2011 - The Year of Fit, Healthy & Slim Interview

Image Copyright 2011

I had such a great time interviewing Melissa of Phat Girl on a Diet that I thought I would talk to someone else documenting their weight loss journey on Facebook and found Dana.  Here is her story.

Hello Dana!  The name of your Facebook page is 2011- The year of fit, healthy, and slim.  

Was this a New Years resolution?  What was your inspiration to start this journey?

I've never really been one to make New Years resolutions. I was sitting at home one day feeling sorry for myself, beginning to realize just how unhealthy, overweight and unhappy I had become. I had been down and out with a back injury for five months and something just clicked. I decided it was time to make a change. Time to make a better life for not only myself but also for my two children. Weight has been something that I have battled since my teens, trying to overcome the issue of body image and loving myself. My biggest fear was having my daughter face the same issues I have been facing for years. That alone was the push I needed to get my life on track and we haven't looked back.

I had originally created the Facebook page thinking it would be family and friends and within the first week it was up to 100 followers and kept on climbing. It was such a huge inspiration to see how many people had my back, a tight community started to form. 

What is a day in your life like?

Image Copyright 2011

I wake up in the morning feelin' like P Diddy ... ha ha ha KIDDING :) First thing, I grab my Iphone and check my Facebook page. Reply to posts and add a link, usually from Prevention or Clean Eating Magazine. I'm not a morning person and so this is a great start to my day, ha ha!! Then the kids I plan our day, either head to the beach, the park or the swimming pool. I usually do my workout in the afternoon or evening after supper. We have enjoyed every minute of our summer. Although I have been off work due to an injury I have taken advantage of my time off and our summer together as a family. I'm going to miss my buddies when they go back to school in September.

On your Facebook page you mention outdoor walking as one of your favorite exercises.  What types of places do you walk, and what is your usual routine?

I do a ton of walking outdoors. My favorite place to walk is to the ocean. Not only is it beautiful but it's also very peaceful, a great place to clear my mind. My normal routine the past couple of months has been indoor walking with Leslie Sansone. I really enjoy her dvd's, it's a great workout and super convenient. My favorite workout is the 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk. 

Image Copyright 2011

Do you have any favorite recipes you'd like to share?

I am a HUGE fan of Gina's Skinnytaste recipes! If you haven't been to her website, check it out! My favorite is her Summer Tomatoes, Corn, Crab and Avocado Salad!! Mouth watering!! 

Who in your life inspires you?

My daughter (she's 10) inspires me every single day! The two of us have been working together since January, she has made such positive changes in her life. She keeps me pushing every single day and is an amazing workout buddy!! My other inspiration's are the phenomenal friends I have made on my Facebook page. They keep me accountable and encouraged every single day. I love so much that together we have created a tight community. I am very blessed!

Besides living healthy, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

I love taking pictures, exploring the outdoors, geocaching, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, catching up with my latest tv shows, ha ha ha! And surfing the web.