Michelle's Story

My fitness journey started a little over a year ago, January 28, 2012 to be exact. I am the mother of three handsome boys (ages 10, 6, and 1) and a wife to one of my best encouragers. With each one of my children, I began to gain a little more weight. I lost a little here and there, but never kept up on it like I should have.   By the time I gave birth to my third child, I was beginning to hit the obese line.  I never went shopping for myself; I hated shopping. Nothing ever fit right, and I didn't like those mirrors in the dressing rooms. 

At the time I was a daycare provider in my home. I was open 50 hours a week, not to mention morning prep time and afterward cleaning duties. I was tired and exhausted and was beginning to be stressed out, a lot (my poor husband). I knew I wanted a change but didn't think I had the time to fit another “thing” into my schedule. My wake- up call was one night, I was on my hands and knees scrubbing my kitchen floor for what felt like the 100^th time that day, and began balling my eyes out.  I was so overwhelmed, tired and frustrated all at the same time. I knew something had to change.

When I started I weighed 168 pounds on a 5’2” frame. I wasn't sure where to turn. I knew if I did something at home, at least I would be able to do it when the kids went to bed. I ordered a program I found off of an infomercial one evening. It was a 60 day program and I was desperate to start something, so I just picked one. I started the first workout, and balled. I told my husband, “I just spent $70 on this program and I can’t even keep up with it. What was I thinking!” He encouraged me to keep going and so I did. Each workout got a little easier, and I was on my way. I didn't do every workout, but I tried to get at least 3-4, 1 hour long sessions in a week. The biggest change I began to see in myself at that point was the amount of energy I had. After about 2 weeks, I already began to feel a huge difference in energy and my stress level was almost non-existent.

This is me at the end of May, 2012.

My eating habits, I have to say were challenging for me, having a daycare. I had to get into a mind-set about taking little bites here and there were a no, no. I got up early each morning to make myself breakfast, which was mostly egg white and veggie omelets. I had my lunch during rest time and I kept a bag of almonds, cut veggies, greek yogurt at all times for snacks. I made normal suppers for my family, but watched my portions. I also allowed myself one whole grain carb a day and fruit which I always had in the morning. I didn't watch my calories as much as long I stuck to a plan of eating clean. I started to prepare food differently too, staying away from butter as much as possible.  

Being a newbie to the whole new world of health, I was searching for more. I loved the new found energy I had so I began running in the summer and did my first two 5K’s last summer. As winter came about again, I tried a couple different in-home programs that I became bored with quickly. As I was flipping through Facebook one day I came across Dayna Deter’s Fitness as she was the wife of one of my classmates from high school. She mentioned to me that she soon would be starting an online program and I was thrilled! I knew I wanted to be a part of it because she was so helpful and caring in the questions that I had.  Dayna has motivated me in many ways to keep going. She loves what she does and she has such passion for her clients.

Her program is truly amazing in its variety of workouts. Every week is a different workout plan, and she is always popping new challenges in the mix. Her clean eating plan is perfect for anyone, including a family. I have tried most of her recipes she has on her site, and they are awesome and kid friendly, which is perfect for busy moms.  This is not just an in-home program, this is hiring a personal trainer. I am amazed at the time and effort she puts into making this program fun and personal.  After just 2 months on the program, I have noticed a big change in my tone, especially that hard to loose baby tummy! Here are my before and 2 months after starting the Determinite Program.

In total I have lost 49 pounds. I went from a size 14 to a size 2 in a matter of 14 months. I was able to run in my first 5k’s this summer and have plans for 10k’s this summer. I have to say that for me it’s not about being thin, but how it has impacted my overall physical health. 

My faith played a huge part of my determination. A lot of prayers were said in finding the strength to meet my goals. When I look back at how fast it went, and I am amazed on why I waited so long.

You can do this. You can make a change. It will happen, you just
need to keep taking a step forward. After I met my goal, I got this tattoo on my foot. It is a reminder to me on how He helped me through taking a step not only spiritually - “Walk by Faith, Not by sight” - but physically; we take steps forward not knowing how far we can make it.

I want to challenge any of you that are just starting out to take time for yourself. As moms we tend to give, give, and give, and we don’t do a very good job at taking care of ourselves. Push to make time, eat healthy, and make a life change. There is no magic pill, or diet. There is just hard work, determination and eating the right foods. When I was tired after work all I wanted to sit on that couch and relax, but I would ask myself, “Is that going to help me for what I want tomorrow?” The answer is no!  Find what works for you, and make it happen!