Weight Loss Story: Ashley lost 59 pounds. After battling her weight for years and trying to present a happy persona, she prayed for the strength to change. She changed her eating habits, used moderation and started exercising. Her hard work has paid off and now she’s sharing her story with us.
Hello, my name is Ashley. I’ve battled with being overweight for so long. I’ve always been the fat friend or cousin. Things had gotten so out of control that I started pretending to be this bubbly plus sized diva and acting as if I was confident with being fat. I figured that if I pretended and I made jokes about myself, then no one could use my flaws against me and hurt me. However, deep down inside I was depressed and I felt so broken.
One morning, I woke up out of my sleep and I began praying, crying and asking God to please give me the strength. I wanted to change so bad for myself. I believe that you literally have to get sick and tired and fed up with yourself before it clicks and you’re ready to make that change that leads to weight loss. All the other times I tried to lose weight, I told myself things like “You’re wasting your time” or “You’re never going to lose this weight”. This time around I was so determined. I was willing and ready to fight. This time I tell myself things like “You will and you can do this” no matter how long it takes.
I changed my eating habits by cutting out beef, pork, fried foods and soda. I still have sweets, but in moderation. Also, I substitute white bread, white rice and white potatoes for whole wheat bread, brown rice and sweet potatoes.
I workout 4-5 days a week, which includes strength training (which I rotate between arm and leg day). I do an hour of cardio exercise, such as the elliptical and treadmill. I started my weight loss journey on January 19th of this year at 276 pounds. Now, I currently weight 217 pounds (height 5’3″).
The advice that I would give someone who is trying to lose weight is to just stay consistent. It didn’t take a day to put the weight on, therefore it will take more than a day to get it off. The best thing I could’ve ever done was to believe in ME. Ask yourself, if someone else was able to do it then why can’t you?
Instagram: @get_fit_nurse_ash
Promise says
Thanks for sharing. I’ve been putting off starting all over again. My husband told me recently, once u have the fat gene, nothing can b done. Felt so discouraged. But like you said, the weight didn’t come in one day. I’ve decided to start working out again. And, I noticed I felt so good after each work out, was always cheerful and calmer.