I have been overweight for several years now, and it has gotten worse since giving birth. Being a mom is the most amazing thing in the world, but can also be stressful and keeps me very busy! To deal with stress, I have always turned to food for comfort. I have had back issues since having surgery in high school many years ago, so I always told myself exercise was not right for me, that I would hurt my back again. I had just accepted the idea that being overweight was my story, my path in life. 

As my daughter has turned in to a toddler, she is more and more active and constantly asks me to play with her, Chase her, jump with her...all those things that are very difficult when you are overweight. Still, I just kept telling myself it was okay, she would love me even if I couldn't be active with her.

My mindset changed in January...I herniated another disc in my back...2 weeks later, I broke my shoulder socket and tore my rotator cuff. During that time, I literally could not take care of my daughter independently. I couldn't lift her, couldn't play with her, couldn't bathe her...nothing. I realized that If I didn't start to get in shape, that would be my story...those would be the memories my daughter had of me. I decided then that I was going to change my life.

I had to go to physical therapy 3 times a week, an hour each time, for 10 weeks or so. During that time, I started looking for low-impact exercises that would not hurt my back. Admittedly, I am a WWE fan and DDP was already a familiar name to me. I figured if all those wrestlers used his program to gain back their lives, even with all their injuries, then it could work for me too. I finally got the okay from my doctors in March to start doing light exercises. I immediately ordered DDPY and began the program March 24, 2017. I began with phase 1 of the yoga, and phase 2 of the nutrition plan ( I am a teacher, so not sure phase 3 will ever fit in my budget). When I started, I was 280 pounds. More importantly,  I had given up on myself. Now, on June 14, 2017, I have lost 53 pounds! Best of all, I am able to do more physical activities with my daughter! I walk at least 5 miles a day and complete a DDPY exercise every day. I know that if I can do it, anyone can! DDP has forever changed my life, and I am so grateful for that!

I began with phase 1 of the yoga, and Phase 2 of the nutrition plan (I am a teacher, so not sure phase 3 will ever fit in my budget). When I started, I was 280 pounds. More importantly,  I had given up on myself. Now, on June 14, 2017, I have lost 53 pounds! Best of all, I am able to do more physical activities with my daughter! I walk at least 5 miles a day and complete a DDPY exercise every day. I know that if I can do it, anyone can! DDP has forever changed my life, and I am so grateful for that!