by Joan Aguon Charfauros

Guam - For 28-year-old Agana Heights resident Ria Torres, the moment she decided to make a change for the better was when she realized it was preventing her from something she truly desired. "Since having my son, I put on so much weight and I've always struggled with it and because of it, it has held me back from having more kids and being told by the doctor, you just need lose weight and it will all come and I was like, okay," she told KUAM News.

She says another big motivator is a quote she lives by, noting, "A quote that I heard from a renowned speaker Jim Rohan. He says, 'In order for things to change, you have to change.' I was like okay, I need to make a change and nothing is going to change around me unless I make that decision."

The journey to a healthier lifestyle began in June of this year. Torres thought the summer was a perfect time to devote all the time she needed to get things started and how she started was getting proper nutrition and vitamins through Herbalife. "It'a a meal replacement program that has helped me thus far lose about 18 pounds and it's just proper nutrition," she explained. "I was able to exercise, I had more time. I did Zumba, basketball with my son and walking."

And even with a busy work schedule, she still remains dedicated and keeps to her program that has allowed her to not only lose weight but find more energy. Torres, who has been a counselor at Bishop Baumgartner Catholic School for the past four years, said that losing weight has also strengthened the bond between her 9-year-old son. "My energy level is crazy. I was the type of mom who would say, we'll do it later and now it's okay, what are we going to do?" she said.

She attributes her success to the support she receives from her family and friends, saying, "They are like, 'Ria, continue doing what you have been doing, you are making a difference, not only for yourself but for everybody around you.'"

As a result of shedding the pounds, she has had to purchase a new wardrobe to go with her new body and although she admits she hasn't reached her goal just yet, she is enjoying the journey to a better and healthier person and offers this piece of advice for those searching for that "inspiration" to lose weight.

"It has to come from within. It's easy, its hard at the same time. You are going to feel so good about yourself…once you get everyone involved and not have to do it by yourself, and you have a support system. That's what makes it different."