Testimonial: Weight-Loss Advice

Mia Menjivar was my client during last years contest hosted by 24 hour and Cardio-Core - Biggest Bootcamp Loser.

Mia came in close second after losing 38 pounds in 12 weeks! She was dedicated and worked super hard!

I figure it was appropriate, to have her offer some advice to the ladies participating in this years Yummy Mommy Contest hosted by Westcoast Families and Cardio-Core Fitness.

Mia's Advice for those looking to lose weight:

* During my weight loss journey, I found that it easier losing weight if I had friends and family joining or helping me to lose weight. I found that having people encouraging me and congratulating me along the way motivated me to not deviate from my diet plan. It gave me will-power keep on going and that at the end the results were going to pay off.

* Always, Always eat breakfast!! I found that there were days that I did not eat breakfast I would constantly be hungry though out the day and would never be satisfied. The ideal breakfast for me that ate and still eat that helps me maintain my weight loss is some yummy oatmeal. I prepare 1/2 cup (1/4 uncooked) of oatmeal with 1/4 cup skim milk, a teaspoon of brown sugar and a small banana sliced into the oatmeal. It keeps me satisfied for about 4 hours.

* One of the things I had a bit of a struggle was my cravings for salty and sweet things. I craved for chips and cookies. I found the 100 calories snack bags but to be honest I do not recommend that you do not buy them. I found myself eating 2 bags a day simply because they were only 100 calories. What the package doesn't tell you is that they are high in carbohydrates (even the baked stuff) and sodium. When loosing weight it is important to pay attention to food labels. Excess carbohydrates lead to fatty build ups in the muscles and excess sodium leads to water retention. I found that the week that I consumed these 100 calorie bags I lost the least weight than the weeks that i did not. You have to start exploring to find some yummy low calorie (low in carbs and sodium) recipes online or at the library...Kim also has these posted on her blog. There are a number of snacks that can satisfy your craving to sweet and salty foods. My favorite salty snack that I eat when craving salty foods is: Jicama with freshly squeezed lemon juice on top and a dash of salt. It takes my salt cravings away.

* Do not skip workouts!! Don't feel like going to bootcamp because you are too tired???? I've got to tell you that there were times that i did not want to go because I was very tired from school. 1 workout session makes a difference in your weight loss journey. Try to go 5 days a week if you can. Once you start you will see how addicted you will get to working out. I got hooked and even though i don't have time to go to bootcamp somewhere in my hectic schedule I find time to jump on the treadmill for 30 mins and do weights for another 30. Eating healthy alone won't get you the results that you want. You need to incorporate exercise daily to get to where you want to get. I lost 35 pounds in 3 months. That is about 11.6 lbs per month. I worked out 5 days a week with Kim and Adam (1hr) and I also worked out at home for an hr. I got addicted to working out but I got to tell you that the more you workout the better you have to plan your meals because the more you workout the more energy your body needs and you need to replace it. It's very important to not under- eat. You can put your body in starvation mode and it can lead to serious health problems.

* Don't stress if the scale tells you that are not a few pounds lighter. Remember that your body will get to a point where all the water weight will be gone and all you are left is with fat. If you keep up with your exercise that fat will turn into muscle making you look more leaner and making you lose inches from all over your body. I even lost inches off my toes. My final weight after the competition was 175lbs. I did not look 175lbs. I looked more like I was 145lbs.

* Remember that everyone loses weight differently. Some people can lose weight more rapidly than others. Don't get discouraged. Just tell yourself that you will get to your goal if you stay strong and do what's right for you. Never try to match up with others are doing. Let your body work and remember to help your body work by eating right and exercising =D.