Transformation Tuesday

My transformation is not just physical, it has been mental and spiritual as well. I made a lot of excuses why I was overweight. And the more I said it to myself and explained it to others, the more I believed it was true and valid. 

My journey has taught me that the very first step to any transformation is to walk in your faults, to own up to your own imperfections. Once you do that, find out what you love about yourself and what you could change to become a better version of You. Next, set goals. Short and long-term goals. Setting short-term goals are stepping stones to help you achieve your ultimate or long-term goal. What is your inspiration? What will motivate you to reach this goal? This is where you really have to dig deep and and find out WHY you want to take these steps to change. Surround yourself with positive people! These will be your cheerleaders along your journey. It will not be an easy road. You will want to quit and believe me, you will need your group of supporters to uplift and encourage you to stay focused and keep going... This journey will change you whether you like it or not. Embrace your imperfections, your pain, your weaknesses. Grow from them if will. But remember that you are the author of your story... Write it and live it! Be fearless mamas and you can achieve what you once thought was impossible.

Transformation Tuesday

As a wife and mother of two little girls, I was always busy taking care of everyone else but myself. Not realizing then, that in order to take care of my family and those who I care about, I actually needed to take care of myself FIRST. I use to think it was selfish to take time away from my husband and my girls to focus on ME. But the truth of the matter is, in order to give YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST, you have to work on being the best YOU can be. 

I remember countless times I would take Miyah (my oldest daughter) to the park and I would just sit on the bench watching her play. I thought, "I'd love to run and play with her, but I can't". I felt that if I tried, I wouldn't be able to keep up with her. And when I did try, I would get exhausted. How can I give my best to Miyah if I'm not at my best physically? What kind of example am I to my daughter? These were hard questions to ask myself that I could no longer avoid. You see, on the surface it's easy to hide behind the hair, the makeup, and the clothes. But once you take all that away, can you honestly say you are happy with yourself? I wasn't happy with the person I had become or let myself be (in the past). Anger, hurt, pain- it's all a part of life. We can't change those feelings,it's inevitable. But, we all have the power to change our attitude and the way we want to live out our life. It's in us, YOU just need to dig deep and find it. I'm here to tell you, IT IS POSSIBLE. IT IS WORTH IT. I'm able to run, play, hop, skip, and jump with both my girls! It's a great feeling!! So mamas, do it for those you care about. But most importantly, do it for YOU. Make yourself a priority. Take action to live longer, be stronger, & then persevere! 

#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  

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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!