Ashley

LOST 52 lbs. and 13” 30 weeks†

As a busy mother of three and wife of a full-time firefighter/paramedic, Ashley had put her health on the backburner. It wasn’t until she came across the SlimFast website that she decided to make a change and picked a date to lose her weight! She shares her success below.

At only 35 years old I found myself at the doctor’s office full of complaints and ailments. My blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI were all high. I knew I was overweight but as a mom of 3 busy kids and a wife of a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic, I stopped taking care of myself somewhere over the years. Life had been passing me by as I opted out of physical activities and often covered up in hopes of just blending in. I knew immediately after leaving that doctor visit that something had to change. I did not want to be medicated for something I knew I had the capability of fixing.

“Life had been passing me by as I opted out of physical activities and often covered up in hopes of just blending in. I knew immediately after leaving that doctor visit that something had to change.”

One day in May 2018, I sat in my car and searched every quick, fast, weight loss page. In the past, I tried just about every gimmick out there. This time I wanted it to stick. I wanted something that could finally teach me, after all these years, how to have a healthy relationship with food. I came across the SlimFast Together group page on social media. I remember thinking, “I can do that!”. The SlimFast Plan was so well planned out that it took all the guesswork out of it. I picked my date on the website and ordered a week’s worth of the ready to drink shakes right then. Three snacks a day, two meal replacements, and one healthy meal every day.

I did it! 52 lbs. and 13 inches in just 30 weeks! I stuck to The Plan and the numbers on the scale started moving the first week. Seeing my progress every week motivated me to keep going. I added in light walking those first couple of weeks and slowly started to go for longer more vigorous workouts. I used my one meal to try out new recipes and make healthier versions of the foods I love. My daily calorie goal is 1,200-1,300 calories and I found that by using a calorie counter app on my phone I was able to see firsthand how my calories added up throughout the day. The best part is I didn’t have to stop living my life! Date nights continued and dinner with the family thrived. I was able to fit in my wants with my needs. SlimFast gave me the freedom to focus on one main meal a day while incorporating three healthy snacks.

“The best part is I didn’t have to stop living my life! Date nights continued and dinner with the family thrived. I was able to fit in my wants with my needs.”

Along the way, I did occasionally struggle with motivation to exercise. My wife has been my biggest cheerleader, always lending words of encouragement and surprising me with a massage when I would hit my goals. If I could go back to before I lost the weight, I would tell myself “time is going to pass anyway, so you might as well use it to become the healthiest version of yourself.” Throughout this journey, I realized how much I turn to food when I’m bored or stressed. I have taught myself to instead go for a walk, take a bath, or read a book. My advice to others would be to keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate your meals and instead opt for lean cuts of meat and vegetables. There is always a healthier option! It is ok to indulge sometimes. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. It’s well known that kids thrive off routine and we as adults are not that different.

The biggest change I have noticed in myself since losing weight has been an increase in my energy levels. I can run 15-20 miles a week and I love it. I have been maintaining my weight loss for over a year now and I still follow the SlimFast Maintenance Plan. My daily routine has changed drastically since I first started. I now enjoy being active outside and aim to hit my step count like it’s a game. Without a doubt, SlimFast was the key factor in helping me lose weight. Being a busy mom, I don't have time to spend hours food prepping and with SlimFast two of my meals were taken care of. SlimFast changed my life.