Transformation of the Day: Danielle lost 45 pounds and transformed her body. She found that doing the work to be fit and healthy helped her with the stress and depression that came with being a new mom and a single mom. Now she is a Fitness Professional, helping people to transform their bodies and their lifestyles.
What was your motivation?
What motivated me to lose weight and get healthy was my son, 100 percent. I gained my freshman 20lbs starting college at SJSU, reaching 157 pounds. Then, as a senior in college, I got pregnant and gained 55 pounds in total. Yes, by my last weeks of pregnancy, I weighed in at 210 pounds. Getting in shape to be there for my son will always remain my goal and my primary motivation!
What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
A lot kept me inspired, with my son still being at the forefront. What also inspired me to keep going was how much getting in my best shape helped with my mental health. I had a lot of stress after having my son and even depression. The struggles of being a new single mom with a baby weighed heavily on me. As I got healthier, leaner, and more powerful, mental strength came over me and has lifted me away from depression ever since.
How did you change your eating habits?
I switched to a low carb diet. I made a lifestyle change by no longer drinking soda and juice. I also gave up red meat and pork and ate smaller portion sizes as well.
I gave up eating so much fast food as well. I still do have that kind of food, of course, but it’s limited, and I have boundaries.
What did your workout routine look like?
I went to school for Kinesiology because I wanted to work as a physical therapist. However, after graduating in 2010 with a new baby, I decided to focus on personal training. I became certified in 2010 and created a program for my self. I stuck to the plan, and within months I started losing weight. It’s a combination of weights and cardio.
I did four days of 1 hour of cardio and two days of weight lifting. My routine changed as I gained more knowledge about fitness. Now, I’ve perfected my workout programs based on the body type and person. Our bodies are all different, so we can’t treat everyone the same.
How often did you work out now?
Six days a week for at least 2 hours a day.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 175 pounds – 1 week postpartum. My current weight is a healthy 130 pounds.
What is your height?
5’6″
When did you start your journey?
2011
How long did your transformation take?
It took two years. It takes time. (130lbs, 11% bodyfat)
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I never had nor could afford surgery. Although the weight loss came with a little extra skin, I embrace my mommy belly as a reminder of my journey. I would recommend people try a more natural route for losing weight. It creates the kind of healthy lifestyle change that is required to maintain a weight loss.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
No matter what, you have to believe in yourself. It’s your journey, and no one else’s.
What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
You have to know that if you put in the time and decide to CHANGE, you will see changes.
Instagram: @daniellefitness
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