Macy's Go Red For Women

February is not only the month for love but also the American Hearth Month. Did you know that 1 out of 3 women die every year from heart disease and strokes? This can be your mom, sister, friend, aunt, cousin, or even YOU. Macy's is a national founding sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women. Every year on this month they bring awareness and help raise funds to help cure this issue. Throughout the rest of February you will be able to find promotions and merchandise that can help fight the battle. For over a decade Macy's has helped raise more than $50 million and save 275 lives every day, from funding research to educational programs.

Growing up in an Hispanic households family is centered around food and in the kitchen. I never realized that until I got older and my chubbiness tuned into overweight. Once I began college I realized the freshman 15 was more like the freshman 40. I had gain extra weight and the skin around my hips was beginning to show red stretch marks. Not a nice picture. I decided to take action and began slowly.

I started walking and running around my neighborhood with the dogs. I bought a pedometer which I thought was the coolest gadget in the world. It kept me moving and pushing myself. I had a gym membership but soon realized it was not for me. I hated the idea of waiting for a machine, the noise, the sweaty smell, and most off all being indoors. I cancelled my membership began watching youtube videos and writing workouts down on a notepad. I headed to Walmart and bought some equipment as I did from Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. I began working out in the backyard and adding an extra walk after dinner with my father. I joined Crossfit to learn the basics and then continued at home.

Slowly the additions I made turned into part of my lifestyle and now part of a routine. It was a few simple changes that have helped me become healthier. I love cooking and eating and my issue was eating more than what I needed and not adding any physical activity. I learned about moderation, fitness, and nutrition.

Having a healthy and happy heart starts with baby steps. Dedicate 15 to 30 minutes of your day to your health. Forget about the world and phone and take a walk around the neighborhood or try a workout video video internet. It's small changes that go a long way.

Thanks to Macy's and Ariana from La Catrina Style I can share with you a few simple changes or additions to your lifestyle that can help beat this disease: 

*Dedicate 15 to 30 minutes a day to your heart, body, and mind.

*Add extra steps to your day by parking further away from the entrances and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

* Check with your city what physical activities they offer for the community. Some offer Zumba others yoga, etc.

*Clean your diet and by that I mean eliminate saturated and trans fats (read the labels).

*When grocery shopping shop for "raw foods" this means no prepackaged meals, purchase items you have to prepare and cook.

*Check the weekly grocery newspapers for deals on fruits, vegetables, and more.

*Drink more water and if you're not a big fan add fruits to give it flavor.

*Prepare meals in advance, helps keep you on track and built a routine.

*Check Pinterest, You Tube, Facebook and others for workouts, recipes, and more.

*Clean your thoughts- nothing happens over night everything takes work, dedication and time.

*Stay motivated you only have one heart and body, cherish and love it with respect.

Thank you for reading and wishing you a wonderful weekend, looking forward to Oscar Fashion. Please share in the comment box what small changes you have made to live a healthier life. Ladies in the L.A. area if any of you would love to start a workout group, make new friends who can join you feel free to ask. That would be a great way to kick off the rest of 2015.