could be connected to psychiatrists, counsellors, etc.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

Thank you! It has been such a powerful journey for my husband and I and to do it as a shared experience has made it all the more valuable. It’s one of the few times we’ve come together and aligned with actionable steps when it comes to lifestyle and health. So I think even for that reason alone it has been hugely successful.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

I’m easier on myself. I’m more self aware about labeling things as successes and failures - better understanding and accepting the ebbs and flows - just more self awareness in general. More thought goes into my food choices and even my food cravings/tastes are evolving. It’s help me realize how my sleep patterns are affecting my moods and how I feel about the week. I’ve become more forgiving, more aware of others choices and why instead of viewing it through my all or nothing lense. Being an observer and not reactive.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

An increase in education and awareness. Talking about our choices and how they make us feel. More thought goes into meals and activities instead of just the routine. More active and getting our daughter involved or more mindful of modeling and patience. Just an overall “slowing down” and shift in the focus of our mealtimes, family time, and togetherness.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

She’s more confident and wants to be more active - wants to take our dog on walks more. She’s making better choices about food/snacks and showing thoughtfulness about them and how they make her feel. I’d still prefer she grabbed water over milk, but she’s a kid and at least she’s getting regular milk instead of chocolate.

What are you most proud of?

That we’re doing this as a family and as for myself, that I’m able to see a bigger picture rather than just label things as good and bad choices. Taking the first step to ending the cycle that’s been repeating in my life for a long time.

What are you still working to improve?

Sleep is still rather irregular, would like to practice more meditation and activity levels for myself. Following through and sticking to values even when it’s inconvenient or easier to just DoorDash or throw something in the microwave. Actually getting active even when I don’t feel like it to boost my mood.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

More smiles and laughing together. A healthier vibe about us, and just feels good. Our daughter is more confident and sure of herself. My mood is better even though sleep is an issue bc of the new baby. I’m more motivated and active. Things just feel easier and better, slower even with the new addition.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

Because the point of life is too have fun experiences with your family and friends. If my mood is poor or I go through life with a cynical mindset then people won’t be around me, my relationships will suffer, and I’ll just be unhappy all the time. And that’s not a good model to set for our daughter. I also want her to know she can do things if she tries. If I set a cynical mindset in the house, I’m just reinforcing what I feel like my parents and family did growing up and I’m not sure if our daughter would use that as motivation like me, but I don’t want to find out and be second guessing myself 15 years from now.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

We make healthy choices and focus on how they make us feel compared to easy snacks or junk food.

We prioritize sleep because it allows our body to recharge.

Sugary snacks or soda aren’t what we want, it’s the dopamine and can find pleasure in another way.

Water and hydration are important to a healthier mindset.

Time spent with family is more valuable than screen time.

Regulating a healthy lifestyle isn’t just a fad, it’s an everyday thing.

Setbacks are okay and natural, we must learn from them and they will become shorter and less frequent.

Pay attention to your body and what it is telling you after meals.

Family engagement and time spent together is important even when work is overwhelming.

Physical activity isn’t about looking good or being in shape - it’s about feeling good mind and body.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

I think talking about things more and asking questions, especially our daughter. Continuing to de emphasize screen time and family time at the table. Dinners are perfect for this.

My partner and I can also stress modeling and talking more about how food makes us feel.

I plan to revisit lessons regularly. Take stock in where we’re at, particularly at big family dinners.

Modeling not only food choices but sleep and activity - I had a setback in those areas these past couple of weeks but I didn’t beat myself up over them - that’s progress and think it’s important to acknowledge that.

Being an observer. Thinking before acting.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

Take a moment to step back and outside my head and acknowledge things have gotten off track. Then, instead of focusing on why they got off track and that we failed, focus on why we got off track and solutions - evaluate where triggers or convenient choices are present.

Talk about it as a family in a loving way. And as a family, a collective unit - not point fingers or shame.

Communicate feelings instead of bottling them up. We’re in this together, not separate. And then figure out how we can get back on track by committing to a healthy meal and focusing on how it makes us feel. Or going to the dog park and how we feel after. How much better we feel when we get a full nights rest.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

That we are doing this together, that progress isn’t linear and setbacks are natural and are not failures where we start back at square one. We succeed as a family and by communicating and modeling.

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

Take it day by day, and don’t fret over perceived failures or stay in the guilt about a bad day - they just happen sometimes and it’s not the bad day or guilt to focus on, it’s what you’re going to do about. Relax and enjoy the ride - view things as an opportunity not a problem.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

The lessons and how they were holistic not just focusing on food choices or diet. The way it was set up to increase awareness through not just lessons but the logging and of course the weekly check ins. Felt natural and welcoming.

