Sophia Ayala Gettys’ enthusiasm for healthy eating and active living is infectious, which is why we couldn’t be more excited to have her share her thoughts and personal journal with the LiveWell Moms community. “Get to know” Sophia through her uplifting and honest Q&A below and be sure to look for her upcoming commentary on the LiveWell Moms blog. Enjoy!

Name: Sophia Ayala Gettys 

Children: Gabriella (6 years) and Gabriel (3 years) 

Hometown: Aurora, Colo.

Occupation: Part-time medical receptionist and full-time domestic diva 

Q.) How did you hear about LiveWell Moms?

I saw commercials on TV and went to the website and Facebook pages. I liked the idea of helping Colorado get healthy and wanted to be a part of a community where I could learn and share with others… so I signed up.

Q.) Where are you personally on your journey to health and wellness?

Last year I lost 60 lbs. training for the New York City Marathon. After completing the 26.2 miles, I thought I needed a break from watching my diet and exercise. That led to slip-ups and more and more time between workouts… I let myself go. I didn’t think it would happen so fast, but I’m right back where I started. So, I’m pulling up those bootstraps and going at it again! I feel that this time I will be successful because I have a stronger understanding of how to reach my goals… and also I know how easy it is to stumble.

Q.) Where is your family currently on its journey to health and wellness?

Thankfully I have kids who are excited to make healthy choices, so neither has the issues I did growing up. I feel making the choices their own gives them a sense of satisfaction. It also keeps me motivated to make good choices too, because I know they’re watching.

Q.) What motivates you to promote healthier eating and more active living by being a LiveWell Mom? 

The thing that motivates me the most is the idea that I may connect with somebody who feels they are alone in their struggle. I love the idea that something I have experienced and shared has an impact on a stranger trying something new. If I’m successful, they may try it too. Like running. Who would ever think a plus-size diva (or average size diva for that matter) would attempt such an aerobic sport? I like the idea of being a trailblazer.

Q.) What healthy efforts are working well for your family?

My daughter and I recently signed up for Tae Kwon Do. It has been awesome to have an activity in common and also to be at the same level. Since I’m heavier and older than the average martial artist, I have had a hard time keeping up with the class. One thing I always remember is that I am a walking billboard for my children and everyone in that classroom. There are times when I fall and/or struggle, but I never give up!

The other night Gabriella was having a hard time with holding her splits and the instructor, Master Jones, asked her if she was ok. She said yes, but he could see tears running down her cheeks. So he told her to stand and shake out her legs. At that point he figured she’d take it easy and rest before the next exercise, but she didn’t! After she stood for a moment and shook her legs out, she went right back down in to her splits and finished with her peers. I was the proudest Mom in the room.

Q.) What are your biggest personal challenges for eating healthier? For your family?

My challenge is eating healthy and being in culinary school. It’s so hard to resist taking more than a taste of the dishes we prepare. Also, I never seem to have time to eat, so when I do… I tend to just inhale everything in sight. For my family, it’s hard when the kids ask for junk food like mac’n’cheese and pizza. My challenge is to make it tasty and healthier.

Q.) What do you consider some recent “successes” in making healthy changes?

My most recent successes stem from Tae Kwon Do. I’ve been taking classes at least three times a week and then running two days. I think every day that I make the time to stick to my exercise schedule is a success. Another success is learning that I don’t have to be perfect. There are days when I’m naughty, but I make sure to get right back to better choices the next time around.

Q.) Why would you encourage other moms to become part of this grassroots ambassador program?

I would encourage moms to be a part of this program, because you never know who you can reach. There are so many stories out there that need to be told… they might reach that one person out there who thinks nobody understands them. Long-term weight loss is less about the actual loss and more about the community that supports you and encourages you to keep going.

Q.) What piece of advice have you been given – or given to others – that has made an impact on your efforts to live a healthier life?

“You are the HERO of your own story.” This is a saying that is on the wall of the BornFit Woman’s Apparel warehouse. Bornfit was one of my sponsors on my journey to the NYC Marathon and when I read that line… I knew I had the right people behind me. This quote helps me to remember that I am the one in charge of my destiny!