Transformation of the Day: DaLana lost 75 pounds. She was always active in sports and other activities, but a lack of understanding nutrition held her back. She was always the heavier girl on the team and had to prove herself. Her top advice now it that you can’t out train a bad diet. Check out her journey.
My name is DaLana and I wanted to share my story in hopes of inspiring someone. I started my journey in 2013 and have lost 75 pounds via healthy natural weight loss. It’s been an rollercoaster, but overall I’ve been able to maintain my weight for about a year now.
I was always active in sports and other activities growing up, but an understanding of nutrition wasn’t present in our household. I never had a good solid foundation for that and it hindered me as I got older. I was always the heavier girl on the team, and because of that I had to work even harder to prove my ability and skill. Because I didn’t have good eating habits, I would workout like crazy. When I went to college, I reached my highest weight of 250 pounds. I told myself that I was out of control. I got on the scale and said, “This isn’t me. I’m not happy and I want to look and feel better.”
In 2013, I walked into a gym with a Groupon and never turned back. I’ve competed in strength competitions, coached other people in reaching their fitness goals and helped people with nutrition. I feel great and can’t wait to meet my final goal. The best advice I have for anyone: You can’t out train a bad diet. Nutrition is key!
What inspired you to keep going during the tough times?
When I weighed 250 pounds, I felt like I was too heavy at such a young age. I wanted to keep going to prove to myself and others that a healthy lifestyle is possible. Bad eating habits run in my family and I wanted to break that cycle. Now that I’m a coach, my inspiration is my clients as well. It’s hard for people to see organic weight loss these days. I want to show people that with consistency and discipline, results will come.
How did you change your eating habits?
Before I knew anything about nutrition I gave up fried foods, sodas and watched my portions. Now, as a coach, I take my nutrition more seriously and I’ve had better results. In the past year, I’ve lost 30 pounds with the help of the Qualitarian Lifestyle. I eat good quality food (dairy free, soy free and nut free). I’m trying to reach my goal and my body is adapting. I weigh and measure my food now for more accuracy. Weight loss is a numbers game. I don’t keep a food log, but I do plan my meals out on Sundays and make sure I stay within a certain number is carbohydrates, fats and protein.
What does your workout routines look like?
I’ve always done more strength training than cardio. HEAVY squats, deadlifts, hang cleans, power cleans and bench press. I add in cardio 1-2 times a week. I’ve always worked out 5 times a week, out of habit, but I’m learning that with the proper nutrition you can cut back on the workouts.
Instagram: @dalana.gaines
Pamelacrawford says
Great. Job