Change of Date: Danni shares how she lost 238 pounds by focusing on diet and exercise. Consistency and sensible eating were key elements in his journey. You gave a lot of details, so you do I won’t I want Miss his impressive story.
Social media:
FB: Danni Matthews
IG: @dannimheardphd
TikTok: missdannibabyyy
Growing up I was raised by a single father of four children. Needless to say, health and food often eluded us as we ate junk food while my father worked two full-time jobs. I quickly got used to identifying myself as a “fat kid,” which seemed like a lifelong sentence and something I was destined to become. In some sick way, I looked at this normal.
When I became an adult, I continued my bad habits. Even though I knew about healthy eating, it seemed I couldn’t escape a lifelong state of gluttony and inactivity. When I was 25 years old, I weighed 420 pounds and was very sad! It was painful to walk, painful to breathe, and painful to live. I watched life pass me by. My peers continue to date, form lifelong bonds, and enjoy life while I suffer from self-pity, addiction, and depression.
One day, I got fed up with the daily dissatisfaction. I decided to apply for gastric bypass surgery. After my insurance denied me several times, I decided to quit again until I met someone who challenged me to just go away.
My job was to walk a block on the 1st day, two blocks the next day, and so on and so forth. It quickly became a game for me, along with incorporating small changes (at first) into my diet. I started seeing results again I have to say see they were amazing.
What was your motivation? What motivated you to keep going, even when you wanted to quit?
I was motivated by being sick and tired of being sick and tired. It was a life of utter despair. My mental health literally couldn’t handle living another day in that state. Seeing results week after week became my new addiction and motivated me to keep going even on bad days. I finally felt like I could actually do this and find purpose in my life. I didn’t want to let that feeling go, so I kept pushing.
How have you changed your diet?
I’ve tried many fad diets: Atkins, Slimfast, Weight Watchers, intermittent fasting…you say it, and i tried it. Agreed, I he was able to to lose weight in these, but they did not stop because when I stopped, the weight accumulated on the rightback then another.
The only thing it has indeed and my consistent practice created a way of life with a sensible diet. I worked with a nutritionist to calculate my macros and develop a complete meal plan where I didn’t you feel deprived of something. I cook most of my meals at home using ingredients and portion control. All my meals include protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables.
Don’t get it wrong now because occasionally, I will enjoy a fatty ribeye or a super bomb burger. Anyway, I got it to be MEDIUM to be right return to your routine immediately after self-medication. Again water. I rarely drink anything but water. I estimate about a gallon to a gallon and a half a day!
What is your exercise routine?
I started with just walking, and saw immediate and long-lasting results. Today, I still walk about five miles every morning and alternate between swimming, HIIT, and working out in the evening. I’m definitely not a monster at the gym but I confirm share my method and stay consistent to continue to see results.
How often do you exercise?
Every day. Corner it is important to say that because I worked every day, my “Best” varied from day to day. For example, on very high energy days, I can walk 10 miles. On days when it’s not that hot, I might walk a mile or two. It was and still is it is important to incorporate some form of exercise into my daily routine.
What was your starting weight?
Starting weight: 420lbs
What is your current weight?
Current weight: 182lbs
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2013. I will say that my weight went up and down over time years, depending on current events in my life. For example, during C*vid I gained about 60 lbs because of it neglecting my schedule. I the weight came off quickly again I came back to it.
My transformation is ongoing and will be a lifelong process for me, but other signs are that my first 100 lbs lost in 8 months, and the 60 lbs lost from COVID-19 took about 8 months- 9. It is possible to see big jumps if you stay consistent!
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately). I was denied Gastric Bypass surgery. Now, getting rid of loose skin after weight loss is a whole journey in itself. Feel free to ask me about it if you want to know.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I have learned that this process is unique, and if you are patient and consistent, your hard work will pay off!
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I hated people who said all you have to do is eat right and exercise because, as easy as it sounds, it’s not that easy! But once I put those words in, the results spoke for themselves. I have learned that consistency is the key to any sustainable weight loss journey. If you fall, don’t wait to get up
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