#TransformationTuesday

Since I started my journey back in Nov 2011, I've lost over 70+ lbs and now have muscle definition.

Tonight, I found a photo only less than a year apart from each other. I was at AMAZED how DIFFERENT I looked in these two photos w/ the SAME shirt on. Yes, to some the differences may be subtle... But to me, I can see that my face is more defined, my shirt is a lot looser, & my posture... well, the way I carry myself shows a lot more confidence. My healthier, more active lifestyle has made me appreciate all the hard work I've endured to get here. And it shows right? Discipline and food. Discipline and exercise. These 2 NEVER came easy for me. The mental challenges I had to face and OVERCOME were brutal all by itself let alone the physical. From sitting on the couch and HATING to RUN to completing a FULL 26.2 mile marathon. From cutting the inside of my sleeves to the bottom sides of my scrub tops (so they could fit) to being comfortable in practically any piece of clothing I try on. From eating white rice, fried EVERYTHING, pizza and fries w/ ranch, oreo shakes, caramel fraps w/ EXTRA caramel, & potato chips to......brown rice, lean meats, veggies, salsa, fruit smoothies, almonds, & constantly trying to find healthy recipes. It's NEVER too late to learn and it's NEVER too late to start! Ask yourself, "How bad do I want to change?" and "WHY?" Find your WHY and start there. That will be your motivation. 

My WHY are my GIRLS. I want to be around when they get older, I want to be able to play w/ them while their young, & I want to be a healthy role model for them to follow . You live only one life. You can't change your past, but you can definitely create your own future!

#TransformationTuesday and FM's Ultimate Transformation Journey Update

I found this photo that was taken two years ago. As you can see, I haven't always been big, but I've always had the BIG HAIR ! When I was heavier, I remember being asked on more than one occasion, if I was pregnant. Yes pregnant. And on other occasions, I would get "...but, you have such a pretty face." I never learned how to react or respond to those comments. So, I just laughed it off. Inside it hurt because it was confirmation that others who saw me, viewed me big. Well, big enough to carry for two. I somehow always shook it off and mustered up a smile through the hurt. Being Filipina American , it is normal in our culture to get these typical comments on one's weight. Either a indirect, "What happened?" or just a blunt, "Why are you so fat?!" Who can relate? 

I know I'm taking it to a very sensitive topic, but it's true. I remember growing up and not really knowing what to think of it. "Should I toughen up?" "Should I do something about it? Like not eat or start exercising?" I was only 10 years old when I began wondering all of this. Knowing what I know now, I would have not taken this lightly because it messed with what little self-esteem I did have. And now that I have two girls of my own to help grow and nurture, I will do everything in my power to protect their little hearts. I will empower and educate them on the reality of having to deal with rude people and at the same time constantly remind them that they are intelligent and beautiful.

My girls know that mommy has made some tremendous changes in the way that we live. I can tell you that they love that mommy is much more active because I can run and play them. I want to instill in my children that living healthy is living happy.




Ultimate Transformation Journey Update....

I will be uploading short clips of my workouts with Jer (my personal trainer).  If you haven't already, check out officialfitnessmama on YouTube as I vlog my experience. My weight loss journey has been incredible, but now I'm taking my health and body to the next level.

This is just an example of one of my workouts with my trainer.  After a grueling weight resistance training, I find strength to finish the last part of our workout session.  I did burpees with ankle weights and a weighted ball. It continues into step overs and kettle bells... then, into the heisman move. 3 rounds of all of these... my trainer kicks my butt every time!  Sometimes I wonder how I get through the last part of our workout session AND THEN, still finish off with the treadmill or stairmaster.  I have to admit, just when I think I have no more to give... my second wind kicks in though! That's when I feel unstoppable!  #beastmode 

#TransformationTuesday

August 2009, I was Matron of Honor for my gorgeous friend's wedding. Stunning wedding, stunning couple♡. 

During this time, I was a full-time nursing student, working part-time, and on a mission to fulfill my MOH duties! Just like most of you mamas, I had a goal to lose weight prior to the big event. I didn't have a specific number of lbs I wanted to lose.. I just wanted to lose weight. Being a busy wife and mom, I didn't make myself priority whatsoever. Now adding school, work, and MOH duties in the mix... it felt nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find the time to do what I was set out to do- which was to lose weight. When the wedding was soon approaching, I searched for quick fixes. I desperately tried the following: the cabbage soup diet, the Atkins diet, & the Master Cleanse. Bad as these fad diets were, they all worked... but only temporarily. I lost about 10-15 lbs, but then gained the weight right back plus some! I became frustrated, depressed, & stressed! I came to the realization it wasn't going to happen for me. So, I just dealt with it. At this point, I was use to failing and just accepting it for what it was.

