THE STORY OF ALEJANDRA CARABALLO                                          

About a year ago I noticed the fact that I needed to lose weight, not necessarily for vanity, but to live a healthy lifestyle that would go with the way I live and my age.

Two years ago, I suffered from frequent panic attacks and anxiety. I was a huge fanatic of junk food; there was a place called "The Street of Hunger," I was very popular, I was the "Star Client." I would eat hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and so much more. Not to mention the fact that I was a big fan of sugar; loved to eat candy, chocolates, cookies and so on. I was addicted to sugar. After a life time of eating this way, I gained lots of weight. I was weighting 85 kilos and I am not very tall, my height is 1.60 cm, so can you imagine a person like me with all those extra kilos on me?. Not only this was the issue, but I started developing breathing problems, I had trouble breathing properly, I could not sit for long periods of time, nor stand or finish any chore successfully.

One day I went to the doctor, and no it was not a consult for me, but for my dad. That moment was an eye opener, in that very moment is when I realized I needed to do something. Once the doctor saw my dad, it was not good news. The doctor told my dad that he was suffering from hypertension, obesity and hyperglycemia. The doctor called my dad a "ticking bomb." My family has a history of obesity and diabetes, so to think of me suffering from all this made me take actions in my own hands. Sooner or later I was going to suffer from these things and even more, I just refused to go through this. I asked myself, Will I reach all my goals in life? Will I cover all my expectations of life? These were questions without any answers yet.

On August of 2011, after making the decision of losing weight, I started wih a little routine of walking 40 minutes every single day. My main support was my MOM, she made all the meals at home and she was the one taking care of the food. My food cycle was: Protein, Carbohydrates and Water. My mom would help me eat an adequate amount of food in each meal. Everytime dinner came along, I was always careful, I would eat more vegetables to balance my foods so my body would receive all the nutrients to remain healthy. Exercises are the key to maintain your weight, and not only that, but if one day you feel like cheating you absolutely can (in moderation) as long as you exercise that same day. The problem comes when you eat all you like and don't exercise ever.

Something I have to say though, is that my main key is: WILL POWER. To learn how to say no when people offer you the foods you like is not an easy task, but I did it. I learned to tell myself "DON'T EAT THAT" when everybody around me would indulge on things I liked. I am going to be completely honest here, I DO CHEAT. I cheat every single Sunday, I eat whatever I want, at any time of the day and with whoever I am with that day. Don't get too excited though, I start my healthy cycle all over again every Monday.

It is extremely necessary that I mention my family in this story. Since that day of the consultation, my family started eating better, healthier; also, exercising as well to maintain a healthy life. My dad is still in treatment for his hypertension, and to control his hyperglycemia.

I proudly say that RIGHT NOW I WEIGHT 63 KILOS. YES, I LOST 22 KILOS AND I AM EXTREMELY PROUD AND HAPPY. Not to mention the fact that I get men's attention frequently so that must say something about how I look, don't you think?

My Tips to Lose Weight:

1. Drink lots of water. Drink water while exercising and in regular basis.
2. Drink green tea. Is a diuretic, helps you lose weight and fat. It doesn't taste amazing, but it is excellent for weight loss.
3. Eat green everything. Vegetables are important and green ones are the best ones for losing weight. I am not a big fan, but I still add them to my meals.
4. Grill. Cooking everything on the grill is healthier than cooking with oils and/or butter.
5. Relaxation. Practice breathing exercises and relaxation to overcome those negative and tough moments when you feel like you can't continue to reach your goal. Take a moment to breathe, it is incredible how it helps you convince you to keep going towards your goal. Helps you focus.
6. Exercise. Create an exercise routine. You don't need the gym, you can workout at home. I highly recommend Insanity DVD, it is an excellent workout and keeps you going.
7. Search. Get familiar with professionals in your area that will help you figure out a proper nutrition and exercise routine. This is a good way to find guidance to know what to do to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight.
8. Self-esteem. Realize that you are worthy. Tell yourself everyday that "YOU CAN DO THIS."

REMEMBER:

Modify your life style for YOU, for your well being. Do not do anything for anybody else's pleasure, and for those who attempt against your integrity. The most important thing is your own quality of life and the only reason you should glow among society is because of YOUR OWN DECISION TO BE BETTER AND HEALTHIER.

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU ARE CONVINCED YOU CAN DO IT.

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