Growing up, I’ve always been active and physically fit, but in my early 20s I gained 40lbs.

For me, it wasn’t necessarily how I looked, but most importantly how I felt. I didn’t have the best diet, and my environment at the time was pretty chaotic. Stress was everywhere, because it wasn’t meant for me to be in that type of environment. I was experiencing stress, and anxiety from work, school, and was in toxic relationship with my first love.

Food became my comfort, and I use to have a weakness for sweets. It was my escape and made everything feel better. One day, I was invited to a Zumba class and I was amazed how out-of-breath I was. I was so hard on myself, because of having a previous dance/athletic background, and yet I couldn’t keep up with the class. I never knew I ‘d be out of shape, but here I was in my early 20s huffing and puffing (which was unusual for me).

I then made a commitment to myself, and began my health and fitness journey in November 2009. And let me tell you something, it was extremely difficult. I had to learn to not be triggered by all of the yummy foods I was constantly around, and I had to reestablish boundaries with my external and internal world. People began recognizing the changes (and my ex hated it LOL!!!), but I loved it and began doing bootcamp workouts with people who were interested.

I eventually became a trainer, and tell clients it is more than the physical, and more about your overall health (mind-body-soul). I feel better, recover better, and have a better relationship with myself and food. Don’t get me wrong, I will forever be a foodie, because I love food, but now (as a Vegan), I’m exploring healthier ways to appreciate food, while staying strong and flexible physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Daily Prompt: January 14, 2022