Danielle lost 61 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Danielle lost 61 pounds. This proud mom transformed her body with healthy eating and strength training.  Now she is a trainer and a NPC Pro Figure Competitor.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

What was your motivation?
To be honest, I was a singe black mom tried of being single. I wanted to become the best confident person I could be and that started with loving myself inside and out. My weight loss journey began in March 2011 after the birth of my son. My son inspired me. To be healthy and happy was what I needed to do. I also began teaching Zumba as I started losing my weight and my students inspired me to keep going. Last year I came across an African American body builder who told me I was a queen and gave me the confidence to now reach my new goal of becoming a Pro Figure Competitor Fitness Athlete.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating fried foods and fast food. I changed my portion sizes, gave up red meat, switched to organic foods and I cook fresh produce as much as I can. I also began to educate myself on reading and understanding labels.

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out 6 to 7 days a week on bodybuilding structure as I’m getting ready for figure competitions. Mixed in is cardio kickboxing, Zumba and outdoor stuff for fun.

What was your starting weight and current weight?  I got to 215 pounds while pregnant and I weighed 189 pounds right after he was born.  Right now, I weigh 128 pounds (138 lbs when my body fat is at 12%) I’m 5’6″ tall. I initially got down from 189 lbs to 145 lbs with in 6 months after my son’s birth and just dropped the rest with in the 5 months for my show. I also built 6 lbs of lean muscle.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
You have to be consistent and keep going. This life changing journey takes times so if your patient it will happen.

Instagram: @Daniellefitness