Body Transformation: Body Fat Incineration!

AGE 26 HEIGHT 5'6" WEIGHT 310 lbs BODY FAT 48%	AGE 27 HEIGHT 5'6" WEIGHT 160 lbs BODY FAT 9.4%

After going on a cruise with friends and looking at pictures, I noticed my weight was out of control and something needed to be done. I challenged myself to lose weight and began my journey in December 2011.

I know firsthand what being overweight does to you physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know how it feels to be unable to tie your shoes without holding your breath or being told you have to sit in a special seat on a roller coaster.

My life is much different now, but I'm still adapting to the new me. I still catch myself looking for the wrong sizes when I shop and still do double takes in the mirror.

Single at age 26, I set a goal to drop 100 pounds between my return from the Bahamas in November 2011 and the next trip in March 2012. I had four months to reach my goal. I started walking 45 minutes per day until I could jog for the entire time.

I started a high-protein, low-carb diet. Fish and chicken combined with fruits and vegetables became my best friends during the process. Coming from a Latin household, the food changes were extremely difficult to maintain, but I was determined. Going from eating rice and beans with fried chicken and fried plantains on a daily basis to grilled chicken and broccoli was extremely hard. I put away all sweets and soft drinks, which were my two favorites. I recall eating 10 mini chocolate bars during a work day.

I didn't completely eliminate carbs because they're a major source of energy. I used the "little rule." If it was originally white in color, I removed it from my diet. These foods consisted of rice, pastas, breads, crackers, and tortillas. For carbs, I ate vegetables, fruit, and whole-grain cereal. When I ate out, I ordered a salad completely dry. I stayed away from ketchup and mayonnaise. I completely removed sodas, juices, and anything that wasn't water.

I permitted one cheat meal per week. When I went out to dinner with friends, I ate whatever I wanted, but stuck to water as my beverage.

The most difficult part of my journey was my environment. My friends and family were and still are supportive of my fitness goals, but being around unhealthy foods was a huge temptation. The gym was intimidating.

It didn't feel comfortable in the gym until I lost about 40 pounds. I wanted to show others that it can be done. That fueled my journey. I used the 4 D's along the way: drive, determination, dedication, and discipline!

I'm working hard to compete in men's physique in 2014 and to get my personal training certification so I can help others make the impossible, possible.

This is the hardest challenge I ever faced. You have to mentally prepare yourself to lose weight. The mind is powerful, but the desire to change has to be stronger. Don't think you can't reach your fitness goals or it's in your genetics to be overweight. Dig deep and find a passion to work hard. It can be done.

Seeing fitness people on magazines and on Bodybuilding.com is a source of motivation and inspiration. I came across an athlete and questioned how I could look like that. Now, seeing them motivates me to keep working hard so I can land the cover of a magazine and show others it can be done.