Transformation of the Day: Danni lost 92 pounds. After losing a child during pregnancy, this mom was devastated when her doctor told her that had she been in better health and less overweight the pregnancy may have gone better. With prayer and dedication, she pressed past depression and unhealthy habits. She truly put in the work. Now, she is focused on being a fit and healthy example for her son. Check out her inspirational journey.
I’ve lost a total of 92 pounds to date, and it took me 2 years to do so. I was overweight and had high blood pressure. I had a really unfortunate life situation happen which made me realize I needed to change my life. I lost my child during pregnancy. It was devastating to my family. I was in a terrible place in life.
Although my doctor was sympathetic, she basically told me that had I been smaller and healthier, my child may have had a chance because there wouldn’t have been so much stress. As you can imagine, that was very traumatic for me.
With my first child, I had an awful pregnancy and delivery! My son came early, but he CAME. He’s healthy and beautiful, so I didn’t really listen to what the doctors told me regarding my health. I figured if I already had one beautiful, healthy child, the next pregnancy would be ok as well. However, that wasn’t the case.
After the loss of my child, I fell into a state of depression. I started making choices that didn’t do me any good, physically or mentally. One day, I prayed to God to guide me toward change. I wanted real change! I wanted mental growth, as well as physical change. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to feel happy and healthy. That is when I decided that enough was enough. No more making bad decisions regarding my health. I decided to make some serious changes.
I was already committed to a gym, so I started hitting the full gym time and worked on changing my diet. Two years later, a balanced diet and spending 5 days a week in the gym has taken me from 245 pounds to 153 pounds. (height: 5’6″) I understand what it is like to overcome life’s hardships and still come out standing tall. I am still a work in progress, but I am determined and motivated beyond belief.
When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in April 2016. No weight loss surgeries, pills or wraps. I did this all naturally.
What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was and always will be my children. I do it for my beautiful son, who I am honored to be able to take care of him daily and my child I lost, whom I think about every day. My son watches my every move. He mimics me while I am working out and he always tells me he wants to be strong like me. He wants to be fit and healthy. I have to teach my child the importance of health. It’s important to show kids by example why being active is a MUST. Our children idolize us as parents. We are their world, and we must care for them properly. That includes proper diets and activity levels. We, as parents, are the first line of defense when it comes to cutting out child obesity. We as parents must do better for our children when it comes to teaching them how to take care of themselves and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How did you change your eating habits?
Changing my eating habits was hard. As you get older, you often become more stuck in your ways. It becomes harder to change. Not only that, but adults are really busy. The lifestyle that a typical adult has to live includes limited sleep, taking care of others before yourself and food that is fast. I did not want to take out certain foods from my diet. However, once I really started to learn my body, I realized what food choices did my body harm versus actually giving me energy. I had to cut out all processed sugars and bread. The only starchy carbs that I consume are sweet potatoes and an occasional slice of whole wheat. I also started eating all fresh veggies and fruits. I do not consume table salt or any food item that has to be stored because that’s when additives and preservatives are placed into the food for shelf life. If I ever use salt, which is VERY RARE, I use pink Himalayan salt. I cook everything fresh and meal prep. On days when I don’t meal prep due to time, I do what I need to do to ensure that I am still eating correctly.
What did your workout routine look like?
I work out 5/6 times a week. I do high-intensity training and boxing. I didn’t realize my strengths until I really started giving my all in the gym. Weekly Routine: I wake up at 5:15am every morning. I train on Mondays and Friday mornings at 6am. When I train, we work on a variety of elements, including weight training/sculpting, high-intensity cardio, and heavy lifting. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, I work out at the same gym, but I do all cardio and mix in light weights. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I work out 2 times a day, at 6am and as soon as I get off of work.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I am way stronger than I could have ever thought I was. In every aspect-life, the gym, everything! The amount of strength I have been forced to display has really let me know that no matter what you feel or think about yourself, YOU CAN DO IT. It’s all a mental game.
To anyone trying to lose weight, I advise them NEVER TO QUIT and NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. Our minds can be our worst enemy. If we start to think we can’t, then our bodies will not! If we say over and over we CAN, and we truly believe we can, our bodies WILL!
I recently started documenting my weight loss journey. To share my testimony gives me happiness beyond belief. Knowing that I possibly can inspire someone else is amazing!
Instagram: @DKFIT__
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