After the birth of her second child she couldn’t even muster enough energy to move down a slide in the park.
Fast forward just a few short years, and the svelte Aussie mum-of-four you see before you today is more likely to be doing chin-ups on the monkey bars than watching the world pass her by.
In a remarkable transformation, Dani is now an inspiring ‘fitness food motivator’ with a six-figure social media fan base, which includes celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, no less.
To mark the release of her new e-book, 30 Days Of Fitness & Food, The Carousel caught up with the dynamo to glean a few secrets to her remarkable success.
What was the Eureka moment that changed your life?
It was shortly after the birth of my second child when I was overcome with feelings of tiredness, sheer lethargy and feeling unfit. I was just sitting and staring while the world passed me by. My Eureka moment came when I took a look at myself and I didn’t like what I saw. So I made a decision to take my life in my own hands, get fit and healthy and be the mother I wanted to be. It was simply a matter of realising that having low self-esteem, staying at home and being over-weight was making me feel down. All those Tim Tams and late night snacks weren’t doing me any favours! I decided to make an immediate change and took control of my life in a bid to start feeling better.
Do you have formal qualifications?
I truly don’t believe a formal qualification or a certificate means anything if you can’t motivate those around you. Rather than being a formal nutritionist or personal fitness trainer, I pride myself in being known as a role model to thousands of people. I’m a great example of somebody who is living proof that if you eat well and keep moving, you will be healthy and happy. I’m a firm believer in practising what I preach!
You say you’ve lost 100kg in combined weight? How did you do it?
Yes, I’ve lost a massive 100kgs; something I’m very proud of. I had four kids in just six years and the weight loss took, on average, 8-12 months after each pregnancy. It wasn’t easy to lose all that weight but I managed to shift my mindset and focus on getting myself healthy again. If you want something badly enough, you can make it happen! I got myself in a tight routine and made sure I had ample support (i.e. my husband would mind the kids while I work out). It was all about eating healthy food and moving my body every day. I realise it’s not rocket science but it isn’t easy to get started. But once you get started, it gets easier every day. I always advise people to align yourself with like-minded people. If you spend time with people who want to achieve the same goals as you, you’re more likely to achieve your goals together.
What’s your biggest motivation?
My mother. She doesn’t mean to, but when she says certain negative things to me, it drives me to achieve even more than I initially planned to!Another motivation is having great influences in my life like Jamie Oliver. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jamie who had been following me on Instagram and has been a big supporter of mine. In fact, I co-host with Jamie on his YOU-app as the MOVE host. Then I appeared on his Food Tube channel earlier this year.One of the joys of social media is connecting with your peers, heroes and people that inspire you to do what you love.
Why do most people fail in reaching their weight-loss goals?
One reason is due to people following yo-yo diets or whatever the latest food/fitness trend is for that season. If you eat healthy food and keep your body moving, you will achieve your goals. Others fail because they don’t have a good support network. This is particularly important for mothers who will need some time apart from their kids to stick to a fitness routine. YOU have to make the decision to change your eating habits and your lifestyle. YOU are the decision maker, so the whole process is resting on your shoulders. Here’s my best advice: make your weight loss goals a lifestyle change, NOT a diet. Live your life with fun and laughter, eat healthy food and move your body every day!
