Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 100 pounds. After her mother passed away in 2019, she fell into a depression and was in and out of bad relationships. This led to her using food as a coping mechanism. In July 2020, she started walking for exercise and changed her eating habits. Check out her transformation story.
My name is Ashley, and I’m 34 years old. I am from Arkansas, and I’m a Fitness Instructor at Beast Empire Fitness in El Dorado, Arkansas.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I lost my mother in January 2019 and fell into a deep depression. I went in and out of bad relationships during the following year, and eating was my coping method. With a family history of heart disease, I knew I had to become healthier if I wanted to end the cycle.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in July 2020. I walked because all the gyms were closed. Once the gyms opened, I learned what exercises I needed to do to achieve my goals. It has taken me one year to lose 100 pounds.
How did you change your eating habits?
The first thing I did was cut out carbs and start drinking lots of water. I had no real plan, but I knew I had to start somewhere.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I began by just walking every day. After I started to see a real change and started feeling better, I started going to the gym and doing more exercise. I got a trainer, and he taught me how to work out. After that, I went to Instagram and any other outlet to find workouts that I could do daily.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 289 pounds, and my current weight is 190 pounds.
What is your height?
I am 5’10”.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that I have to love myself. That’s the only way I can change my outlook on life. I recently became a fitness instructor, and now I motivate other women.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Don’t give up. No matter how many times you have to start over. Never let someone else opinions keep you from being a better person.
Instagram: @ms_jhnson @be.ufitnes
Jasmine says
I’m sorry for the loss of your Mom. I lost my Mom in 2014 and have been struggling on and off with depression. How did you keep going with your healthy lifestyle is you had days that you weren’t consistent? I’m 5’7 and now 254 lbs. I have 90 lbs to lose. I used to be a fitness trainer and in the gym all of the time before she passed. I competed in a bodybuilding competition after she passed to try to stay healthy, but once the depression hit it’s been hard to stay consistent. I have a therapist and am on medication, but I seem to go back to the thought of “what’s the point?” when I think of my Mom passing. How did you keep going? Congrats on your lifestyle change.