Ashley lost 58 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 58 pounds. She is a proud mom, a leader in her local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and a Nurse Practitioner. She wanted her children, sorors, and patients to see her walking the walk, not just talking the talk regarding health, nutrition, and fitness. 

Social Media:
Facebook: Ashley L. Chapman
Instagram: @theAVID1
TikTok: theAVID1

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation to lose weight was multifaceted. I have two children who are athletes (football/basketball and dance). I decided that I no longer wanted to take pictures at their events, using them as a shield in front of me. I also wanted them to learn the importance of healthy eating and exercise habits. 

Another motivating factor was as a leader in the local chapter of my sorority and, at the time, leader of the healthcare program, I wanted my sorority sisters to have confidence in me. Therefore, I needed to ensure I was taking care of my own health. 

The last motivating factor was my career. I’m a Nurse Practitioner, and if I recommended weight loss as a part of a solution to a patient’s ailments, I wanted to ensure that recommendation would not be met with unspoken judgment. I wanted to show them that I not only talked the talk, but I’ve walked the walk. 

I currently work out 5-7 days a week. Have there been weeks when I didn’t want to work out – YES! However, the fact that I can fit clothes I haven’t worn in over 13 years, the motivation my children give me when I work out, being told that I, in turn, have motivated someone else, and the overall feeling of “I did that!” after the workout is complete has motivated me to keep going! I do have to say; the compliments don’t hurt either.  

How did you change your eating habits?
The most significant factor in changing your eating habits is changing your mindset. Mental fitness, if you will. I made up my mind that I would stop eating on the go and choose healthier options so my children would know how to do so. I stopped eating sugar, carbs, fried, and processed foods and stopped drinking Diet Dr. Pepper daily! This was a part of the E2M (Eager 2 Motivate) plan designed by Jeff Witherspoon of Charlotte, NC. 

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine consists of mixed cardio/strength circuits three times per week and cardio/abs focus 2-3 per week. My cardio is achieved with Zumba, HIIT, Trap Cardio, Peloton Bike, or treadmill. On Sundays, I strive for active recovery with yoga and stretching.  

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I can’t even believe I’m typing this out! My starting weight on July 11, 2021, was 201.6 lbs. (recorded at my doctor’s visit on July 12. 2021). I am currently 143.4 lbs! This makes a total of 58.2 lost thus far! 

What is your height?
5’0″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
No.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I got serious about changing my eating habits in June 2021 and then started the E2M program in July 2021. I barely exercised the first 2-3 months (maybe a 1-mile walk here and there) because it was extremely difficult at that weight. However, I lost 17.4 lbs. within the first eight weeks and have been consistently exercising over the past year. The transformation has taken about a year thus far, but I’m still going! 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Discipline. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Be like Nike, and just do it! Exercise, eating the right foods, and staying hydrated give you a clearer mind, clearer skin, and an overall fantastic feeling about yourself. I would be remiss to discuss the added health benefits, but every overweight person isn’t necessarily unhealthy. I have always been very diligent about my preventative care, and my labs and vital signs have always been normal – no matter my weight.