Weight-Loss Success!

An Interview with Dani - Life Changing weight-loss success interview

Losing weight is incredibly challenging, it takes determination, dedication and drive in order to continue to progress, to fight off those sugar cravings recognizing that at the end of this journey, you will be happier than the sugar makes you feel.

We all know some of the process, the exercise, the dieting ideas and fads, but what we don't know is the underlying reasoning, or environmental issues you, may or may not face when embarking on a weight-loss journey. Something I always like to mention to my clients.

"No one ever comments on your unhealthy dietary habits, BUT will have EVERYTHING to say about your new healthy eating plan."

Bear that in mind next time you start to make those healthy choices and remember why you're doing it.

Regardless of the setbacks and the challenge, it is all possible for everyone to accomplish, if you work hard and put your mind to it.

FOOLS LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE.

I PREFER TO LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS.

~ Otto Von Bismarck ~

So let's get started!

Q. Tell me a little about yourself and why you decided to make a change to your health?

A. I had just turned 37 and spent the last 3 months stuck in Florida during the Pandemic. I think I was just bored and wanted to do something to take my mind off the stress of life at that time. I had packed on a lot of weight and was the heaviest I had ever been in my life. I honestly didn’t look at it as a life change or a health thing or even a long term thing. I thought I would buy a package of sessions and then stop.

Q. How long did it take you to achieve your results? And what were the numbers?

A. I was 160lbs on day 1 and my initial pipe dream goal was to get to 127 which was my college weight. I seriously didn’t ever think it would happen. It’s been 9 and half months and I currently weight about 124lbs so 36 pounds down and the goal has shifted. I now plan to reach somewhere between 115 and 120 and re-evaluate then.

Q. What are your favorite health and fitness blogs, books or magazines that you read?

A. I never had any before but now I follow some food bloggers for recipe inspiration. @lilsipper and @starinfiniatefood. I also follow personal trainer, author and fitness coach James Smith @jamessmithpt. I plan to read his books eventually.

Q. What is your favorite healthy food to eat? What is the recipe?

A. My friend who is a chef shared a super easy recipe for turkey Bolognese that I love. I make it a few times a week and live off it for lunches and dinners.

Ingredients:

Chopped garlic

Olive oil spray

1 package ground turkey ( I use organic 93% fat free)

1 can of crushed tomatos

About 2 cups of fat free chicken stock

about ¼ cup good quality grated parmesan cheese plus more for sprinkling on top

Spray a large pan with olive oil and brown garlic on low heat.

Add turkey and turn up the heat to medium to high. Cook till turkey is browned.

Turn heat down to low and add tomato and stock. It will look really liquidy. Cook uncovered on low heat, stirring occasionally for about 2-3 hours till all of the liquid has cooked off and you are left with a thick Bolognese. When you get close to the end of the cook time and you think you only have maybe 30 minutes left, stir in the ¼ cup of cup of cheese. Serve with rice and vegetables or eat as is. Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese if you like.

Q. What is your least favorite health food to eat?

A. Asparagus.

Q. What is your favorite cheat meal?

A. Way too many to choose from. Pizza, ice cream, cookies, In & Out Burger, any good bread

Q. Do you take any supplements?

A. Fish oil, magnesium glycinate, multivitamin and adding vitamin C soon

Q. When it comes to eating healthy, what are your top 3 recommendations?

A. Don’t go food shopping hungry. Don’t keep junk food in the house. Stock the fridge with healthy snacks you will eat when there is no junk food to reach for.

Q. How did you overcome peer pressures from friends when eating out?

A. Thankfully my friends have all been very supportive of my healthy eating so this wasn’t an issue. And I try not to stress too much about it. There is always something on the menu I can work with and not beat myself up about going over my macros for the day. But I do tend to order dessert as a treat and will share it with the table.

Q. What is your favorite exercise to do and why?

A. I like anything with the barbell; squats, press, deadlifts ( except hip thrusts). It’s not something I typically see females do and I love the challenge. I feel super strong and confident.

Q. Have you had to deal with any injuries throughout the process?

A. Minor muscle strains and knee pain every once in a while. I was experiencing severe tension headaches for a few weeks at one point which was so frustrating because I couldn’t exert myself with any heavy lifting and I was afraid it would completely derail my progress.

Q. What is the best piece of advice for those just starting to exercise?

A. Drink water. Stretch. Listen to your trainer.

Q. What is your goal this year?

A. To get into a hand stand without a spotter. To complete 5 pull-ups unassisted

Q. What keeps you motivated?

A. The continued progress I see in the mirror. How I look and feel in my own skin and in clothes. I love that feeling and am excited to see how my body will keep changing getting stronger and fitter. And my trainer keeps me motivated.

Q. How frequently did you train to accomplish your transformation?

A. At some point we went from 2 sessions a week to 3 plus increased steps as much as possible.

Q. How has your life changed since you lost weight?

A. I have so much confidence in how I look in all my clothes, most of which are new because my old stuff was literally falling off me, even bikinis. I eat a lot more food and really good, healthy food that I enjoy making and eating. It feels good to eat good. I have an easier time doing cardio activities like hiking. I want to try lots of new activities like acro yoga or take tennis lessons or riding my bike further. I’m just generally happier and have a much better energy.

Q. Have you experienced any negativity from friends or family or anyone who was unsupportive about your weight loss?

A. This was something my trainer warned me about during my initial consult and I have definitely experienced it. People who are unhappy with their own health or lifestyle or weight will question if I am training too hard or being too strict with my diet or have lost too much weight and need to stop. They are always shocked to find out I only train 3 hours a week and do almost no cardio work at all. Or that I eat more now than I ever did before and don’t really feel restricted or “on a diet”. It really has become just a lifestyle. The worst is those that say I’ve lost too much weight and I’m too skinny already and should stop. I have to remind myself that they are saying these things because they have their own insecurities and issues.