First on the list is preparing a schedule of meals to eat. Diaz will usually have coffee and eggs in the morning. For lunch, he goes to Caravan of Food which serves healthy and authentic Middle Eastern dishes and bread. He may have an ice cream snack in the afternoon and, later in the day, enjoy happy hour at the Pacific Islands Club and sample some “chesa” or appetizers.
Next on the list is creating an environment for success. Diaz said it is important to fill one’s refrigerator with ready-to-eat healthy snacks to prevent unintended snacking. He recommends nuts, yogurt, and fruits.
Diaz said indulging in ice cream, chocolate or chips are necessary to have a normal day, but one must always avoid overeating, he added.
Third on the list is mindful breathing. This involves taking at least 3-5 deep breaths while reminding oneself that eating is not necessary at the moment.
Diaz advises his clients to set themselves up for a success by never losing sight of their weight and fitness goals. Self-care should be number one on an individual’s priority list, he added.
Valentina Haberman poses with her family. Contributed photo
Valentina Haberman. Contributed photo
“As a certified personal trainer for over five years, I must also practice what I preach,” he said. “Fitness and nutrition start at home. Balancing work, training and nutrition is a difficult feat for all fitness enthusiasts. However, we learn through trial and error what works for us personally and individually.”
Diaz said each of his clients’ fitness and nutrition goals are personalized. “My main goal for my clients is to self-empower themselves,” he said, adding that consistency and discipline are keys to success.
One of his former clients, Valentina Haberman, said she is “trying to balance work, mommy and wife-hood, fitness, and eating well, especially during the holidays.”
She added, “It almost feels like an impossible feat, and I do tend to gain a little more weight around this time of year. My profession keeps me quite busy day-to-day and I feel the pendulum sways heavier to one side than the other, so during the holidays I choose to indulge a little more in family and with that, food. Nevertheless, I also maintain a positive attitude. I usually come out of the holidays with a renewed mental focus for the following year. This upcoming 2021, I plan to intertwine family time with more physical activities for us to enjoy together and work on areas of weakness — meal prepping and workout consistency. I have a great support network consisting of my significant other, children and colleagues at work that I tap into when I need a little motivation. All in all, it’s a balancing act as I continue to refine my skills.”