The most insightful moment for me was realizing how much the dopamine reward system plays a role in my life and I was too stuck in it to notice it. Just by being aware of that, has changed things immensely.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

I really appreciate the overall structure of the program. I honestly don’t have much feedback and what I do have might be do to user error but I think just more visibility/accessibility or supplemental materials with recommended activities or recipes would be helpful within each lesson to provide the next steps.

But I also felt like this is available in the app, not sure if it was just me not using it haha.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

Thank you so much Kami! It’s been a pleasure going along this journey with you and our family. I felt comfortable sharing and engaging within the program and you right away and learned much about myself along the way. Felt like I gained a friend and not just another zoom meeting.

I genuinely am going to miss our weekly meetings and check ins. I’m sad they’re over but also excited to share the progress we’ve made down the road.

Thanks again!

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

I have more mindful, less distracted eating of healthy foods, and am more aware of when I'm full. When I do give into a less healthy food craving (cookies, chocolate, etc.), I do it intentionally and in limited quantities.

My parenting style has changed to use more authoritative and hopefully more emotionally controlled and available.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

She is doing even more than before to ensure the family eats healthfully.

She is helping our daughter identify become more self-aware and have a bit fewer anxieties.

She continues to use effective authoritative parenting and has strengthened emotional connections with everyone in the family.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

She usually needs only 1 wake up call instead of 3 or more. She seems more self motivated to do her schoolwork and makes sure we leave to get to school on time every morning.

We seem to have a better emotional connection and talk more during the rides to/from school. There are still days when she'll have hear ear buds in and we don't talk, but there are fewer of those. She seems a bit more willing to share with me about her days and things that she dealt with and moved past during school.

She is trying to eat more healthfully and has never complained about the removal of most unhealthy foods from our house. She makes more healthy choices (eating fruit, making a smoothie, cooking eggs) than she did before we started the program.

She walks the dog at least once a week (sometimes twice) and uses her rowing machine once a week.

What are you most proud of?

Better overall emotional connection between everyone in the family.

Positive, stable home environment that promotes healthy eating choices/habits and emotional safety so the children share more about their feelings.

What are you still working to improve?

Getting consistent with using the rowing machine to help motivate our daughter to do the same.

Continuing to move away from neglectful and toward authoritative parenting; encouraging everyone to share their emotions and anxieties because they feel safe and not judged.

Better sleep habits for both me and our daughter.

Try to find a way to stop our daughter from eating in the middle of the night.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

Our daughter is able to lose some measurable amount of weight to help her become healthier; not sure what that amount is. She is closer to getting back to the middle of the growth chart for her age. She feels better about herself and has stronger self esteem.

Our daughter gets a healthy lunch for herself ready the night before; mom and dad don't do this.

Our daughter cleans up after herself whenever she prepares food or does a craft.

Both me and our daughter have better sleep; going to bed by around 11 pm every day and stay there until morning.

We take frequent walks with each other - one parent and one child, sometimes the whole family together.

Our screen time is at a health level that does not detract from good sleep, eating, and mental health habits.

Both our son and our daughter are self motivated to keep up with schoolwork and put forth their best effort to learn and succeed in high school.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

Improving our daughter's sleep can make it easier for her to lose weight and adopt more and continue healthy eating habits.

Good grades in high school will improve their future preparedness for college.

Emotionally stable and connected family life is important for good, positive memories from the few remaining years of our son and our daughter living at home.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

We choose healthy foods for almost all our meals with an occasional treat because it makes us feel better.

We exercise regularly to improve our longevity; several times per week and sometimes daily.

Adequate rest and relaxation is essential to help us recharge and eat healthier.

We calmly use compassion and empathy to improve our emotional connections with each other.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

Continue our tradition of having daily family dinner where we practice and talk about these values without technology.

Revisit one of the lessons each week independently (as parents). If/when our daughter/our son are receptive, review the lessons once a month with them.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

Set a weekly reminder on my phone to re-read our value statements to keep them in mind and start another week going back to "step together" as a family.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

I want to remember it as a turning point when we started eating healthier and having better emotional connections. Periodic review of the lessons will bring back the knowledge and techniques to keep up the improved lifestyle.

