Transformation of the Day: Ashley wrote to us to share her healthy pregnancy journey and insights about wellness and self-care. For 14 years, she’s been a body transformation coach, so she knew how to balance nutrition and exercise during her twin pregnancy. She was even able to teach online fitness classes until the day before she delivered.
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What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My pregnancy was considered high risk due to my advanced maternal age of 38 and being pregnant with twins. I knew that my pregnancy would not be like the previous one when I had my daughter in my twenties, so I stayed focused and committed to doing what needed to be done to remain as healthy as possible.
I was warned that my pregnancy could get very complicated, so I committed to giving my twins the best chance to develop healthily. I’m blessed to have been able to teach my live stream fitness classes all the way up until the day before I delivered.
How did you change your eating habits
I’m a nutritionist and women’s body transformation coach. For the last 14 years, I’ve had the honor of working with pregnant and postpartum clients on their fitness journeys. So when it was my turn, I applied the same coaching that I provide to others to myself.
My pregnancy cravings were pretty intense. While I did treat myself to things I craved, I exercised portion control and reminded myself that I was eating for my babies. I wanted to give them the best of everything, so that mindset seemed to keep me on a healthy path. I also developed a few journals with healthy alternative recipes to feed into my cravings and give my body and babies the gift of good nutrition.
What is your workout routine?
Before, during, and after my pregnancy, I have only done the workouts that I teach in my livestream classes. The only exercise I do outside of the classes I teach is an outdoor walk. Personally, I really enjoy being outdoors; the fresh air, the sunshine, and the scenery helps with my mood, which is directly related to keeping unhealthy cravings and habits at bay.
I look forward to my daily walks, but when my pregnancy hormones were in high gear or I just wasn’t having the best of days, the walk helped me by elevating my mood and providing a sense of accomplishment. It feels great to know you are doing what you need to do even when you are not feeling up to it. That sense of accomplishment brings on an internal joy that carries over into food choices and all areas of self-care. I found myself being more focused and proud of myself due to the small things I did throughout the day that contributed to the health and overall well-being of my babies and me.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Before becoming pregnant, I weighed 145 pounds. I gained about 40 lbs during my twin pregnancy. I currently weigh 144 pounds.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I have been a body transformation coach for the last 14 years. However, before that, I was overweight, pre-diabetic, and a sugar addict. The transformation I made at that time changed every aspect of my life. I lost 70 lbs and had a career change from the mortgage industry to the fitness industry. I became so happy and confident that I started to live my life in ways that I only dreamed about before.
Is weight loss surgery a part of your journey?
No
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is that my health and wellness is the most important form of self-care.
I have been shown that by keeping my body healthy, I’m benefiting not only myself, but my children, husband, and everyone around me. I’ll be 40 this October, and my energy level is just as high as my teenage daughter’s. I feel great and can run behind my twin toddlers without feeling winded or self-conscious. Good Health and how a woman feels about herself are priceless assets.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
If you want to lose weight, write down your WHY and put the note in a place where you will see it daily. This reminder will help you keep your eyes on your prize. From there, find a regime that works for you that does not include any extremes, hard-core dietary restrictions, or workouts that make you miserable.
Instead, look for a liveable routine to avoid the yo-yo weight loss/weight gain pattern. Remember, the feminine body will thrive when it’s well nourished, and workouts are uplifting rather than brutal. If your routine uplifts you and brings fulfillment and joy, you will do it long-term and will remain fit for many years to come.