Answers with Jessica Marie Garcia

Answer 1

You have such an inspiring story as you lost 70+ pounds after you were diagnosed as being pre-Diabetic. What did you do mentally, physically, and emotionally to make this transformation?

Mentally I had to accept the fact that I was pre-Diabetic, and I did it to myself. I also had to mentally prepare myself to change that. Physically I had to get up off that couch, drop the remote and go outside. I have spent too many days watching TV and not getting up and taking care of myself. My emotions were a rollercoaster when I started on this journey because I wanted results instantly. So getting my mind, body, and spirit on the same page of wellness was very important.

Answer 2

How did your diagnosis as pre-Diabetic affect your acting career?

When I found out, I was just about to start Liv and Maddie. I would say the only thing it affected was my spirit, and going to work with such amazing, supportive people really helped. I never felt that being pre-Diabetic had any other effect on my career.

Answer 3

Do you believe your dramatic weight loss saved your life?

Absolutely. I don't love going to the doctor, so I hadn't been in a long time. My family pushed me to go so if it wasn't for that visit, who knows where I would be right now. I don't think I would have lost the weight, that's for sure.

Answer 4

What's your advice to young women today that may be struggling with a similar issue?

It's a process. It's a lifestyle change, not a diet. I have been on every diet you can think of, and I always gained it back. You have to educate yourself on nutrition and what you're putting in your body. You're worth it.

Answer 5

How do you see yourself differently now compared to before your weight loss?

I can now see the girl that I always wanted to be. The girl that can go into a store and buy a dress off the rack, without crying in the dressing room because nothing fits me. I am so much happier now, and am able to be easier on myself and be proud of what I've done. I feel like I am living a more full and well-balanced life now.

Answer 6

What does being healthy mean to you?

It means caring about yourself. I think when you're overweight you decide that you're not worth the effort to be healthy. So knowing that you're worth the time it takes to better yourself, is being healthy.

Answer 7

Now that you're a new and improved Jessica version 2.0, how do you continue to motivate yourself to stay healthy?

I think about my future. I think about wanting to be here for my family as long as I can. I also want to be able to play any role I'm given, so if I need to be a crime fighting superhero, I better be ready and strong enough for it!

Answer 8

Now let's talk "Liv and Maddie"! How are you similar to and/or different from your character Willow on the show?

Willow and I are so much alike! We are both strong women, that love sports, and would do anything for our friends. Willow also has a sensitive more vulnerable side that we both definitely have in common. I would have to say what makes us different, is her flirting techniques and her volume control! She loves Joey Rooney so much, and instead of shying away, she is loud and proud of it! I don't think I am as confident as she is, in that regard.

Answer 9

If Jessica and Willow went to the same school, do you think they'd be friends?

Absolutely! I know that I would love to be Willow's friend, for sure! She is fun and spunky and would protect me like no one else. She is such a cool chick that I am sure she'd let me tag along with her and Maddie.

Answer 10

What issues does "Liv and Maddie" tackle that are relevant to young viewers today?

I think that Liv and Maddie actually tackles a lot of issues that are relevant for our young viewers. For one, we show that girls can be sporty, strong, and competitive and still get the cutest guy in school. We show that a young boy and his guy friends can enjoy a show that is "supposed to be for girls" and they aren't embarrassed by it. We just recently tackled the issue of bullying in the episode "Rate-A-Rooney". A group of guys were rating the girls in our high school from 1-10 based on their looks. This was such a tough episode to film, but it meant the most to me. I am so proud of it and it's impact on our audience.