In 2017, I was diagnosed with cancer at 45. During chemo and radiation, my body went through significant changes. I started gaining a lot of weight. By the time my treatment ended 10 months later, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, facing an uncomfortable reality. At my heaviest, I weighed over 260 pounds.
Before image of Dephenia Blount
In late 2018 or early 2019, I decided to get back to exercising. I had worked with a trainer previously, but not with the motivation of a significant weight loss and restored health. My coach tried motivating me by offering incentives, like a new pair of tennis shoes or even a free month of training if I lost 10 pounds. But external motivation only took me so far. I would lose two pounds here and there, only to regain it. I had yet to develop the mindset needed for changing and sustaining behavior.
Then, in 2022, I discovered *Eager to Motivate* (E2M), an online program that sends weekly video tutorials and guidelines on what foods to avoid—like bread, sweets, and fried foods. This provided structure and a weekly meal plan that I could focus on. For eight straight weeks, I followed the program and lost 10 pounds. Over time, I fell off track. I grew tired of restricting sweets and fried foods, my progress plateaued, and I lost some ground. I wasn’t prepared to handle setbacks.
Seeing is believing
Depehnia Blount exercising at her gym
In November 2023, I saw an acquaintance at the gym who had clearly lost several dress sizes. She had once been heavier than I was, and I couldn't help but ask what her secret was. She explained that she worked out twice daily. Could breaking exercise into shorter, more frequent sessions help me to stick healthier habits? As a schoolteacher who has summers off, I had the perfect window of opportunity to find out once the school year ended. During summer break, I began going to the gym twice daily—at 5 a.m. and then again at noon. I also reintroduced E2M into my routine, though I didn't follow it as strictly. I started doing line dancing on the weekends to get in some cardio. Line dancing is a fun and social way to stay active while giving myself time to recharge.
I also incorporated intermittent fasting—eating only between 12 and 8 PM. I drink black coffee in the mornings, which helps me through fasting until lunch. Green salad with grilled chicken is my go-to. I drink plenty of water. With my new approach, I saw the weight just coming right off. I lost 15 pounds over the summer months.