The Sweet Life

Inspiration

Our team was inspired by the overwhelmingly high percentage of obese and overweight individuals in the United States. Before this project, we assumed the worldwide issue of obesity was a personal decision requiring little effort, by the individual, to change. However, in researching this project, we learned that it’s not quite that simple. Many people are stuck in a world of uncertainty when it comes to their recovery. With troubles crossing their path when trying to fix their lives, it's hard not to quit. Therefore, we were inspired to create our website to enable those who may be struggling with making that first step in their own road to recovery.

What it does

Our website provides information on where to find fresh produce nearby and healthy, balanced recipes with step-by-step instructions on how to make them. By inputting your location, we can provide local stores near you and this allows for humans to gain the crucial nutrients essential for proper body function. Additionally, we also have an array of recipes that readers can choose from, to create their own delicious, fresh food.

How we built it

Our team started off with creating an idea to help people solve an issue around us. Once we figured out what that issue was, we started developing a website that included all of the details we wanted our users to have access to. We used HTML to build a website with buttons for recipes, Google My Maps to create our own map with pins showing produce stores, and HTML again to write a short blurb about our website and list some foods that are very good for diabetic people. With all of these steps, we were able to create our final product The Sweet Life.

Challenges we ran into

During the course of the project, we encountered certain challenges that required attention. One such challenge was embedding a Map API into the website. However, we were able to overcome this hurdle by employing the use of Google My Maps. By doing so, we were able to develop a Google map that included locations that offer fresh produce in the vicinity of Children's National Hospital.

Additionally, we encountered a challenge related to the objective of our project. Initially, we aimed to develop a product exclusively for Children's National Hospital. However, we subsequently decided to pivot towards creating a website that would be of benefit to individuals experiencing diabetic or obesity-related issues. This shift in focus enabled us to broaden our reach and provide assistance to a wider audience.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We take great pride in our work ethic and the ability to deliver results within a tight timeline. While the project remains ongoing and requires further development, we are pleased with the progress we have made thus far. Particularly, we are proud to have created an interactive map that identifies the locations of fresh produce in Northern Virginia. This accomplishment represents a significant step forward in our efforts to promote healthy living and enhance access to fresh produce in the community.

What we learned

Prior to starting this project, our team held the assumption that obesity was solely a personal issue that required minimal effort on the part of the individual to rectify. However, through extensive research and analysis, we discovered that this issue is far more complex and multifaceted than originally anticipated. Many individuals find themselves trapped in a state of uncertainty regarding their path to recovery.

It became clear to us that our website could serve as a valuable resource to those struggling to take the initial steps towards recovery. By providing guidance and support, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle.

What's next for The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life initiative recognizes the potential for further expansion of our services. Presently, our interactive map only highlights the locations of fresh produce in Northern Virginia. Moving forward, we envision a wider geographic reach, extending beyond our current boundaries.

Furthermore, we aspire to integrate our services within hospital systems, offering support and guidance to patients during challenging times. By promoting a healthier lifestyle and providing access to fresh produce, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for individuals in our communities and promote healthy living practices.