Update: Ashley lost over 300 pounds

Transformation of the Day (Update): Ashley lost over 300 pounds. She has kept the weight off for several years by cooking healthy meals, running, participating in 5ks, and being consistent. Check out her insights.

Social Media:
Instagram: @_allthingsashleyciera_

Read more about her journey in the previous post.

I’ve maintained my weight loss thus far with some minor fluctuations. I’m still very active. I still run and participate in 5ks around my city and have done longer runs. I have recently (within the last few months) started weight training, which has its challenges as I have a lot of excess skin. However, I’m still growing and learning!! 

Starting weight: 530-330 pounds 
Current weight: 200 pounds (plus or minus 10 pounds) 

But the goal here was to stay active and enjoy my new lifestyle. I go between 190 and 200 lbs, depending on the week or time of the month. 

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I counted calories for a long, long, long time. That got to be overwhelming, so I’ve learned alternative ways to cook – letting veggies and protein be my main focus along with the fruit. When eating out or celebrating, I plan my days around where or what I eat. Typically, if I’m out with family, friends, or my husband, and we are eating lunch, I know I’ll definitely want dinner later. So normally, I’ll opt for a salad with a protein source (for example, extra grilled chicken). That way, I can have dinner, but I don’t consume all my calories in one meal at lunch.

Looking back on the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most?
Looking back on this journey, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned that being active just feels good. I never understood the “lifestyle” change that people used to talk about, but now, almost five years later, I understand it. You should do things that feel good to you and that you can sustainably do. If the gym is not your thing, get out and walk in your neighborhood or find workouts at home to do. 

I learned that you won’t be motivated every day, and that’s ok. It’s what you consistently do that makes a difference. Always try your hardest and do what you can for yourself.

This journey has had and continues to have some dark times because sometimes I feel like what I’ve done isn’t enough. However, I look back on not only the physical changes but the mental changes I’ve made as well. I remember that I did this to save my life. 

I’m proud of myself because this was something that I did all on my own (I didn’t have weight loss surgery, but I’m not bashing or looking down on someone who did). I did it FOR ME. In the past, I felt that it was impossible.

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
My advice to women who want to lose weight or just want to be active to feel better:

1. Figure out what works best for you and what you can continue to do long-term and start from there.
2. Don’t compare your path or journey with mine or anyone else’s because this is YOUR journey.
3. Love yourself while working on yourself, and you will indeed succeed.