Philadelphia Magazine’s Fitness Challenge 2010: Deidre McAllister

A soon-to-be-40 working mom who wants to drop pounds so she can keep up with her teenage daughter. “I want to keep up when walking and for her to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

Deidre’s Sweat Trainer: Adarrel Fisher, Head Trainer

 
Initial Assessments: “Deidre has a wonderful personality. She is willing to do whatever it takes to improve her fitness. As a single mom she has dedicated herself to her child and her job to support her daughter so it makes sense that she hasn’t paid as much attention to herself. She is out of shape, but able to do many exercises that will help her to get in shape. She is also surprisingly flexible. I can tell that she used to be in shape at one point and it is my job to help her get back to that. She has what it takes to win!”

[sidebar]The Goal: Find time for this super-committed single mom to focus on herself, preserve her flexibility, build strength and torch calories.

Check out Deidre’s 2,000-calorie nutrition plan here, created by Sweat’s Brittany Lucchetto, RD, LDN.

Starting Stats
Age: 39
Height: 5’5
Weight: Between 280 to 290



Why We Picked them:

“I am a beautiful woman who will be 40 in April. The best gift; I would 
love to be on my way to a healthy weight loss plan. I would love for my 15-year-old daughter and I to take trips and I can keep up when walking. I want her to also understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I know this contest would kick start me in the right direction. Please make me one of your picks.”

Why we think she’s gonna win:

"I know that I will win this competition because I love my daughter. I am determined to be there for her through all of her accomplishments. Her accomplishments are not just her triumphs but MY milestones. We will have a great vacation this summer and I will be able to keep up with her and her friends. I also know that I am a beautiful woman and I want to continue to be around to show that off to the rest of the world. (I am saying that with a smile on my face.)"

DEIDRE’S DAILY DIARY
WEEK 1
Monday, January 25th – January 31st
MONDAY, JANUARY 25

This is the first day of the challenge and I woke up this morning thinking, “Okay, here I go! I can really do this!!!” I also thought I have to make meals that my daughter likes too. I received Jenna’s email with the other contestant’s and thought, “Oh my goodness I am the oldest one here with the highest BMI, and the only one with a child (I think).” Adarrell emailed me and hopefully we can meet up soon.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

Really hyped today. I am meeting my trainer tonight and I’m ready!!!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

I am really, really sore today. I am sore today. Very sore. I stayed in the bed a little longer this morning. Did not get up until 4:45. (I usually get up about 4:15). Did not talk to my sister this morning. We usually talk every morning. Just made Lark’s breakfast and our lunch. I cook breakfast every morning for my daughter. Adarrell is keeping in touch– that’s really encouraging.