Living a balanced life is possible

By Annette Uribe, Mommy In Los Angeles Fitness Contributor & Mom Wellness Coach & Founder, Healthy Vida For Mom

The three dreaded words…Ready, set, go!  

I never liked running, but that changed after my first marathon in 2011. Let’s rewind a bit before I get to how I ended up completing a marathon and how my passion for health and fitness came about.  

In 2010, my mother passed away within three months of being diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Her illness and death were extremely unexpected and took us all by surprise. Losing my mom to cancer was what kick started my fitness and health journey. I knew I had to change my eating and fitness habits to stay healthy.

Growing up, I was a hefty little girl. Adolescence kicked in followed by adulthood, but the pounds just never seemed to shed. I never payed attention to what I ate, nor did I think it really mattered. Then, I met my husband, an active and fit guy, who forever changed my life. He is my rock, my best friend, and my number one cheerleader. He pushes me in life and I will forever be grateful of him.

In 2011, three months before the LA Marathon, my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, planned a last-minute trip with his friends and would not be able to run his 11th marathon. Instead, he asked me if I wanted to run with his bib number and avoid letting it go to waste. Thinking little of it and trying to impress him, I said sure. Then I realized how many miles 26.2 were! I had less than three months to “train.”

I finished the marathon in 4 hours and 45 minutes. The feeling I had at the finish line was unexplainable, I was on a natural high from the adrenaline. I could not believe what my body had just gone through and what I was capable of. From that day on I was hooked!

In my journey with health and fitness I have lost a total of 60 lbs. I have stayed committed to better eating habits and being active.

In May of 2016 my father was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease. It has been heart breaking seeing how this illness has quickly taken over his body, life, and emotions.

It has been devastating seeing both of my parents become ill by two different and horrible diseases, but the experiences have only made me stronger. I stay sane by being active and exercising. I am an avid hiker who loves the outdoors.

I am a mama to healthy 6 month old baby boy with whom I enjoyed a healthful pregnancy. I have no doubt that my son’s wellness and my own were due to the healthy lifestyle choices I made before and during pregnancy.

I continued hiking throughout my pregnancy and I am still doing so with my son. At 36 weeks pregnant, I did my last longest hike of 11 miles before popping! It felt great to be able to do the things I loved without having pregnancy as an excuse to stop me.

I am a Prenatal and Postnatal Wellness Coach.

My interest in prenatal and postnatal health started while I was working at an OBGYN practice five years ago. I noticed a common trend among the women; they all wanted to know how to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Now, I help other moms and moms-to-be learn healthy lifestyle choices and by working with them to achieve their fitness and nutrition goals before, during, and after pregnancy.

I am here to support and guide women through one of the most beautiful and surreal experiences of their lives, creating a new human being. Living a balanced life is possible and though it’s not always easy, I love to help moms and moms- to- be by providing honest and well- informed encouragement and guidance.

Motherhood is a blessing and every woman should enjoy and embrace it.