Name: Ashley
Age: 30
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Self Employed
Location: Milton, Florida
Height: 5’1″
Starting Weight: 190 pounds
Current Weight: 110 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I lost 80 pounds! I went from size 16 pants down to a size 6!
Ashley’s Weight Loss Story!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I always had weight problems throughout the years. I finally had enough after I had my third child. I was always depressed. I blamed my husband for my depression. I never wanted to go outside with my children. I also own my own landscaping company and it was difficult for me to work in the heat.
What made you decide to lose weight?
I finally had enough of my weight when my daughter took a picture of me with my phone and I saw what I looked like. I couldn’t believe I had allowed myself to get like that. I was mortified and quickly deleted it. I cried the rest of the day and finally told myself this has to end.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I never really understood why it was so important to watch what you eat. I always thought as long as I throw in a fruit or vegetable every now and then that I was doing good. When I began my lifestyle change, I started to research everything I could about food. I would be on Google every day trying to understand how the body breaks down food and why I’m supposed to eat certain foods and stay away from other foods. I learned that maintaining your blood sugar levels were crucial to weight loss and maintaining your weight. After that, I downloaded every possible recipe I could find to help me stay on track and be ready for each and every meal each day. I have completely cut out white carbohydrates. I started to keep track of my carbohydrate intake daily. My food intake consists of water, meats, cheeses, selected fruits and vegetables, and grains.
What was most challenging about losing weight?
In the beginning, I was basically changing everything about my dietary lifestyle. At first, I was depressed seeing others eat the way I used to eat. I also felt so tired because this was all new to me.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started to see results two weeks after my lifestyle change.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
I started my lifestyle change on January 11th, 2013. I reached my current weight in September of 2013.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I have maintained my weight loss for almost one year now. I continue to keep track of how many carbohydrates I eat each day. I also make sure to eat carbohydrates that are needed for my body and not empty carbohydrates. I have completely cut out white carbohydrates. I also find it easier to not have a cheat day. My body no longer craves the bad carbohydrates because it has been so long since I have tasted them.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
I feel great every day. My husband and my children tell me every day how they are proud of me and how beautiful I look. I love going to a clothing store knowing I will look great in anything I wear. I feel healthy and have more energy than ever before.
How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I feel energetic. I am self-confident. I feel that I am a better wife and mother. I wake up ready to go every day. I feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Research, research, research. It was much easier to stay on track and change my lifestyle after I educated myself on how the body uses the foods we eat. It also helps to get as many different types of recipes you can with the foods in your new daily diet. This will also help you create your own recipes. Also, keep your kitchen stocked with the foods you should be eating to keep you on track.
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com helped educate me on proper nutrition.
Ashley’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight loss tip #1:
Educate yourself about how your body works when it comes to food.
Weight loss tip #2:
Educate yourself about food and what that particular food does to your body.
Weight loss tip #3:
Experiment with your own recipes.
Weight loss tip #4:
Whenever you feel lost, go online to a weight loss chat group.
Weight loss tip #5:
Keep track of your food intake.
Ashley’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
Breakfast:
2 pieces of multi-grain toast, two strawberries, two eggs (scrambled) with cheese.
Lunch:
Grilled chicken (cooked the night before) and green beans.
Dinner:
2 grilled burgers (without bun) with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mustard and mayonnaise.
Snacks or Mini Meals:
Nature Valley protein bars, black olives, string cheese, strawberries.
Nutritional Supplements:
Daily multivitamin.
Ashley’s Weight Loss Workouts!
Weight Training:
I work outside daily with my landscaping company. I am always carrying a trimmer, edger, blower, etc.
Cardiovascular:
I go running at night.
