Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Amaya.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erika. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Colombia and I moved to United States when I was 23 years old in 2004. I had had just finished my bachelors degree in Communication and Corporative Relations. I was always interested in photography and writing. On the other side, I used to practice sports during my school years. Then, when I was in the University, I enjoyed more to go to the gym. When I came to the States, I stopped doing in it for many years.
Around 6 years ago, I decided to go back to exercise. I needed it no just for my body, specially for my health, energy and stress relief. It wasn’t easy to go back. I started working out and with the time I started making small changes in my nutrition plan. I created habits. I would recommended it to everyone to go slowly. On the way, I found out that I love to cook, specially to create easy and healthy meals to feed me and feed my family. I’m not a chef, I am just a women who found that kitchen is very funny and interesting.
When I moved to Dallas, I didn’t even know how to cook an egg. I remember that I used to call my mom and ask her for recipes. So, I learned to cook over the phone and later I started watching food channels and buying food magazines too.
I started sharing some of my routines in my personal Instagram and I noticed the impact. However, I didn’t think to open a “healthy living” Instagram until 2017, where I share my healthy habits and show people that to eat healthy it’s not boring neither complicated. Last month, I started my blog where I talk more deeper about similar topics.
I am not a personal trainer. Most of my routines I find them in YouTube, Instagram and some phone apps, but I really enjoy planning my exercise routine and making my meal preping ahead, specially investing time in the kitchen on Sundays.
I enjoy a lot my new lifestyle. I feel energized, alive and happy.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road because changing habits is not easy for anyone. I have been facing many obstacles along the way, specially the people who didn’t support me, and still, but I have been confident, strong and positive. The good thing about to start a healthy lifestyle is that we only need ourselves and our willpower. We must be clear about why we want to change our habits. The key is to start with small steps, so we don’t quit at the end of the week. We need to build habits because they will last forever. Other tough part involve finding the time to run my instagram and now my blog. It’s hard to focus when you have a 7-4 job and after that I have responsabilities as a mom and a wife. It’s not easy but it’s possible. I learned that I have to do what I love and I am practicing that. So, women if you have a dream, go for it. Don’t stop and don’t let others stop you.
What should we know about Eri Fit and Food? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In my “regular life”, I work in an elementary school as a PE assistant. I’m married, I have a 3 years old little princess (mi pulga). Most of the time, during the week, I wake up at 4:30 am to work out. So, I can have more time in the evenings to share with my daughter and to create content for my social media. I want to make sure I’m posting valuable and unique content to my followers.
I love to learn about nutrition. That’s one of the reasons that I am back to the books and last year I received my certification as a Nutrition Coach. This year, I’m planning to have my Health coach certification. In between, I’m taking some courses and reading some books that would teach me how to help me and help others. I have strong desire to help others to achieve their goals.
I am most proud that I am finally putting all my passion about cooking, working out, healthy living, together and sharing them with everyone. I think what sets me apart from others is that I show that eating healthy is not boring nor complicated. I work, I am a mom, I am wife, I am women and I still make time to cook healthy and easy meals for me and my family. Showing that you don’t need to be a chef to cook delicious and nutritious meals with just a few ingredients.
Taking control of my own health and fitness have shown me how much potential I have to change things in my life. To become happier. To find meaning and purpose. To make a difference in my own journey. Because we are what we eat.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Of course! We don’t imagine all the opportunities that are there for women until we start looking for them. Also, latinas women’s Market is growing too.
Here in Dallas, there are several groups of women entrepreneurs in social media, private organizations, and chambers of commerce. Many of them are free to join.
They are support groups for women who are starting or already have an established business. They host events, festivals, luncheons, happy hours, cooking club, workshops, seminars, classes, etc.
They are groups of strong, dreamy and hardworking women with a desire to positively impact society and to help other women to grow.
Contact Info:
- Email: erifitandfoodcoaching@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erifitandfood/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/erifitandfood
- Other: https://erifitandfood.wordpress.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