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

It is worthwhile to be willing to think/look closely at yourself and go through some temporary mental discomfort so you can improve both your future emotional and physical health. It'll take some work, but you'll feel better about yourself and most likely be more content and maybe even have some connections with others you didn't have before.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

Lesson 7 Parenting Styles and Lesson 12 Navigating Anxiety were my favorite. The parenting styles lesson was enlightening about how to work towards better future relationship with my children. The anxiety lesson was very informative and helped identify many of the feelings my children are probably having. Hopefully I'll be able to help them use some of the strategies as they get older and more open to implementing them and more convinced I'm trying to help without judging them.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

The only thing that comes to mind is to consider if/how some of the lessons can be better adapted to teenagers who are already set in their ways and more resistant to change. Maybe techniques for teens can be added if/where appropriate to some of the lessons or talked about with coaches.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

I enjoyed our time together and our sessions were helpful in reinforcing the lessons with encouragement and good suggestions for how to put the steps to use in our family situation.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

More presence in general! I've noticed it's been so much easier implementing all that I've learned in my own health journey with the support of this program. None of the topics were new to me, but with curiosity, I was able to put them into practice with our family in ways that have made big changes! I've noticed I've slowed down to really enjoy my meals, which has positively helped me feel more connected to my hunger cues.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

I have noticed we are more in sync about HOW to implement changes with the family. I have also noticed he's making more healthful food choices more consistently. I have also noticed a strong motivation to choose more nourishing foods at the grocery store.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

I have noticed his presence and his confidence have really changed! He is more vibrant and more outspoken! I've noticed he's also really maturing in his choices and has really blown me away with his understanding of these topics each week, and showing that he's really invested in making his own changes. I've seen him make different food choices at home and at restaurants, showing us he's really focusing on balance.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of us coming together as a family to make meaningful changes WITHOUT shame, WITHOUT the use of a scale....focusing instead on how we feel and how our choices impact our moods and energies. I'm most proud of us actually making the changes week to week and sticking with it, even when it felt overwhelming at times.

What are you still working to improve?

I am still working to improve distractions at meal times for both myself and the kids....this seems to be the biggest area for change and the easiest one to slip back to old habits.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

A year from now, continued success looks like us making these nourishing choices day in and day out. We are active each week and enjoying movement as a source of joy and play. We continue to get curious about new recipes, check ingredients, and make shopping and meal planning a priority at the beginning of each week.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

Because healthy choices day in and day out are the way we honor our bodies and spirits.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

No shame....curiosity instead! Moving is essential to a thriving life, so it should be FUN and JOYFUL first and foremost, and consistent, like breathing! We also value time away from tech, screens and being "available" to others at all times of the day....we treasure time for stillness and giving back to ourselves.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

Weekly check-ins to review our Step Together notes and ensure we are staying on track across all areas. I'd also like to discuss weekly shopping, meal prep ideas, and scheduling our movement at the beginning of each week.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

A gentle nudge back on the path, knowing perfection is not the goal....only consistent movement on the path ahead!

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

I want to remember the quality of our coaching calls with Alice and how meaningful and impactful it was to share our story and go into more detail about the struggles and wins in our family each week during this process. Each week, our coaching calls were deep and so helpful in us making these changes! I also want to remember how much FUN it was.....I found such JOY in meeting other members, seeing their WINS, and sharing a bit of ours in the process. Most of all, I want to remember how much the kids really put into meeting us in these changes... the memories we made during this time are undeniable. I'll never forget sharing a photo of a family win when we played indoor volleyball in our barn. I will

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

I am so proud of the decisions you are making each day for yourself.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

I loved the app, the community, the weekly coaching calls and absolutely LOVED working with Coach Alice!

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

Honestly, the entire program was so well thought out and executed that I really don't have much to add in terms of improvement!

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

Thank you for your genuine care and attention! Working with you was such a dream, and I will always be grateful for the time we spent working together!

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

I feel more of a sense of control over what I eat and why I am eating it. I don't feel guilty if I enjoy pizza, or indulge in alcohol or a dessert, because I am not using it to fill a void. I just wanted to enjoy that particular food at that time. This allows me to revert back to healthy habits quickly, instead of turning to self-loathing/self sabotaging behavior.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

She has made a lot of effort to find healthy recipes to make for meals, and she has also made fitness more of a priority. She is also more conscious of her food choices and is also making changes to make sleep more of a priority.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

They are much more aware of what they eat. They're still impulsive, but the way they talk about food is different. It isn't necessarily a fight to get them to eat healthier, its more dealing with their questions and empowering them to make choices. They're also much more keen to ask to go outside and spend time in nature.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of a shift in my mindset. Instead of looking at the problems, I am looking for solutions. For instance, I have been annoyed by my lack of consistency with working out. Instead of forcing myself to do weights, I have designed my own 300 rep challenge that I can work into my day, which uses bodyweights and kettle bells. It is fun, it takes up less time, and it also is much more helpful with mobility. I am also proud of my wife and kids in terms of embracing change instead of resisting it. I thought it would be harder to cause change but it hasn't been as difficult as I anticipated.

