I just turned 37 years old this June, married to a wonderful and loving man named Vincent, proud parent of four fantastic and energetic kids (one from a my former marriage and three are from Vincent's former marriage). My husband and I are very much in love with each other and our life together. We have committed to each other and to a life of total well being. We believe that "life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more," just like what one of our role models, Tony Robbins live by.
Like many, I have been on a yo-yo diet for years striving to be healthy and fit. I've struggled with a skin condition called Psoriasis since I was 17 and have tried various conventional medicines (i.e. topical steriods, cortizones, sedatives and light therapy). It cleared my skin for days, even months to a year but always find myself with other debilitating side effects including fatigue, drowsiness, infection even depression.
I also have tried natural medicine, various exercise and diet programs but I was not able to really maintain it. I explored on being a vegetarian after finishing the 10-day cleansing challenge after attending Tony Robbins' Unleashed the Power Within in 2005 with my daughter. We kept on for the semi-vegetarian lifestyle, adding only fish in our diet. It helped a lot that my daughter committed to doing it with me but we were only able to sustain it for about 2 years, after a while saying no to social conditions became exhausting.
I knew this will only be effective if I exercise regularly as well. So I tried different exercise programs such as Tae Bo with Billy Blanks and Core Secrets with Brooke Burke. I also went to a local but high class wellness center and even hired a fitness coach. I have to admit, my skin cleared up and my energy was high when I was active. I felt great but I struggled on sustaining the day to day lifestyle.
In the past winter months, my skin had been unbearably irritated and ugly to look at. Although my family and friends do not see it or talk about it, I see and feel it in the mirror everyday. My husband and I spoke of exercising with our eldest daughter and actually tried a few times. We also tried eating healthy and giving up meat again but we haven't really been consistent. Because of the agonizing pain and not being able to sleep well at night, I went back to the Specialist and all he can do is prescribed a new medication that would require daily injections. It seemed easy and it promised great results however the repercussions were more harmful to live with.
I knew in my heart where it came from. My body has an auto immune response to any stress factors. Stress comes from different sources and almost impossible to eliminate. It didn't help that I've built it up from unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. I have wished in my heart so many times to get started with taking care of body but I always found myself procrastinating, until one day I had enough.
I was ready to take control of my life and heal myself with love...
On March 28, Saturday morning while Vince was at work, I saw an infomercial by Beachbody Tony Horton's P90X program. It hit me! Muscle confusion work out mixed with cardio, strength training, martial arts and yoga. I was so thrilled! I decided to buy the P90X program and I committed to doing it. I knew it was what I needed to do. Thank God it didn't take much to convince my husband to commit to doing P90X with me. We both agreed that this would be a lifetime commitment!
So on April 21, Vince and I started the program by taking our "Day 1" pictures, performed a fit test and took our body measurements, weight, body fat analysis (Army Method), BMI, and set our goals. Then we tried the workouts throughout the week as a trial run to establish a schedule that worked for both of us. We committed not only to a lasting lifestyle by also to doing it more effectively and efficiently this time, so we also took the time to do the following:
* Reassessed our eating habbits and food choices
* Consulted on a few health books about my skin condition and proper eating habits
* Read up on the P90X Nutrition Plan and assessed our meal plans accordingly
* Cleansed our pantry and refrigerator from any unhealthy condiments and treats
* Shopped for energy foods like whole grains (bread, wraps, pasta, flour) and brown rice
* Stacked up on fresh green and leafy vegetables, sometimes yellow, water vegetables
* Eliminated red meat from our diet instead we have tofu, fish and occasionally have lean meats like pork loin, turkey and lamb for extra protein.
* Hydrating by drinking water, water with electrolytes or greens
* Stacking up and taking the the proper supplements (i.e. vitamins and minerals)
* Protein Shakes or Recovery Drink
* Researched and obtained the proper equipments (i.e. dumbells, bands, pull up bar/machine, mats, etc.) we needed to do the workouts successfully.
* Prepared the forms and logs we needed to document our progress
* Rearranged the basement and made it our P90X Gym
* Brought ourselves in peak state and positive energies
We were so ready to "BRING IT!"
On April 27, we officially started the program with full force, going through the workouts daily, Monday to Saturday and resting on Sundays.
We also committed to eating healthy, breathing, hydrating, taking proper supplements, thinking positive thoughts and being in a state of gratitude as much as we can each day. The best part is, we hold ourselves accountable for our actions and keep each other motivated each day. This is a part of our journey to total well being and life long commitment to each other.
We are grateful for all the blessings in our life and for being able to step up. We believe life is a moment to moment decision making and a never ending commitment to succeed and sharing with others.
With love and gratitude,
Filipina
Commited to A Vibrant Life!
