Photographer/Writer

For the last fifteen years I have been a professional photographer and writer in the health and fitness industry. My work has been published in some of the most influential health and fitness magazines in the world, and my photos have helped create successful advertising campaigns for elite industry leaders like Gold’s Gym, MetRx, and Weider Nutrition. Please see my Photography Section to review some of my work.

Entrepreneur

Between 2001 and 2003 I co-published my own women’s fitness magazine called DIVAS. This was a bilingual publication targeting the Latina population of the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Canada.

In 2002 I created an innovative protein fiber drink called E2. It was a simple and effective way to supplement the typical American diet with both fiber and protein. E2 also contained helpful vitamins and antioxidants, and had no artificial sweeteners. At that time, I thought it was a great idea and could be very beneficial. However, the more I began to learn about nutrition, the more I realized that my creation was just going to become another misused substitute for wholesome, natural foods. As a result, I stopped my plans to market E2 and focused on something that could really help people, like my book Misled.

Between 2001 and 2007 I became the co-owner of a successful, health conscious fast - food restaurant in Marina Del Rey called Spin, a somewhat unique concept in that industry. Our goal was and is to introduce healthier, gourmet food into the “fast food” environment; we use fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as hormone and antibiotic free chicken. www.SpinChicken.com.

Fitness Enthusiast

I have spent the last quarter of a century learning about and being involved in the health and fitness industry. I have been a professional trainer, a photographer, writer, fitness magazine owner, part owner of a supplement company, a fitness model, healthy-chef and restaurant owner. I have also spent the last two decades reading thousands of books and articles on health living and am presently completing my master’s degree in holistic nutrition. I have essentially spent my life learning everything I can about health and fitness. It’s a path that God put in my heart, and I am passionate about learning how to take care of the body I have been given.

In 1996, I competed in a natural fitness competition and won for best physique because I was able to reduce my body fat percentage to 4 percent and still hold the majority of my muscle. How many doctors or nutritionist do you know who stay between 8 to 10 percent body fat all year round and have done so since they were a teenager? If your experiences have been like mine probably not many.

I am the featured fitness model for Bowflex’s I-trainer DVD series 2003 to 2007. But beyond these things, I know the principles I believe in work because I feel as good as I did when I was a teenager. At 40 years old, I can honestly say I am in as good a shape now as I was in my early twenties. I have no chronic back problems, sleep disorders, bouts of depression, allergies, chronic fatigue, headaches, aching joints or any other aches and pains most people my age seem to suffer from. Simply put, I feel the same way I have always felt: great!

Minister? Doctor?

Not even close. But I did start a fitness ministry in 2003 that I call Health and Inspiration. The goal of Health and Inspiration Ministries is to help people live their healthiest life possible. To do this I provide guidance through inspiration and truthful information. I derive my philosophies and opinions from extensive research, the unchanging wisdom of Godly principles, and through my experiences in living by them.

I often tell people the two most powerful forces I have ever witnessed are the power of health and fitness, and the truth of God’s word. I have seen the power of fitness change people’s lives by giving them confidence and discipline, and I have also seen countless people change dramatically by accepting the truth of God’s word into their life. Examples like these have made me realize that it is these forces of truth that can change lives for the good, not the forces of deception and lies that many in the advertising industry, their supporting media, and other powerful organizations have been using to successfully manipulate us.

I believe there is power in every religion. For me, however, the power that comes from knowing Christ is greater than anything else I have ever felt or witnessed. From a spiritual standpoint, I simply believe Jesus was who He claimed to be, and learning about Christ has made a big impact in the way I see the world. Let me explain how this impact plays a role in my views as a fitness educator. If you believe in God, and you believe God has a plan for your life then you must understand that your body is a vehicle that helps you get where God wants you to go. My question to you is, "How can you expect to get where God wants you to go if your vehicle keeps breaking down?" Health and Inspiration is a tool to help you service your vehicle for peak performance. Get on God’s highway, and don’t look back!

My decision to pursue the truth often goes against the opinions and positions of many established organizations. As a result, my ministry may lack the support of the more common distribution channels. Although I realize this approach may cause difficulties and possibly limit my financial earnings, the reason I have decided to take such a position is simple; the truth matters.