Ashley lost 20 pounds

Ashley lost 20 pounds. As a night shift nurse, her sleep schedule and odd eating hours led to weight gain. Portion control, daily at-home workouts and a supportive accountability group was her perfect combination. Check out what she shared with us.

Starting weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Height: 5’3″

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My weight loss journey started as a night shift nurse. Working that shift, I gained quite a bit of weight because of the crazy sleep schedule and odd eating hours. I just got tired of dodging mirrors, having such low energy, and having my closet be a place of anxiety, as to compared to what was once a place of joy in my house.

How did you change your eating habits?
It wasn’t necessarily the foods I was eating that needed changing, but the portion sizes was the problem. I knew I wanted a lifestyle change, and not just some quick diet or something that required me to cut out the foods I love just to lose weight. I connected with a wellness coach who helped me manage my portion control based off my weight and activity level.

I also joined an accountability group of women who understood the struggle but were committed to creating a better version of themselves… for not only them but for their families. To be surrounded by such supportive energy kept me in it! No one should ever lose weight alone.

How long did it take you to lose the weight?
The attached before and afters are 7 months progress. No surgery, just correct portion control, daily workouts (5-6 times a week AT HOME, usually 25-40 minutes a day), and a supportive accountability group.

What advice would you share with people who want to release the weight?
My main advice is to never give up on yourself and to make yourself a priority. It is hard to pour from an empty cup. Working out, feeding my body really good foods that I love, and not restricting myself helped me to gain ME back.

I can now confidently look in the mirror and love what I see, not because it is perfect but because it was earned. Now, I pay it forward as an online wellness coach by helping other women with busy schedules regain THEM back one drop of sweat at a time.

Instagram: @_theperfectmsfit_