What happened?

America. The land of the free, the wealthy, and the sick. A land so obsessed with money, power, success, and productivity that's it's own recipee for superiority has backfired.

How? What happened to us? Why has obesity risen?

Health is not a priority in most of Americans' lives-it has taken the backseat. So overwhelmed with traffic, the "8 to 5" routine (more like 5-8), and the fast paced life, Americans opt to live unhealthy lifestyles because of its conveniency.

Corporations, realizing this, have taken advantage of the situation. Adding fuel to the fire, food corporations(not just fast food restaurants), agriculture companies, scientists and regulation agencies, have continued a never-ending cycle with means of creating superfoods! It's been these "super-covenient-foods" that have led to the demise of the welfare and health of every citizen.

In some states of this union, one of every three residents is considered overweight or obese; a number that has drastically increased since the early 1990's! Accross the country in schools, hospitals, clinics, you name it, people with nutrition related and most commonly, obese-related problems, are almost appearing spontaneously. Although it's speculated that 1 of every 5 Americans is obese, the scariest part is yet to come. More than ever before, we have obese toddlers and teenagers that find themselves helplessly walking down a road of self-destruction.

It's imperative to get Americans healthy; not just health insurance. It's a task that requires self-commitment, support, knowledge, medical professionals, and even goverment initiative. Unfortunately most might not have the latter four and that's where I come in...

A health guru, certified fitness trainer, nutrition specialist, athletic trainer, and motivator, I choose to help the ones in need.

Raised in a Latin American family, I was used to spending lots of quality time with the family. Birthdays were like weddings, and a simple get-together for a soccer game or Sunday football became a full blown celebration. Food was never in shortage, let alone the empty calories that were consumed.

The pillar strength of the family were my grandmothers, both whom were diagnosed with type II diabetes in my early teenage years. Soon after the news had been spread, one of them became increasingly ill. At that point in time I didn't fully comprehend the seriousness of the situation. It wasn't until my late teenage years that I had a reality check.

My grandmothers were in their current state because of a lifelong mistake. Their exessive consumption of saturated fats, refined carbs, sugar -combined with sedentary lifestyles- had led to their obesity.

Plagued with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart problems, deteriorating vision, memory loss and other issues, my grandmother suffered. All these complications amounted to hundreds of days spent in hospitals, a dozen operations, thousands of dialysis hours, two amputated legs, one pacemaker, memory loss, and too many tears. The pain of my grandmother was felt by the entire family, her siblings, friends, and relatives. Our family get-togethers were never the same.

It was my grandmother's life that serves as a close and meaninful example that propels me to improve mine and those around me. To change a person's lifestyle into one that is healthy, meaningful, exciting and vibrant is the greatest feeling. At my young age, I'm proud to say that I've helped hundreds of people improve their lives and encouraged many more to become aware of their health and the critical choices that they must make. But my goal is to reach many more, that is why I'm writing this blog.

I write this blog with the intention of reaching a bigger audience with no boundaries: rich, poor, black or white, young and old, male and female. I hope that I can help many families overcome their health issues and thus improve their lives, and that of their loved ones.

By sharing my knowledge, experience, and all the challenges I encounter with my clients I hope that all can relate and learn. The road to a healthier lifestyle can be extremely tricky and challenging. I am here to encourage, support, and assist all those individuals that wish to be helped. I do this to honor my grandmothers and all those that have experienced similar events. Rest in peace nana...

With that being said, let this be the start of a new life. One that is based on healthier choices, smart nutrition, and an active lifestyle. Welcome!