TOP TIPS
How does Deane “Dee”
Kestner maintain her athletic
figure and health? We asked,
and she answered.
“I never thought that I was going to place. I just wanted to go in and do it, and
look like I belonged.”
Dee did. And then some.
“I thought it’d be fun to do the suit, the makeup, the hair, the eyelashe s. I liked
the training, and I’m also a very goal-oriented person,” she explained about why
she took her fitness off the floor and on stage. “If I have a goal to work for … it keeps
me more accountable.”
After this year’s successful foray back into figure competitions – she’s competed
every year since 2013 but took 2016 off – Dee isn’t sure when she’ll step back on
stage. “I want to address some of the things (the judges) told me to work on, and
then will probably pick out a show.”
• “I go to Katy Hearn Gym, 310 Mount
Tabor Road in New Albany, five times a
week. It’s a very positive atmosphere. It’s
really good to be around people like that.”
•
• “I think anybody can (get fit). You just have
to decide you want to do it. You have to be
motivated.”
• “I eat 4 oz. of protein with every meal –
whether it’s chicken, fish or beef – a cup of
veggies and 4 oz. of sweet potatoes on
certain days.”
“I have rheumatoid arthritis and was
diagnosed at 19, but they think I had it
before then.” In addition to being on
medication, Dee said, “I stay away
from inflammatory foods: peanuts, certain
starches. Stavan Bhatt taught me how to
eat. … My rheumatologist thinks I am
doing so well because of how I eat and
how active I am plus the medication.”
As co-owner of a sports restaurant/bar that is known for its hot wings, meaty ribs
and cold beers, Dee often fields questions from people who want to know how she’s
able to maintain her figure to, well, compete in a figure competition.
“I probably eat four meals (at Tucker’s) every day,” she said, though the competitor
eschews the (delicious!) queso and fried products for grilled chicken and shrimp,
the salmon or salmon burger, sirloin and bison burger (sans bun), with a side of
sweet potato and/or steamed broccoli or green beans, all of which are on the menu.
“I also use vinegars for my salad dressings,” she said.
And, Dee relies on Trey, her partner in nearly every aspect of her life. “The majority
of time, we’re together – at work, at home and in the gym. He’s my best friend. … We
really don’t know any different.”
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