My New Chance: The Ultimate Transformation Story
In my first pregnancy I foolishly gained 100lbs. .jpg)
No joke! I managed to go through four blenders, gallons and gallons of milk and tubs and tubs of 2L Napoleon ice cream.In my head, I thought that all this weight would magically fall off after the baby was born. Boy, oh, boy was I ever in for a surprise. It was such a sad sight, stepping on the scale backwards during my prenatal checkups was one of my lowest points.
At 23, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was told I would need a hysterectomy and that my childbearing days were over. I was lucky that my specialist in Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto was able to perform a very rare procedure where he removed my cervix (trachelectomy) and replaced it with a stitch. Afterwards, I made some small lifestyle changes and I was able to lose half of the weight. I got pregnant with my second son and gained 50 lbs. And then repeat this story once again but with only a 40lbs. gain.
My second son was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease right before his 6th birthday. This was my wake-up call, my rock bottom crash. I decided that it was time that I take control of my lifestyle in order to be a better and healthier role model for my three boys. I was tired of trying all the fad diets and feeling like a failure when I wasn’t able to succeed on them.
After seeing my first bodybuilding competition in 2011, I had a fire burning inside me and I decided that I would make this my goal. And I did. I competed in my first show seven months later, placing in the top 5, which qualified me for the Provincial level.
I have come to accept and love my body and I do no
t let my scars or stretch marks define who I am. I believe in paying it forward and therefore my ultimate goal is to help inspire and empower at least one other person (especially other moms) into believing that they are worth their own time.
If I can inspire others to take the time for themselves, to nourish their bodies, to get up and start moving, to just start by starting then I consider myself successful. I want them to know that I have been there. I want them to understand that there is no magic pill or magic exercise that will get you there. It takes hard work and dedication. Was it easy? Heck no. Was it worth it?Heck yeah!All you need is to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you. I want others to understand that it’s not always easy, but that’s what keeps life interesting and the reward is that much sweeter. It’s all about the journey not the destination!
In today’s society, we only know two speeds: fast and faster, but when it comes down to it we all get the same 24 hours in a day. I want people to start taking the time to put themselves on their own ‘to-do lists’ because in the end if they don’t make the time for their health then no one else will either. And to me, health in non-negotiable.
I’m enjoying every second and love being a great role model for my family and friends.
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