Ashlie lost 55 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Ashlie lost 55 pounds.  This breast cancer survivor is a true overcomer and I’m inspired by her story.  She battled surgery, chemo, meds, early menopause and sugar addiction, but has reached victory with faith and determination.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Hi, my name is Ashlie K Lowe.  I’m 28 years old and I would like to share my weight loss/healthy living journey. One year ago I was 200 pounds. Today I am 55 lbs lighter, standing at 145 lbs! At age 24, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which including having to go through Surgery, Chemo, and a 5 year med regimen to control my estrogen, which puts me through menopause. The meds cause several side effects such as weight gain, fatigue and joint pain. Over the past 4 years, I have gained about 50 lbs and as of last year, I was determined to lose it all.

My motivation to lose weight was a combination of couple things. A) I started getting asked if I was pregnant. B) My Pastor led our church on a 21 day fast which was called the “Unlock” Fast and that is really what catapulted my journey. In obedience of that, God began to reveal to me the importance of living and eating healthy and taking more control over my health. Being a cancer survivor, especially at such a young age, I realized there was so much more I could do to take responsibility in living an active healthy life, despite the side effects of the medications I’m on.

Prior to last year, I ate fast food every day several times a day, fried foods, snacks (cookies, cakes, candies, etc) all day everyday, I was use to eating absolutely no vegetables and very little fruits, but I did have tons of pops, juices and barely any water. I was addicted to sugar so much so that I would eat spoonfuls of plain sugar. Starting in 2014, my eating habits changed to no red meat, no fried foods, no fast foods, no pop. Only 100% fruit juice, minimal sweets, veggies/fruits everyday, and at least 1/2 gallon of water everyday. I literally had to pray and ask God to help change my taste buds and increase my appetite for healthy foods. I hated the taste of anything healthy. Now, I crave healthy foods. (Yes God still answers prayers )

I worked out on average 3 days a week, focusing on upper body one day, lower body the next and overall cardio the 3rd. During the summer I walked at least 2 miles everyday.

Overall, despite the challenges that came along with the medicinal side effects, I was a still able to make progress and meet my goal by the grace of God. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Set a goal, create a plan/strategy, choose to commit, have accountability, measure yourself against yourself and not other people, and don’t give up. The best you is waiting on the inside, waiting to emerge!

Instagram: @ashlieklowe
FB inspiration page: www.facebook.com/thoughtsofagrowingwoman