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Before:
155 lbs
May 2006 |
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After:
110 lbs
December 2, 2006 |
Vital Stats
Name: Dana Ford
Email: dana@balancedbodyzone.com
Website: www.balancedbodyzone.com
Age: 21
Height: 5'5"
Weight Before: 155lbs
Contest Weight: 110lbs
Occupation: Xtreme Fitness Certified Trainer, Licensed Massage Therapist, Student (Pursuing B.S. in Dietetics & Nutrition)
Why I Decided To Compete
Growing up in high school, I was always active in sports; I played basketball and ran track and cross country. Overall, I stayed in fairly good shape. Then I went through a stage of my life where I just could not get control of my eating habits. I would eat real well all week long, then I would binge eat on the weekends. Mentally, it was tearing me up.
I got to the point where I did not even want to look at myself because I was so disgusted with how I had let myself go. Food for me was not fun; I did not even like what I was eating. I would stuff myself full for no reason. I finally got to the point where I knew I had to change my outlook on my life and do something positive. This is when I finally decided to appreciate myself and take care of the body God had blessed me with.
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Recovering From Binge-Eating.
A lot of focus has been placed on anorexia, but it seems that compulsive overeating gets lost in the shuffle. I've put together some strategies here that may be of help.
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I had wanted to compete in a figure competition for a few years now, but was unsure on the whole process it entailed. I contacted my trainer, Kim Oddo, whom I had worked with for a 12-week program before I had gained back all of my weight, and told him my goals and he definitely helped me accomplish them.
Click Image To Enlarge.
Kim & I.
When & How Long It Took Me To Transform
In May 2006 (My before pictures) I began a 12-week program with Kim because I wanted to clean up my body before jumping right into a contest prep phase. Kim slowly took my body weight down in a very healthy way. I never felt like I was starving myself and I enjoyed every meal I ate!
| THE FIT SHOW |
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Women's Training with Kim Oddo.
Date: 10/25/05
This week we finish our women's training segment with trainer Kim Oddo, and Fitness Pro Laurie Vanniman. We also take you in the kitchen with the founders of Gourmet Fitness Foods David and Alexis Ellis.
Video Show 20 |
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At the end of July, I went straight into contest prep for the Excalibur in Culver City, CA. The transition was what worked best for me because it kept me focused the whole time knowing my competition was just around the corner. The 16-week preparation flew by a lot quicker than I thought it would and before I knew it, I was on stage competing in my first figure competition!
My Training
- Monday: Back and Rear Delts / Abs
- Tuesday: Shoulders and Triceps / Calves
- Wednesday: Cardio only
- Thursday: Legs
- Friday: Shoulders
- Saturday: Back and Biceps
- Sunday: Cardio
Cardio: My cardio increased in small increments bi-weekly; I preferred the stair Master (AKA The Gauntlet), however I liked to keep my body guessing, so I would use different machines for cardio depending on how I was feeling.
Click Image To Enlarge.
The Gauntlet.
My Diet
Consisted mainly of...
Proteins:
- Chicken
- Tilapia
- Extra Lean Ground Turkey
- Egg Whites
- Whey Protein
Carbohydrate (Complex):
- Sweet Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Rice Cakes
- Fruit (not during prep)
Carbohydrate (Fibrous):
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Egg Plant
- Asparagus
- Green and Red Peppers
- Green Beans
Fats:
- Natural Peanut Butter
- Almonds
Supplements:
Suggestions For Others
Go FOR IT! If you are debating on doing a competition, do one-it is worth every thing! Before you do however, do your homework and do not listen to everyone or everything out there. My main advice is to listen to your body / heart and stay consistent. There is no miracle diet out there - stick to what works for you and it WILL pay off in a matter of time. Good things come to those who wait!
Click Image To Enlarge.
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait!
For more pictures please click here.
Good Luck and if you have any questions feel free to contact me via email dana@balancedbodyzone.com.
