“Before the Dan Plan, I *thought* I was healthy. I ate lots of vegetables and was fairly active (though not disciplined.) But it was easy to get sidetracked, slowly I found myself saying “its ok to grab fast food this one time because I’m so busy at work and I didn’t plan ahead.” One time turned into several, and I never felt grounded in my nutrition. I also very much had a “well I messed up today so I might as well eat whatever I want.”
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I’d successfully done a few diets before (keto, weight watchers) which would work for a short period of time and then I’d immediately gain it all back because I felt deprived and like I didn’t know how to sustain it. I also noticed I was feeling more and more winded and my body was hurting after just a little bit of dancing (which I do quite often.) I knew I needed to change so I could keep up with my lifestyle, my kid, and my level of energy and enthusiasm about music and dancing.
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Dan’s program changed my whole way of thinking about food. “Better not perfect” was a huge game changer. If I messed up, I knew the whole day wasn’t ruined. I could make a better choice next time. Slowly the routine and habit of the Dan Plan became easier and even enjoyable. I’ve never been a very good cook but I now have a few staples that I know work for me, are easy to make, and keep me nourished, plus I know how to make better choices when I’m eating out or traveling.
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Dan’s tips about how to handle things like holidays and travel were key for me to stick to the plan. I’m also cooking more in general, meaning both myself and my daughter are eating way less processed foods and I’m teaching her healthy habits for her future.
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The most important part, however, is the accountability to Dan, the plan and the group of people on this journey with me. I have made friends in the group (and had friends join the group) who I share recipes with, get together to cook with, and go out dancing and exercising with. This isn’t a diet for me, it’s a lifestyle. I think that’s why I’ve not only been able to lose weight but have, for the first time ever, kept it off longer than a couple months. Honestly, I feel powerful!
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I look better, feel better, have more energy, and feel more in control of my body. I’m fitting into band t-shirts that I haven’t fit into since college, wearing crop tops, dancing my ass off and feeling great doing it. Looking at my before and after pics is crazy - I feel like an entirely different person!
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I know that I owe most of the success to myself and my dedication to the plan, but I could NOT have done this without Dan, whose positive encouragement and fun attitude make him a joy to work with. Thank you for changing my life Dan!”
-Stephanie
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