Ballantyne Magazine

WINTER 2012

Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.

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Fresh fruit and veggies have been a key component of the Leakes' new eating habits. "Kids want to do the right thing. We want to educate them to make the right decision," Lisa says. Still, it's natural to crave an ice-cream cone. While the Leakes don't keep packaged snacks in the pantry, neither do they deprive their daughters of the occasional sweet treat. The Leakes weren't more fully that the reason we eat is to fuel our bodies, so what we fuel it with matters a great deal," she wrote. "It has definitely changed the way I cook, eat and think about food." Adults and kids who register at the site and complete the shorter "10-Day Pledge" receive bright green silicone wristbands to mark their accomplishments. The website offers a wealth Perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome was the perception that healthy eating would be boring, at best tasteless or even worse. prepared for the huge response that continued to grow, even after they completed the original 100 Days of Real Food challenge. Within a year's time, their page views passed the half-million mark, then doubled, and then tripled. Jason and Lisa attribute the success to the quality content they provide. And for the record, they still maintain their newly acquired eating habits. Hundreds of readers have posted comments describing how much their lives have changed. "A fog has lifted," wrote one. Another, Becky Zbylski, was frustrated with her attempts to make changes on her own. "I feel like I've finally had that 'aha' moment when I realized of recipes, meal planners, budget tips, school- lunch suggestions, as well as blog topics that include gardening, travel and product reviews. Unexpected Opportunity Setting out to spread the message of healthier eating through 100 Days of Real Food, the Leakes weren't expecting to discover a business opportunity. Today both of them work in the venture full-time. The website generates income from direct sponsors, paid continued on page 58 Lisa and Jason Leake were surprised that chronicling their dietary journey online led to a full-time business opportunity. 56 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE WINTER 2012-2013

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