Name: Ashley
Age: 26
Family Status: Single
Occupation: Cosmetologist
Hometown: San Diego, California
Height: 5’3″
Starting Weight: 270 pounds
Current Weight: 135 pounds
Current Waist Size: 27″
Ashley’s Weight Loss Interview!
How much did you lose (pounds, inches, dress/pants size)?
I lost 135 pounds and 18 sizes!
When did you become unhappy with your weight (were you overweight as a child or did you gain weight as an adult)?
I was bullied as a teen for being beautiful and developed at a younger age. I started to gain weight as a result of low self-esteem. As a young adult, my weight reached 270 pounds and I suffered both physically and emotionally!
What made you decide to lose weight?
I was tired of suffering and believed I deserved to be happy. I knew there was a diamond in the rough to be revealed.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I began a spiritual journey and began serving others through the beauty industry to help them feel good about themselves. I also wanted to challenge myself and make my dreams come true in order to show myself what I could truly be! I needed inner strength to make my body and soul flourish and shine!
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
Hitting weight loss plateaus was difficult. Being patient with the length of my journey to achieve my goal was also challenging.
How long did it take you to start to see results?
Within a few months.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 2.5 years to reach my current weight.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
It’s been 1 year of abstinence from overeating and 6 months since I hit my goal weight.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
Through this journey I have seen my potential and it’s so gratifying to see what I am truly capable of. How I can influence others to feel that power is also very motivating!
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I feel the best I have ever felt both physically and emotionally! For the first time in my life I have a real sense of control over my eating and fitness.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Never give up and believe in your inner strength. Eating clean is easier than you think and the better you feel the more likely you will exercise. Have fun with the journey and know that you are capable of doing great things with your life including obtaining the goals you set for yourself which is extremely empowering!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com provides maintenance and encouragement for reaching fitness goals.
Ashley’s Weight Loss Tips!
Weight Loss Tip #1:
See yourself reaching your goals! Believe you can do it!
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Eat every few hours and focus mostly on “lean and green” foods with a plant-based diet.
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Drink at least 3 quarts of water per day.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
Weigh yourself only once a week! Don’t frustrate yourself with constantly monitoring your ups and downs on the scale since it might get you discouraged.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Choose exercises you enjoy. If you like listening to music then workout to your favorite tunes and let it motivate you to get up and move!
Ashley’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
A protein and green-style smoothie, a Quest bar or an egg white omelette with fruit.
What do you normally eat for lunch?
Greens and a protein source such as salad with grilled shrimp.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
I try to get creative and come up with something delicious like a zucchini or cauliflower pizza. I also enjoy veggie meatballs with spaghetti squash or veggetti spaghetti!
What do you normally eat for snacks?
Light popcorn, high protein snack like yogurt with a couple of squares of sugar-free chocolate such as Lilly’s which is sweetened with stevia.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I take Biotin for my skin and nails.
Ashley’s Weight Loss Workouts!
What do you do for weight training?
I strength train with free weights along with core training exercises and yoga.
What do you do for cardio training?
I like doing Zumba, walking, hiking and kayaking.
5 Comments
Ashley, is that you! This was my first reaction when I saw how much you have transformed. I’m so proud and you look more beautiful than ever. Glow on, girl!
Great work Ashley! Hard work always pays off!
Jenna, do you still have the Facebook page I read about in the October issue of First for Women magazine?
Wow, Ashley! I’m currently overweight and have been for the past 5 years. I searched on Google for inspiring weight loss stories to motivate me and I came across your story! To my surprise, you’re also from San Diego. Your weight loss is almost unbelievable but I have to believe it from seeing your pics. If there is any way to get help from you regarding some of my weight loss questions, I would appreciate it 🙂
The first thing I thought is how much your eyes pop with your new look! Beautiful! I love how your post is so inspirational both mentally and spiritually. This weight change was clearly such a big part of your spiritual growth and journey. So many people have amazing potential, but you actually did it for yourself and keep doing it every day! Thank you for lifting up each and every reader who reads your story!