Transformation of the Day (Update): Ashley lost over 300 pounds. She has kept the weight off for several years by cooking healthy meals, running, participating in 5ks, and being consistent. Check out her insights.
Social Media:
Instagram: @_allthingsashleyciera_
Read more about her journey in the previous post.
I’ve maintained my weight loss thus far with some minor fluctuations. I’m still very active. I still run and participate in 5ks around my city and have done longer runs. I have recently (within the last few months) started weight training, which has its challenges as I have a lot of excess skin. However, I’m still growing and learning!!
Starting weight: 530-330 pounds
Current weight: 200 pounds (plus or minus 10 pounds)
But the goal here was to stay active and enjoy my new lifestyle. I go between 190 and 200 lbs, depending on the week or time of the month.
How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I counted calories for a long, long, long time. That got to be overwhelming, so I’ve learned alternative ways to cook – letting veggies and protein be my main focus along with the fruit. When eating out or celebrating, I plan my days around where or what I eat. Typically, if I’m out with family, friends, or my husband, and we are eating lunch, I know I’ll definitely want dinner later. So normally, I’ll opt for a salad with a protein source (for example, extra grilled chicken). That way, I can have dinner, but I don’t consume all my calories in one meal at lunch.
Looking back on the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most?
Looking back on this journey, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned that being active just feels good. I never understood the “lifestyle” change that people used to talk about, but now, almost five years later, I understand it. You should do things that feel good to you and that you can sustainably do. If the gym is not your thing, get out and walk in your neighborhood or find workouts at home to do.
I learned that you won’t be motivated every day, and that’s ok. It’s what you consistently do that makes a difference. Always try your hardest and do what you can for yourself.
This journey has had and continues to have some dark times because sometimes I feel like what I’ve done isn’t enough. However, I look back on not only the physical changes but the mental changes I’ve made as well. I remember that I did this to save my life.
I’m proud of myself because this was something that I did all on my own (I didn’t have weight loss surgery, but I’m not bashing or looking down on someone who did). I did it FOR ME. In the past, I felt that it was impossible.
Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
My advice to women who want to lose weight or just want to be active to feel better:
- Figure out what works best for you and what you can continue to do long-term and start from there.
- Don’t compare your path or journey with mine or anyone else’s because this is YOUR journey.
- Love yourself while working on yourself, and you will indeed succeed.
The way your booty looks is influenced by genetics, so don’t focus on what you see online and in the media. You want to have the most healthy and fit body that YOU can have. Not everyone can build a super huge behind, but with exercise you can tone and tighten the butt muscles like any other muscle. The 7 moves highlighted here are simple and can deliver results when done on a regular basis as part of an overall fitness regime.
Hi, My weight loss started when I was doing a 4 month course. That was last year in May. We were doing physical training three times a week. My weight when I started was 105 kg (231 pounds). At the end of the course i was 95 kg (209 pounds). However, I relaxed and did not exercise anymore. On Dec 6, 2013 I decided to register with the gym and I haven’t stopped since then. I even join their classes; spinning class which starts 5:30 in the morning till 6:30 and a 30 minute abs classes. I workout 3 times a week at the gym, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1 day for spinning 2 days I would do cardio and strength, including abs. Now, I jog when I get a chance on the weekends, do TaeBo, skip rope and use an ab wheel. Today, I just bought 10 kg (22 lb) sets of dumbbells. I’ve invested a lot in home equipment like a skipping rope, an exercise ball, ab wheel and women’s health dvds. I’m currently going to the fitness house (gym) 3 times a week and I’ve joined endurance class which is spinning. When I started working out again at the gym I was 98.5 kg (217 pounds) and my body fat was 43%. The last time I checked my body fat it was 32%. I’m not sure what my percentage is now because when I want to check it the machines are always offline. My current weight now is 79kg (174 pounds). My height is 5’5″. My motivation to want to lose weight was because of my health. I’m a diagnosed asthmatic, so I would struggle with breathing and easily get tired. As a person who works in the medical field, I knew that if I didn’t do anything about it I would not live long enough to see my 3 beautiful baby girls group. My Eating Habits: I’ve cut all junk food like fried chips and soda drinks. I avoid eating too many carbohydrates and sugary stuff. My meals For breakfast I always have high fiber cereals, with fat free milk or plain yogurt. Mid day – Fruits, nuts, raisins Lunch – I can chose to eat my Low go bread which is also high in fiber with no sugar or salt added with peanut butter and boiled eggs Dinner – Brown rice, 2 servings of veggies with grilled meat (chicken, turkey or fish). Sometimes sweet potatoes with any meat or High fiber spaghetti Don’t forget the greek salad as well. The discipline that is most important is food portion control. You can use food scale or just a palm of your own hand. It works. Also, eat before 6pm in the evening and try not to stress a lot as you know stressing too much decreases ones digestive system. For those who want to lose weight, I suggest you start a motivating routine and set a realistic goal. Find a weight loss partner or group, this will help you cut down a mental strain by sharing what you going through with someone. Start an exercise log because writing down your progress makes everything concrete. Find an old photo where you look good and post it on your fridge. That will remind you how you used to look and see that what you want to be is attainable is motivating. Lastly but not least, set up a reward, think positively, pace yourself, keep it fresh and have fun.
