Transformation of the Day: Dionne lost 100 pounds. Turning 50 years old was her motivation. Now that her three children are young adults, this entrepreneur is focused on health, nutrition, exercise, and living her best life. She shared with us how she took action to transform her life.
Social Media:
Instagram: @DionneWilliams_
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was turning 50 years old; my three kids are now young adults, so it was time for me to start taking better care of myself and focusing more on living life. I focused more on myself.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started with a program located in my area called “Chicagoland Fat Loss Camp.” I began with their -week challenge program, which included a restricted calorie meal plan and exercise.
After finishing their challenge, I started learning more about nutrition and completely changed my eating habits. I try to eat as clean (“whole foods”) as possible: low to no sugar, no bread, low carbs, low to no processed food, and no pork or beef. I also do intermittent fasting (not only does it help you lose weight, but fasting is good for the body)
I enjoy my new eating style. The food is still good and very healthy. There are many healthy recipes that satisfy my appetite. I had to change my mindset and learn what my trigger areas were that made me want to overeat or snack.
What is your workout routine?
I do HIIT exercises every day (High-Intensity Interval Training), which includes weight training.
How often did you work out?
Four days a week, I do the HIIT exercises with trainers. One day a week, I go to the regular gym and work on the treadmill, elliptical, and Stairmaster. On the weekends in the summer, I do outdoor activities. I love to bike, run (“trot”), and play tennis. Working out has become a habit, and I try to be as consistent as possible.
What is your height?
I’m 5’7″.
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Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have weight loss surgery. For me, success came from focusing on nutrition and daily exercise.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my weight loss journey in June 2021. It took me 12 months to get to lose 100 pounds. I am still on my weight loss journey. I still have additional weight to lose.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I am a publicist and manage events, so I am constantly planning experiences around food & drink, which always made it harder for me to cut back.
Once my mind was set on losing weight, I could turn down eating food that was not good for me. I have taken much interest in nutrition and using food as medicine to prevent disease and keep me healthy. So now, when I see highly processed food or food with a lot of sugar, I think about how it can, over time, harm my body. I’ve seen many family members develop health issues because of poor eating habits. Watching them suffer was hard, but it motivates me to live a healthy lifestyle. This has been the best time of my life!
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I always tell people that there is no quick fix. You have to acknowledge that it will take some time to lose the weight, so don’t get frustrated and stop.
Know what your trigger points are. I know that in the late afternoon or on the weekends, I would want to eat something not good for me or a snack. I’m always aware of when that time comes around, and I need to be very conscious of my triggers if I’m going to stay focused on my goals.
Dorothy Edwards says
I almost die from my blood sugar and blood pressure being so high that woke me right up when the Doctor said he didn’t know what would have happened to me if I haven’t came to the ER when I did I was in the hospital for 25 days couldn’t walk by myself left leg was shaking and very painful along with my back since that did I been drinking every thing that say zero sugar and nothing with sugar I brought the menu home and eat by that and Thank God everyday for sparring my life.