Name: Danielle
Age: 34
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Server
Hometown: Highland, Indiana
Height: 5’2″
Starting Weight: 215 pounds
Current Weight: 137 pounds
Current Waist Size: 28″
Danielle’s Weight Loss Interview!
How much did you lose?
I lost a total of 78 pounds and went from a size 16 to a size 3! I actually started my diet at 208 pounds, lost a few pounds and then gained the weight back and went all the way up to 215 pounds.
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was fit as a teenager and into my early 20’s. I became overweight after I had my fourth child. However, it was not the pregnancy that made me get fat. It was me. I was unhappy and lonely. I actually had most of the weight off by my youngest child’s first birthday, but then I got depressed and put it all back on, plus more!
What made you decide to lose weight?
I’m 34 and short and was tired of looking like an Oompa Loompa! I was always fatigued and couldn’t keep up with my kids. I couldn’t even throw a football with my son or climb a flight of stairs without needing a nap.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Food. Food. Food! I turned down the temptations. I do treat myself though on occasion. I still don’t drink enough water. I try to avoid eating bread, rice, carbs, dairy, etc. I only eat those foods maybe once a month.
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
My kids! You know there is always a party, a special event or an activity that warrants a celebration or treat of some sort. I had to learn to just say no or have a healthy alternative. Also, not eating the leftovers from things like a kid’s meal. I might have a few fries here or half of a milkshake there but it’s only once in a while. However, I have 4 kids so I can’t be doing that all of the time! Even for their birthdays, I try to do healthy alternatives like having a fruit arrangement or some healthy smoothies.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
Within a few weeks. The first 10-20 pounds comes off quick, especially when you are as overweight as I was.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
Less than a year. I’m still working on it. As I said before, I started my diet and fell off the bandwagon for about 6 weeks. I started over though and that is the important thing. I used to start a diet and then when I would slip up I would just say “forget it” and go back to my original eating habits. I also cut out soda.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
Exercise. Just make sure to move! I’m still losing, but my weight loss began in March of 2014. I’d say what I eat is more important than anything else, or should I say, what I don’t eat 🙂
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
The way I feel and look. I feel so much better physically and all around. I feel confident about myself. I can take a picture with my kids and not be ashamed to be in it!
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I’m able to play with my kids outside. I remember a specific time, early in this journey, when I played laser tag with my kids. I was so out of shape I had to lay down in my car for a while on my left side. My lungs closed up and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack! I just thought, “Oh God, get me through this.”
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Yes, my advice is to be persistent! Don’t give up because you messed up. Stay focused. When I crave bad food I think of the dresses I want to wear in the summer 🙂
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I would go on ShapeFit.com and read articles about other women. I was always thinking they were probably doing Nutrisystem or some other food program. The amount I needed to lose was overwhelming to me. I set small goals at first and then went from there.
Danielle’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight Loss Tip #1:
Eat your most calorie rich meal early in the day.
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Don’t eat after 6:30 pm. If you do, make it an apple.
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Walk, walk and then walk some more!
Weight Loss Tip #4:
No carbs or stick to low carbs with no dairy or limited dairy.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Veggies. You don’t like them? Eat them anyway. I do 🙂
Danielle’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Oatmeal with natural peanut butter or with cinnamon and honey I buy locally. Or, a smoothie or hard-boiled egg. Oatmeal is only for days I am super hungry. Otherwise, it is always a green smoothie (kale, spinach, apple, lime).
What do you normally eat for lunch?
Grilled chicken and veggies. I love charbroiled chicken and green peppers. Or, a teriyaki grilled chicken salad from Subway. If I use Teriyaki chicken, then I never need to add salad dressing.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
A smoothie. I prefer to have smoothies as a meal. I was never checked out by a doctor but when I have to digest food (solids) it makes me really tired. I do eat Boar’s Head cracked pepper turkey from the deli though and I love it. I am also really into spices and seasonings for added flavor.
What do you normally eat for snacks?
Raw almonds or a piece of fruit.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I take iron supplements.
Danielle’s Weight Loss Workouts!
What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
Pilates! I have a Pilates Power gym at home and I love it.
What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
I walk and do sprints at a park that has hills by my house.
