Danaka lost 80 pounds

In February 2014, I got on the scale for the first time in months and I saw 240 lbs (5’3″). I claim this as my starting weight because I honestly don’t know what I weighed before then. It was probably more. I tried to ignore my “weight issue” and I rarely took any pictures of myself, so there are very few, if any. Now I’m aware of every pound, inch, bodyfat percentage and I am very proud of my progress. Everyday I eat clean and workout (cardio and weights) sometimes twice a day at the gym. I do bootcamps 4-5 days a week with my trainer, @nkemsway and follow a strict meal plan created by my weight loss coach, #NutritionByNina @poloprincessnyc. I’m obsessed and I love it. Now I’m so focused on my fitness goals and I’m never going back.  Current weight: 157 pounds

As I mentioned, I just decided to change one day and I’ve managed to stick with it ever since. My weight loss coach (and now my friend) is my biggest motivator and my inspiration because she managed to lose over 140 lbs and has maintained her weight for the past few years. Seeing her journey lets me know that it is possible for me to reach my own fitness goals. The meal plan she created for me is based on low carb/high protein diet. I just put my faith in her and the process. She also coaches other women and we all work out together. We also hang out together as well and I call these women my fitness friends. It’s like weight loss support group and I’m constantly encouraged to keep reaching for my fitness goals.

For those who are trying to lose weight, it just takes dedication and determination. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can yield exceptional results. It must be a priority. It also helps to have a support system during the process.  I want to continue to lose body fat and build muscle. In the past 8 months, I have lost about 80 pounds, I am still not near my “recommended weight” and I still have a little bit to go, but I have come a long way and I am VERY proud of my progress. People told me that it couldn’t be done. Now, I am fully motivated and the following keeps me focused.  My advice:

1. Focus on yourself, you are your own competition, you are the priority. (not your job, your husband, your kids, your pets etc.)
2. Don’t focus on others and don’t compare your progress to someone else.
3. Don’t worry about your weight a year from now, worry about your weight for today and tomorrow. It is a process and take it one day at a time.
4. STAY POSITIVE. Don’t let any sort of negativity or doubt creep in because it is toxic; if there are negative people in your life, avoid them.
5. Your body can do anything. (PUSH yourself!)
6. YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE. (You can never ever go back to what you were doing before; kiss that life GOODBYE)
7. Be consistent. You can never stop.
8. Plateaus may happen or they may not happen, if they do, you have to change your routine to keep progressing.

If you started over 200lbs or are considered “oversight/obese” (per BMI the chart) or are not happy with your current weight, don’t lose hope, keep going, don’t ever stop. Get a heart rate monitor (like Polar), track your progress (take weekly pics, weigh yourself, use livestrong tracker or any other trackers out there) Join a fitness group, or get a nutritionist or a trainer and a gym membership! (If you don’t already have three or four of these things) You may need support to stay on track. This is mostly a mind game and once you conquer your mind, you will be invincible.

Check out more photos from her journey on Instagram: @DanakaFit