I've come a long way since then. NO MORE excuses, NO MORE pity parties, NO MORE shortcuts! The key to losing weight successfully and KEEPING it off is to do it the 'old fashion' way- learning, then maintaining healthy eating habits + exercise! Do this and I promise you not only will you lose weight, but the journey itself will transform you. #mind #body #spirit #fitnessmama

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." -Arnold Schwarzenegger

It's NEVER TOO LATE to make a CHANGE... Strive to be Healthy & Happy  

Connect with us!

Fitness Mama on Facebook

Fitness Mama on Instagram

Fitness Mama YouTube Channel

If you have been following us on social media, you might have already caught the series of vlogs that we shared recently.  In case you haven't here is what you missed!  First, read about my Ultimate Transformation Journey and what it's all about by clicking here.  A summary of my journey during week 1 and week 2 are below!

 

Setting My Goal to a Higher One: Fitness Mama's Ultimate Transformation Journey

By setting goals and smashing them, I have accomplished more in the last 1-2 years than I have in my ENTIRE LIFE! My weight loss journey has changed me not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.  I recall my very first goal was to lose at least 20 lbs. Throughout this journey, I've managed to complete that goal and even more.

I learned how to eat healthy and how to be more active.  I lost weight, gained confidence, and became the role model I always wanted to be for my girls. This journey also has allowed me to form great friendships that I'm truly thankful for.  I've (re)connected with friends, old and new, who show support in everything I do; they encourage and lift my spirits whenever I feel doubt in myself and they simply inspire me to do more on a daily basis.

It has been quite an experience so far. And although I have achieved so much more than I could ever imagined, I don't want to stop here. I have this fire within me that's constantly ignited and I'm always searching for new ways to better myself, my health, and help others. Last year, I set out to conquer my first full marathon at the San Francisco Nike Women's Marathon last October. A big task for someone who couldn't run to save her life, but it didn't stop me. I chose running because it was something that was definitely out of my comfort zone. I knew it could improve my health. And no gym membership was required (just run outdoors).

 I also have always wanted to run for a great cause. So I did just that.  I joined Team in Training of the Greater Sacramento area and while I was training with a group I was able to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I dedicated my marathon to all my beloved family members who passed away from this deadly disease. Other than my little girls, this is what kept me driven. Since then, I've explored other ways to stay active. I have tried CrossFit, some Bikram Yoga. And to take it up a notch, I got certified as a Hot Hula fitness & U-Jam fitness instructor! I never imagined I could ever become a fitness instructor. But this road has definitely taken me there.

Click here for my NWM 2012 Team in Training page

At my heaviest, I was close to 200 lbs at 5'1".  I've since lost about 60 lbs, but have reached a plateau. My eating habits have been somewhat consistently healthy. My workouts have dwindled down to Hot Hula when I teach twice a week and the occasional running. I still stay active by taking other forms of fitness classes here and there plus walking to and from my daughter's school and our hike a couple weeks ago. I figured in order to break through my plateau I had to reassess what I was doing and figure out ways I could get closer to reach my higher goals I have set for myself.  See this video below for more info:

I was inspired by our Fit Mamas of the Week who kept journals and diaries about their fitness journey. So much so that I decided that I would make video journals and share the videos with you all.  It took me awhile to get the courage to go forward with sharing this, but I felt it is important for me to be completely honest with you mamas.  I have witnessed such courage from a lot of your stories that I think it was time for me to take that step and give more back.

I started working with a personal trainer just last week to help me get past this plateau and reach that physique I've always wanted. I have been clean eating as well. I cut out all occasional snacks, desserts, and processed/high fat foods (ie: chips, ice cream, any take out, & filipino food including rice). I cut out salt, sugar (fruits limited to watermelon, cantaloupes, and berries), some diary, etc. I also added more vitamins to my daily regimen.

I will be taking you all on this journey with me hopefully to talk about my daily highs and lows and to show you what I'm doing for two reasons: to keep me accountable AND to perhaps inspire you and give you ideas on how to break through your own plateaus.  Stay tuned for more video updates!  We will have more posts here on the blog as well as on Instagram and Facebook about this too!