Update May 2020: Danissa lost 79 pounds and she’s kept the pounds off for more than 6 years.
I used to weigh 208 pounds. I have managed to keep the weight off over the last 6-7 years or so. I am now a certified life coach. It is my passion to change the lives of others.
I fell into a major depression a couple of years ago, and by the grace of God I made it out. I am here to share my testimony and help others.
I use to do emotional eating or eat simply because I was bored. Today, I love myself way to much to constantly hurt my body with food. I am so thankful for God and all he has done in my life.
Transformation of the Day: Danissa lost 79 pounds. Before she made the decision to change her lifestyle, she was eating lots of junk food daily. Although she has worked at a gym for 7 years, she wasn’t using the free membership. All of that has changed now. She is eating balanced, healthy meals, working hard in the gym, and she has become a trainer. Check out her story.
What was your motivation?
I would have to say that my primary source of motivation came from being tired. Tired of being fat, tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin, tired of the negative comments towards my weight, and most of all, tired of not fighting for the healthy, amazing body that I knew I had in me. When I wanted to give up, I would remember why I started. I had many moments of wanting to throw in the towel, but after seeing results week after week, I could not give up.
How did you change your eating habits?
I made a drastic change to my eating habits. Before I made a change, almost daily I would eat an 8 piece fried wing dinner, and then go next door for an order of Little Ceasar’s breadsticks with the largest coke available. This was only lunch. I would follow it up with a large coffee with 6 creams, and 20 sugars. (…and no, I am not exaggerating… 20 sugars). Dinner would be whatever I had a taste for, either pizza or 2 McChickens with a large fry and 3 cookies.
I currently eat 5-6 balanced meals a day, ranging from baked chicken to fish, to steak with plenty of vegetables. I no longer drink soda or juice. I only drink water. I will have snacks every now and again, but 85% of the time I am eating wholesome, balanced meals prepared by me.
Tell us about your workout routine.
I never used to work out, and this is while working at a gym. I have been working at LA Fitness for 7 years now. It took me about 3 years to actually utilize the free membership I have. I would only do cardio here and there. Eventually, I learned how to lift weights properly, and completely sculpt my body. I now workout 5 days a week, and 90% of the time it is all weight lifting. I fell in love with it so much that I became a trainer myself.
Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 208 pounds, and my current weight is 129 pounds. My height is 5’5″. This is the result of hard work, early mornings, sacrifice, healthy foods, and good old hard work.
When did you start your journey?
I started my journey about 4 years ago, and I have never looked back. I did not notice a HUGE change for about a solid year. (Weight loss surgery is not a part of my journey.)
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned throughout my entire journey would be to be patient. I had to realize that I did not get fat overnight, and I wasn’t going to get in shape overnight. Patience is a virtue. When you learn to embrace the process and take your time, you will not only do what most people can’t (which is actually keeping the weight off), but you will value your own journey that much more. I had to learn that there are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and no half-assing the process.
What advice would you share with women who want to lose weight?
The best advice I can give to others would be STAY CONSISTENT! And BE PATIENT! You cannot eat healthy for 1 week and expect the results just to happen. You cannot eat well Mon-Fri and say screw it on the weekends. You cannot rush the process!
I would tell someone who is just starting to KEEP GOING! If you ate clean for 2 weeks, ok great. Now, go two more weeks. I would tell them to STOP with the waist trainers, flat tummy teas, and detoxes. This process is not a piece of cake, but it is not as hard as people make it out to be either. You literally have to have self-control and the pure determination to make a change… and BOOM it will happen!
I always tell my clients, “Food is not going anywhere.” That same donut that you want from your favorite bakery will be at that same bakery in a month. Do not let temporary satisfaction keep holding you back, and throwing you off course. Make it up in your mind that YOU WANT THIS! You have to let go of every single excuse, and start NOW! Not Monday, not next year as a “resolution,” but NOW!
Instagram: @bodybynissa
Tonya says
Beautiful! THanks for sharing…
I cant locate yuh our IG oage.
Tonya says
Please confirm IG page !!
💖 amazing !