FAMILY
FIRST
Wife, Mother, Teacher, First In Family: Danielle Frisby
I am mentally and physically stronger than I have ever been. I understand now, that when life hits you in the face, you do not just throw in the towel and give in to food or drinking.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself...
I am Pre-K Special Education Teacher. Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions ever. I enjoy getting my school babies so young because I can build such a solid foundation for their future success in Education.
I am married to my better half who is also representing the First In Fam, Kevin. We have three children Logan 20, Amaya 18, and Brayden 13, 2 dogs Meisha, and Rocky, and 2 cats Patches, and Leo.
I like to fish, boat, and ride motorcycles. Our new fun adventure that we want to do more of is kayaking.
What brought you to the First In Family initially?
The minute, I received an email back from Anne, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. It was like I knew her forever. At the point, I decided that I deserve better than what I was choosing for my life.
Tell us a little bit about your background and history with food.
I was always looking for that “quick fix”, and the only thing that came from it was wasted time and money. I would end up falling off the wagon and cramming my face full of food. Food was my comfort and when I was stressed, you best forget it. That would end me.
I would lose weight and get a burst of self-confidence, and then gain it all back and more. It was this vicious cycle that I always found myself in. I was tired of the self-sabotaging which only led me to be more destructive with food.
What was the turning point in your life when you realized you needed to make a change?
I also live with some auto-immune issues, so I know the older I get the more debilitating it can become so I needed to make the change for my health and wellbeing and for my family.
April 2020 was my turning point to take control back over my life. I was tired of wishing for it and it was time to start proving to myself, that I could be the best version of me. I set a goal that by the time I turn 40 (September 2021), I will be down to 150 lbs. Little did I know, I would be setting new goals way before my 40th birthday.
What was the journey like and what changes did you make?
I like to keep things simple so I pretty much eat the same thing during the week and on weekends I will change it up a bit. I also, began to eat cleaner (veggies and lean meat).
I never was big on training and to be honest I hated it. I think it was because I never really knew what to do going into the gym so the lack of knowledge on my part kept me from wanting to go. Once the pandemic hit, and with my health issues, I knew I would not be able to go to the gym and really did not care to. That is until, I found FIN and F4D.
FIN helped me take control over my eating habits and gain an understanding that I can eat the food but just not all of it. In August 2020, I started this amazing and flexible F4D program which has made me fall in love with strength training.
How do you feel after making those changes?
I am mentally and physically stronger than I have ever been. I understand now, that when life hits you in the face, you do not just throw in the towel and give in to food or drinking.
I look for smarter choices like working out, drinking more water, and no matter what I stick to the plan. I was so inconsistent before, but now my mental game, keeps me focused, and on track. I have a new outlook on how much better my life can be and will continue to be when I find positive ways to relieve stress.
What did your friends/family think of your transformation?
They immediately started asking what I was doing, but when I would explain they thought I was crazy. When I was offered food, and I would politely decline, and they could not understand.
They would just keep trying to push food on me or saying, “oh it’s okay if you just have a little”. My family has always been supportive, cheering me on, and always in my corner.
I do get push back from my mom about being too skinny now or that I need to stop working with a nutritionist because I am at my goal weight. I just tell her that there will always be new goals to set and that I am not even close to finishing and being where I want to be.
Were you active or did you workout during your journey?
Being more active, helps my joints tremendously so even though there are days I am exhausted, I feel much better when I push through and workout. I went from just walking between rooms in the house and at work to busting out 3-5 day workouts a week.
What does being First In mean to you?
I had to overcome that mental games that I was not good enough and start believing in myself that I can do anything I put my mind too.
It is about not giving up and pushing forward even on the bad days. It is about living my absolute best life possible but knowing I could not do it unless I put myself first.
I am First In by working hard and getting better every day. Little by little!
First In, has my back, and I do not ever see myself leaving this group of amazing people that I can truly call my family.
What was the biggest challenge or change when you started with First In and how did you overcome it?
I used My Fitness Pal (MFP) before but was not consistent with using it to learn how to correctly track my foods. I am super consistent now and follow exactly what my coach says.
What’s next for you and where do you see this journey taking you in the future?
I just continue to set new goals and see what else I can accomplish. This is a way of life for me!
What are your top 5 "secrets" for success?
2. Trust the process, you did not become the way you are overnight so it will take time.
3. Push yourself because you do not realize how strong you really are until you try. Do the work, and everything else will fall into place.
4. Take the pictures, I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
5. Keep your mental game strong, and nothing can stop you!
Any advice for someone thinking about getting started?
You do not get to where you want to be by comparing yourself to others, wishing for it, and talking a big game. You get there by walking the walk, showing up, and putting in the work.
Yes, it is hard but if you want it bad enough, you will make it happen. Putting in the work does not come over night. It takes dedication and determination to say that enough is enough and I deserve the absolute best!
You do not get anywhere you want to be by just sitting there!
Testimonials were given freely and service members did not receive any preferential treatment, discount, or other benefit due to the nature of their service, rank, or position and in no way are the views or beliefs of any branch of the armed forces or uniformed services.