Today we have a new story to inspire and motivate you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Let’s hear Dana Humphrey’s journey.
Women Fitness:
When did you begin your fitness journey? What motivated you to embark on this journey?
Dana Humphrey:
Since I was in 5th grade I have been actively working out, running, walking, biking, sports etc. I have done triathlons, marathons, 1/2 marathons and trained for many races. My weight loss story however begins about one year ago, in May of 2017 when I decided to stop working out hardcore, and change the way I do things.
While I have also been on every diet you can think of – Atkins, south beach, low carb, no sugar, etc. etc. I used to have a story of losing and gaining twenty pounds yearly.
In May, I stopped eating gluten, stopped running and started doing hot yoga and dancing more. The combination of these things have yielded me to lose 40 lbs.
Women Fitness:
In the course of your fitness journey, what were the milestones that you had to overcome?
Dana Humphrey:
I had to change the way I think about working out, I used to think I had to push myself and pain = gain, but now I know that is not the case. Doing what you love is the key to shedding weight.
Women Fitness:
What is your fitness regime like now?
Dana Humphrey:
I usually go to spin class once a week on Monday or Tuesday mornings for 45 min. I go to at least one 60 min hot yoga class per week and I walk as much as possible. On Friday and Saturday nights I go out dancing for at least 5 or 6 hours, sometimes once or twice during the week for about three hours as well.
Women Fitness:
In a typical day, what do you take for breakfast-lunch-dinner? And what are your go-to healthy snacks?
Dana Humphrey:
My go to snack is plaintain chips – I am completely addicted! I usually eat a bag a day.
I usually have a banana, yogurt, protein, honey, smoothie for breakfast or eggs and vegetables. For lunch I like to have a vegetable stir fry, sometimes tofu. I snack on oranges and apples and cheese and cashews, sometimes dried fruit. I avoid gluten, but I tend to have sushi or fish or rice & beans or soup, salad etc. for dinners.
Women Fitness:
With so much happening in and around fitness, tell us about your 2018 Fitness goals?
Dana Humphrey:
My goals this year are to keep up the good work, keep doing what makes me happy and move my body so that it feels good! I want to dance at least once or twice a week and make it to a few hot yoga classes a week. Now that it’s summer I will be riding my bike more often.
Women Fitness:
Share with us your top 5 tips for someone who is looking to lose weight, say about a 50 pounds.
Dana Humphrey:
2018 is going to be a good year for me. I have immersed myself into helping others to achieve their goals (or what I like to use is Make a difference to enhance their life) the way I have. And the best part is knowing you are helping feed malnourished children across the world.
Women Fitness:
Share with us your top 5 tips for someone who is looking to lose weight, say about a 30 pounds.
Dana Humphrey:
Find out your blood type and eat for your blood type! After I started eating gluten free, I am also vegetarian and avoid dairy mostly except for cheese, I lost 40 lbs and I found out that I am 0 positive, and now that I looked up “eating for your blood type” I am finally eating this way after 35 years of experimenting (I am 35 year old).
Find a workout that you like! It should not be work, or a drag or hard… life is fun! Moving your body is fun, find a dance or a movement that works for you. Try something new, karate? Boxing? Swimming? Walking with a buddy? Get a dog!
