Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Davidson.
Debbie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up very low income I never had fresh foods, always box, canned and mostly processed. We had a lot of disease in my family including diabetes type 1, (mom) heart disease and my dad was a smoker and had lung cancer. My Mom passed when I was 19, and my Dad passed when I was 26. Once I realized so much disease is caused by our lifestyle, I began to teach myself how to cook healthier. My husband helped with this as he grew up with a Mom who was a great cook using fresh foods.
I always had an interest in cooking and taught myself. I’ve always have considered myself pretty healthy, but once I hit my mid 30’s and had my first child, better health and fitness became extremely important to me. I found that fitness empowered me as it made me feel that I was in total control of the results I achieved. At the same, it gave me an acute understanding of the real struggle that people have with eating healthy.
I began reading and studying as much as I could and became inspired by author and nutritional practitioner Tosca Reno. Her books are on the subject of eating clean and eliminating sugar and processed food from your diet. Her writings inspired me to learn more which also fueled my desire to share my new found knowledge with others.
I finally took the leap in 2014 and became certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) in nutrition. During this time my sister was diagnosed with cancer. We have type 2 diabetes in my family as well, and I have come to the realization that some diseases are a direct result of the foods we eat. I still wonder to this day if the chemicals in our foods are responsible for so many diseases.
“It’s about discovering how you feel when you nourish yourself in the right way and enjoying the food that you are eating and the way you think about food.” This is one of my favorite quotes.
My goal when I work with people is to empower them to think about what they are feeding their body and the impact it has on their health. I get thrilled as I work with people when they become excited with small changes as they learn what is possible. I try to help people eliminate sugar from their diet and help them with unhealthy food cravings.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a bit of a struggle to get to where I am. I am so proud to be where I am at this moment. First, I did not have the confidence in myself to have my own business. The thought of failing was a big barrier for me and not knowing how to even begin was even tougher. I am still learning as I go and never wish to stop learning.
Then Brittany Darrington entered my life and, as I tell her, she lit a fire in me that made me believe that I could do this. Within 20 minutes during a lunch with her, we had my ideas, colors for my business logo and my business goals written out on a note pad. She continues to offer guidance as I grow.
A family relocation to Vancouver, British Columbia and subsequent personal medical crisis put my dream on hold for a few years, but continued encouragement from family and friends were all I needed to continue my dream. I am now working with others to help them achieve theirs.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nourish-2-Flourish – what should we know?
I am a nutrition coach. I assist people to begin a healthy way of life and make changes in their diet. My goal is to inspire them to think for themselves and to only need me for a short time. What I do is not a diet, it is a way of life.
I work with each person on an individual basis, so every person I work with receives a different plan. I create a meal plan for each person to fit their lifestyle, likes and dislikes and within their budget. They receive recipes for each food I recommend and a grocery list along with tips and foods to buy. Anything that they need with, I am there.
I coach them and give them tips on how to succeed. It could be weight loss or vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune diseases which is all impacted by diet.
I am available to prep cook with people as well. My goal is to show people that food makes a difference in our health and eating healthy can taste good. I want to give people the tools that will encourage and inspire them to continue a healthy lifestyle that will empower them to take control of their food choices moving forward. My desire is that they will eat to live not live to eat.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost Brittany Darrington from Corporate Misfits. She helps women who want to become entrepreneurs. Lucky for me she is a personal friend. I would not be here had it not been for her.
My husband Cliff has tried all my foods and tolerated my wanting to do this for years and supported me along the way. I hope to someday write a cookbook. My son Zach who’s diet I have watched change into a healthy way of eating due to my impact on him.
My friends who believe in me. Amy Finnie, Lissette Artie, Alaina Victoria, Alyssa Alvarez. Katina David, Alexandra Gisele, and so many more that support me. These are the ones who have stuck by me through this and have always told me I need to do this.
Pricing:
- Fresh Start $190.00, initial meal plan is 1 week, including recipes, tips, guidance, then hourly rates apply
- Grocery Store Tour $ 75.00
- Food Prep Cooking hands-on lesson $200.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nourish-2-flourish.com
- Phone: 281-536-2315
- Email: debbie@nourish-2-flourish.com
- Instagram: debster5861
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