What are you still working to improve?

Discipline when it comes to exercise for sure. I have to accept that I have to exercise in ways that make me want to be consistent, so for now, i will focus on bodyweights and kettlebells, and wait for my interest in weights to return. I also want to be more diligent with the amount of processed foods I eat. It is far better than when i started, but eating whole foods more often will help my gut and my energy.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

Success a year from now will be everyone wanting to move on a daily basis, and it feeling as natural as relaxing on the couch, or watching tv and eating pizza. Definitely also in better shape, but not with a focus on the scale. More of a focus on healthy sustainable habits that my wife and i can carry into old age and the kids can carry into their teens.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

It matters because I have a history of diabetes in my family, and i also see what it's like to have limited mobility and I don't want that for myself. I want to be active and healthy for myself and my family. Quality of life is the key, and changing habits will improve it.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

Exercise is any movement that helps you sweat, some exercise is better than none. Eat healthy first, but sweets are okay. Get enough rest. Connect as much as we can without screens.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

I would say revisiting lessons for sure, and weekly check-ins would also make sense. Nothing formal, just making sure to see where everyone is at and what struggles might be causing a reversion to habits we're trying to kick for good.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

Accept that I'm human, and move on. The past is done, the future is unwritten so write a better present and create the future you want. And any day is a good day to start towards that future.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

Food is meant to be enjoyed, it is not a tool for dealing with emotional trauma.

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

This isn't the end, its the beginning of a better life.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

The lack of focus on weight. Weight fluctuates and seeing the scale go down can create a false sense of success and seeing it go up can leave someone defeated. Most impactful was unpacking why i eat, and realizing this is nothing new. It started when I was a kid, and I have to move on from who I was to become someone different. Someone who doesn't rely on food for comfort when things go badly.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

Nothing really, I would recommend it to others.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

I didn't want to do this, and I was super skeptical but I am very glad I did it.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

I think the reframing of the new identity. I found myself this week repeating the words “I’m someone who doesn’t eat donuts”. I’m someone who goes to bed by 9:30”. It helps with the “I never get to eat this or do that” mentality and makes it positive.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

My wife’s commitment has been unwavering. She has worked so hard at buying and making food for our family that has limited processed foods.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

Our son had been more aware of his choices, not that he always makes good choices yet, but the awareness is there and hopefully as he matures his choices will follow his awareness.

What are you most proud of?

Letting go of some things (foods) that I felt I would not have been able to do. I know the program doesn’t focus on weight so much but that is a constant reminder for me how choices affect weight. My face is no longer round, I have more energy, and have been able to get off blood pressure medication which was a combination of multiple factors.

What are you still working to improve?

I still have too many snack cravings. Also, a little bit of sugar just causes cravings that make it hard. Sugar is my biggest battle. I’ve made some good choices but also have given in to cravings.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

Keeping the good eating habits and being more active as a family. If we all can “listen” to our bodies as far as how we feel after eating certain foods, qty, etc and adjust accordingly then I feel that is a big win, especially for our son. For me, I want to see the scale still going down. I’ve made progress but still have a ways to go. I’ve weighed less in my life before and know how much better life is without so much extra weight.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

Overall health to reduce potential medical conditions. Really to sum it up is quality of life.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

We prioritize health, even when on vacation! Sleep is a priority!

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

I think we would like to do some monthly check ins with you. My wife and I will need to talk about things daily/weekly to keep me on track, I’m not so concerned about her as I am me!

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

I want to go through the lessons again as a fresh reminder. I think that as long as I don’t give up I know that I can return to the right path. Allowing some “grace” knowing that you can get back on track and to not feel shame about it.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

The transformation from having a low priority of what I ate, sleep, and exercise to those things being important. Bottom line-change in priorities

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

You kept with it. It was long, hard, and full of stumbles but you didn’t give up. Remember how tired you were and what all that inflammation and weight made you look like. Good job!

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

Two things come to mind. 1-I always viewed exercise as how many calories burned. If I wasn’t willing to do hard workouts, then I didn’t see the value of exercise. Now I see how even a small walk brings so many more benefits than just calories burned.

2-reframing your mind to “I’m someone who doesn’t eat xxxxx”. That has been more beneficial than what I could have imagined.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

Ive had a good time getting to know you through our conversations and appreciate the work you are doing. Thanks for your commitment and support!

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

I’ve learned how to repair when I’ve reacted poorly. I’ve been able to relinquish control & be more understanding. I’m becoming someone who isn’t so hard on myself or my family.

