Dean’na lost 75 pounds

Shout out to Dean’na. She sent us an amazing update! 
Update April 26th, 2020: My story was posted on January 18th, where I’d lost over 75 pounds by eating better and working out 3 to 5 times per week. It took me a minute (over two years), but I got it done by chipping away, little by little.

My goal at the time of the post was to do a fitness competition, and I promised to send in an update when I was done. Well, I did it!!! The show was on April 17th, and I won 1st place in the 50 plus category, 1st place Novice, and 3rd place in the Shape category. Yes, I was and am super excited just to say I actually did it, considering where I came from.

Remember, everyone has a story, and we don’t know what it is. …But here is mine. And remember, you’re never too old to dream a new dream or walk a new path. Instagram: @deanna0711

Transformation of the Day: Dean’na lost 75 pounds and became a Certifed Personal Trainer. Before she started her journey, she dealt with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and swelling in her feet and ankles. Now, she is training to do her first bodybuilding competition at 51 years old.

My name is Dean’na. I lost 75 pounds, got my Certified Personal Trainer certification, and did my first fitness photoshoot to celebrate this milestone. I am currently in training to do my first bodybuilding competition at age 51.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?  
My highest weight was 234 pounds, and I lost a bit on and off throughout the years. In January 2018, my cholesterol was rising with each pound gained, and my blood pressure was elevated. My blood sugar levels made me pre-diabetic, and my feet and ankles were swelling to the point where it was challenging to sit and walk. I was tired of being overweight, afraid of being diabetic, and didn’t want to take medication.  

A friend told me about a boot camp. I went, but I eventually fell off track. In March 2018, I joined another boot camp. The trainer was so helpful and encouraging that I stuck with it until June when I went on vacation. I missed the exercise because it made me feel better, and I was getting results. I went back to the book camp in August 2018 and never looked back.

I’ve done beast mode challenges and other competitions along the way. That has kept me motivated, as my trainer kept pushing me to do more to achieve better results. My gym, Infinity Fitness Solutions, also gave medals for every 25 lbs lost. I wanted the medals, so I got a 25lbs down, 50lbs down, and now a 75lbs down crystal award. I’m SO proud. I was encouraged and pushed to continue when I wanted to quit because I surrounded myself with like-minded people headed in the same direction. We kept each other encouraged thru difficulties and celebrated the victories. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I ate less sugar and processed foods and cut out soda. I ate more protein and less bread and fries. I also used less salt and ate more steamed or roasted veggies.

I began cooking and/or meal prepping. I didn’t stop eating any one food group. Instead, I made better choices along the way. This was definitely the toughest part of my journey. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I worked out in group classes using weights, HIIT, and cardio. I did classes or worked out on my own (doing weight training and cardio) at least five days a week for a minimum of 1 hour.  

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
214 pounds was my starting weight. My current weight is 139 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’4″.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in March 2018.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
No surgery wasn’t and so far still isn’t part of my journey. 

How long did your transformation take?
It took me about two years.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned is not to use food as a celebration. I found other ways to celebrate my success that were just as rewarding but didn’t involve food. Also, I celebrated non-scale victories, not focusing on the scale so much as how my body changed.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I would tell women to find THEIR “WHY.” We all start off wanting to lose weight. After you lose the weight, if you don’t have a reason behind it driving you, the goal gets lost. 

I would also tell them that a support system is super important. Surround yourself with positive people who share and respect your goals, and it will be easier to stick with them. Also, don’t focus on the scale after you lose a little weight. Start celebrating other weight loss victories such as pants size, belt size, bra, etc.

Instagram: @deanna0711