Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Gonzalez.
Carmen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I followed diets that limited me from eating things I loved and found myself reverting back to “old” ways. When I was pregnant with my second son, I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. It’s a sugar controlled diet that requires balancing of blood sugars. I followed the nutrition plan suggested by my provider, which included sugar-free foods, exercise, and insulin by pill form. It made for a very hard pregnancy because I was also working full time outside of the home in a high-stress job managing a dental office. I could barely keep my blood sugar under control, even after lots of effort and minimal cheating with food.
My husband’s job at the time required him to be gone during this birth and he returned unemployed when my son was eight weeks old. We were just shy of one year married, now two children and both unemployed because I had resigned upon giving birth to my second son to be a stay home mom. I experienced a very dark time of postpartum depression. I lost all my baby weight and gained it all plus some back. At ten months postpartum, I started having vertigo, one time for up to three weeks straight. After visiting urgent care, I was advised to visit the ER because I was not responding on the right side of my face. The provider was concerned I was experiencing Bells Palsy. After lots of testing and hours in the ER, results showed inconclusively and to follow up with my primary care provider. I was left to figure my health out on my own. I started digging into what triggers a reaction and chose to remove processed sugary foods. I hated the “diet,” but loved how I felt and the weight loss benefits.
We discovered we were pregnant for the third time. We anticipated the first visit to share “we are growing by two feet”, but on 12/31/13, we were told “there was no heartbeat”. We left saddened and chose to let my body pass the baby on its own. On 01/28/14, I hemorrhaged during the miscarriage and nearly died. Emergency D&C surgery was performed and I was put on bed rest for 30 days to allow my body time to reproduce lost blood. A major caveat was we were in the middle of a move that took place on 01/31/14. I could not pack my home, move, unpack, care for my family or myself. It left me feeling depressed once again.
As 12/31/14 came quickly, I reflected on the past year. I knew I didn’t want to repeat another year like that. On 01/01/15, I started an at-home workout. I did it again and again until it became a habit. Nutrition plans to fit the at-home workouts were provided. I chose to become a coach to help others do the same and meet them where they are in their health. After becoming a coach, we found out we were pregnant! I ended up getting Gestational Diabetes again, but this time, I was able to control my blood sugars with nutrient-rich food and exercise once a day. I had not one ounce of insulin! I gained 10 pounds from start to finish. My provider and I believe it was because I was losing while gaining weight since I had weight to lose.
After having my third son, I found I lost 40 pounds by the time I went to my six-week postpartum appointment. This was from following a nutrient-rich nutrient program and walking for exercise. I was now clear to add weight trained workouts and cardio, which I was excited to do. We found out I was pregnant again and on 09/18/17, I miscarried this baby. The difference between miscarriage #1 and #2 was the community of women I had to provide local and virtual support. I was able to share my hard while healing. We were surprised to discover in the year of 2018, we were pregnant AGAIN!
We knew we weren’t getting any younger and with the chances of miscarrying being present, we chose to wait to find out the gender, in case this was the last baby God chose to bless us with. I was pleasantly astonished to confirm I HAD NO GESTATIONAL DIABETES!!! It was such a freeing experience. My provider complimented and encouraged me. She believed it was because of consistent focus I gave my health. On 09/22/18, I gave birth to a healthy BABY GIRL! I am able to stay home with my THREE boys and baby GIRL while homeschooling and coaching others with their health. I have found a love to help women gain freedom through health and fitness to be present in life with family and friends! This journey has not been easy, but God has allowed it to help encourage others they can do it, too!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth was never present. I have to wake up before the kiddos to make my health a priority. Whether I have been up throughout the night with one or more child at any given time, my alarm is always set for 5 am. I am not successful every day, but more often than not, I am. It took a long time, but I never regret getting up early. I had to work outside of the home when I had my two children after miscarrying for the first time because finances required it. I was newly pregnant and very tired but knew coaching others could also help get me home. Staying up after my family is asleep isn’t easy, but my husband and I have goals for our family that require sacrifice now. My husband is now currently in school full-time for his bachelor’s in accounting while working full-time at his current job. He is often doing schoolwork when home, so there often little break on my end, nor his.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I help women find freedom through health and fitness to be present in life with family and friends. I do this by offering access to workouts, meal plans and nutrition programs they can use from any location. I have a private virtual support group to allow transparency while living life. We get to share our hard, encourage one another, motivate and have healthy challenges like Meal Plan Mondays. Try it Tuesday, Water Wednesday, etc. I am known for one of a kind support, wittiness, humor, easy, nutritious and quick recipes while on the adventurous of being a stay at home mom and homeschooling my older two boys.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I believe each person has their own special qualities and no one can be the other person. Every single person has value to add in someone else’s life. Two people can do the exact same thing and thrive. It boils down to choice and finding their niche.
Contact Info:
- Website: carmenhomemaker.com
- Email: carmeng121210@gmail.com
- Instagram: @carmenhomemaker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmen.gonzalez.9256028
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