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

She’s learned not to give in easily when our values are tested. She’s become more present & has been making an effort to lower screen time. She has gained an immense amount of self love. She has opened up & become more vulnerable about her past traumas.

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

He has learned to trust himself & has stopped binging/sneaking food at home. He listens to his body a little better when he’s full or when food makes him feel a certain way. He’s learning to repair after he reacts poorly.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the new identity we have formed & the consistency we continue to have to align with our values.

What are you still working to improve?

Still working on improving my patience, control & reactiveness.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

Continued success is keeping consistency & being intentional about aligning with our values each day. On the hard days when we feel like we have failed, we will have grace & reset. Always keep choosing progress over perfection.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

It matters to me because I want my family to be the healthiest version of ourselves. I want to be an example to my child that our values matter & they are a priority. I want my child to trust & love himself & his decisions for the rest of his life.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

Health is a daily practice & a priority. We listen to our bodies & we don’t judge. We find moments to connect daily. Movement is fun & makes our bodies feel good. Even when life gets busy, we make the effort to align with our values. It’s ok to come back & reset after hard days.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

Journaling. Checking in with each other about our continued progress & goals. Open communication about our feelings. Judgment free zone.

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

Check in with each other & ourselves about our values, reset & come back to alignment.

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

That taking one step toward change can create a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime.

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

The garden only grows when you water your seeds. Sunshine or rain—keep watering.

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

What I loved most is how informative the program was & the weekly sessions to go over goals & lessons in depth. The most impactful thing was that Kamy became a friend we can count on & look up to for accountability.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

Nothing I can think of! I will definitely recommend this program to other families, because it changed my life :)

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

I’m so grateful for you & this program! My family & life are better because of you!

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in yourself since beginning this program?

The fact that I stop and think before eating...am I really hungry or how do I feel? I ask myself what our son or our daughter is feeling when they are eating...what do I need to do to help them feel their feelings instead of turning to food...

What are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your partner (if applicable) since beginning this program?

I don't have a partner

What is are the most impactful changes you've noticed in your child?

Our son expresses his feelings more, says what he is feeling like I'm anxious....he also recognizes he used screens for dopamine.

What are you most proud of?

Honestly I'm really proud of our son being able to identify what he is feeling, that is huge for him. I know I am not anywhere I need to be completely and we both have lots of room for growth but he struggled so with expressing his self. I feel like its a big step for his healing.

What are you still working to improve?

People pleasing, choosing to be intentional with my time with my kids and mirroring good behaviors for them in every way.

What does continued success look like for you and your family a year from now?

We are choosing health no matter who around us is or not. We eat clean foods that sustain us and build our bodies and minds and don't destroy them. We are intentional with our time...how we spend time together being active, present and just loving each other in the good and bad. Not relying on screens or food for entertainment.

Why does this future matter to you? Why is it important to keep going?

Because nothing is more important to me than my children and their well being and now mine as well....because I know if I don't priortize myself and my health they won't either.

What values now define your family's approach to health, food, rest, and connection?

We love... and are present and there for each other even when life is messy. We strive each day to choose healthy habits in every way....food, SLEEP, and time together with value. We are active together because it is fun.

How do you plan to continue prioritizing these values?

My goal is to start back at lesson 1 and go through each lesson again. I feel like this time I will talk to the kids more about what is discussed in each lesson so they have the same knowledge

When things go off track, what is your plan to return?

Go back to the lessons, give myself and them grace and work on improving and making little changes each day...breaking that habit and retraining my brain. Keeping my vision clear.... "Where there is no visionthe people perish"

What do you want to remember most from this journey, a year from now?

The excitement I saw in our son when he realized he was slimmer and stronger....he was so excited about his change in himself. I love to see when hes happy!!!

If you could send one message to your future self or your child about this season of growth, what would it be?

BE CONSISTENT!!!! Keep showing up, keep striving, keep working, keep loving each other PRIORITIZE SLEEP :)

What did you love most about the Step Together program? What was the most impactful insight or moment in the program for you?

I guess the nonjudgmental approach. It was never about "losing weight" but about becoming the best versions of ourselves we can be.

What would you want to see improved to recommend this program to other families more confidently?

Honestly, I guess I just wish there was some way to get this same information to more people who can't afford it. I don't mean you all don't do an amazing job and should not get paid even more than you do!!! This is just so valuable...it would be nice if there was a scholarship program where others could maybe help families in need and really get this out there so more could benefit from it.

Anything else you'd like to share with your coach?

THANK YOU for your patience and understanding especially through the chaos of my life. I know I did not make it easy on you at all at any point of the program but your kindness and calmness was greatly appreciated and honestly helped me not to have added stress.