WHAT I ATE THEN VS. NOW|FITNESS & WEIGHT LOSS STORYTIME 

Thank you for keeping this video up! I really needed to hear this!

Fantastic video! I love your energy when describing your eating habits now. Your energy is contagious!

This is eye opening. I have 5 kids and consider myself active by cleaning my home and chasing the kids. I started putting on weight this year. I really need to evaluate my diet and activities. Thank you! I'm really loving the busy mom can work out thing you've got going on. Keep up with the motivation

Thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement! I'm a mom of three in three years (ages, 3, 2, 1 lol) with hopefully another on the way soonish. I love working out at home with the kiddos around or before they wake up. I have fallen off of my good food habits I had formed a year ago with focusing too much on having a good breastmilk supply (mom life, right? Silly things we worry about). I love how you shared what you ate before and now, it shows a drastic difference of the foods that turn into sugar in our body and the importance of replacing those with good protein rich foods! Looking forward to creeping on your channel more and getting to know you better :)

Love love love your content. I just found your channel recently and have truly enjoyed every single video I have watched. Until I scrolled past this one,, I had no idea you lost 90 lbs! I thought you were one of those "always fit, never have to count calories girls who has it all together" but I am blown away. Congratulations for keeping it off and sharing to inspire others! I also am a homeschooling mom and have been racking my brain why I haven't been able to lose my baby weight. I've had 3 kids in 5 years, plus my 2 step kids and always think my "running around" with them was enough. I used to be a waitress and have never really been able to just "sit down" but yet have always struggled with my weight. I eat pretty healthy, lots of veggies and "active" like you said, but your first "overweight diet" description just described my diet and what I eat on a busy day to a tee. I know I need to eat more protein and have struggled because I don't like eating that much meat... I honestly try to eat a mostly vegetarian diet, and simple carbs sneak in so easily! And I dont ever go for the chips and ice cream (that's my husband lol!) It's literally taking the time to make something nutritious for myself is what is lacking. I eat my kids leftovers instead of making myself a sandwich so as not to waste, get so busy I forget to eat sometimes and then I end up snacking with my husband late at night because I wasn't intentional with what I ate all day. I have tried the starch solution and that didn't seem to work for me and now I am watching your fitness videos for inspiration. Thank you again for sharing, God bless! ❤

Just found you here on RU-vid because I’m a new homeschool mom. And I just wanted to say thank you. I loved this video because it truly resonated with me. I keep putting off taking better care of myself because I don’t have the “right schedule to work out”.

thank you Ashlee for this video.you made me think my typical day of eating and how my idealic day of eating would look like.thanks again.greetings to your family

You inspired me a few months ago when you told me not to give up. I knew I needed some more detailed help since I clearly didn't know what was healthy for me. I joined weight watchers a few weeks ago and have lost 9.4 pounds so far. My biggest change has been in breakfast as well. I would eat a bagel or cereal before.. but now I am having eggs w/ spinach or sweet potato or overnight oats. I need to add a few other options into my rotation so I don't get burnt out on anything. It is amazing how eating more protein really holds you over to the next meal! Thanks again for the encouragement! I will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you for this video and transparency!

Wow this was so so so so helpful. Thank you for making this!

Your old self sounds so much like me... this gives me so much hope. Thank you!

I have 3 kids (oldest is 5 and baby is 6 months) and we are homeschooling too. I have gained 30lbs since marriage and it has increased with each child. Your meals from prior to losing weight are pretty much what I eat daily too. Sometimes when I'm tired in the evenings I grab a tub of ice cream to just rest or relax and I am seeing my weight go up. Its encouraging to know that other mamas have been through similar struggles and I can change my lifestyle too. You are such an encouragement. Now I feel motivated to eat healthier and be more active. Thank you

I've been so busy that I knew I had some videos I hadn't seen, but this was eye opening, I did start some chnages a few weeks ago but sugar it's definitely really hard to let go, trying really hard and seeing change in the last few months it's definitely encouraging but this video gives me the push and confidence I can make it! I can't wait to have my compare and contrast too!! lol

I love how real you are! 💚💚💚

Loved this video! It was super helpful!

Thank you! You have a gift for providing information without being hurtful or preachy.

This was so relatable! Thank you for sharing the changes you've made. :)

This was what I was needing today. Your starting point is similar to where I am starting at right now. I'm a homeschooling mom and just had our 5th baby in February. Lately, I am just feeling ready to start getting into a routine and trying to get back to a healthy weight and energy level. Any ideas on how to slowly begin to exercise. My trouble seems to be having 5 kiddos under 8 years old and a husband in busy season of work where I need to have kids all the time. I don't have family around or such to watch my kids, so I would need to find ways to be active while bringing the kids along for the 'adventure'. This encourages me to make some changes to my diet. It totally resonated for me, so thank you for sharing!

LOVE this video. Super helpful!

Omg this was such a good video.. 4 years ago I lost 40lbs over the course of 10-12 months. I still had more to loose but I stayed consistent up until a year and a half ago.. I have slowly started to put back on the lbs.. I have put back 15 lbs. it’s just been bad choices and not being as active. I was also getting steroid/lidocaine injections in my neck for my for my migraines. That was when I noticed my wight really fluctuate. About 8 months ago I decided to stop the injections.. my wight doesn’t yo-yo so much but it’s just getting back in to a healthy routine and breaking the bad habits.. your story sounds so simple.. it’s like we look for ways to take the wight off fast. But it’s not a fast thing.. it takes time and consistency. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thank You Ashlee! Love your videos..

Thank you! I am struggling and this helps to make me think.

Wow, I am exactly where you used to be and really need to get back on track. I used to be on track but I've really slipped over that past year (my first year homeschooling) and I can totally feel it and see it. I'm excited to get back on track❤

Very inspiring! I have been really struggling with my weight. Still nursing my #6 baby, so I'm hungry all day. I think I screwed up my metabolism with Medifast several years ago. This was great to listen to. I really need to add in strength training!

You remind me so much of my cousin ...named Ashley hehe.. She looks a lot like you. Also, she speaks like you do in a soft and articulate voice. I just had to share. Congratulations on getting healthier and thank you for sharing your story !

Thank you for sharing this ! It really helped me to see that my eating is not well right now. I am 25 lbs. overweight and hating it! I've never had a weight problem up until 3 years ago. So annoying! You have inspired me to eat better!! Thank you! You look beautiful as always.

Thanks for the info! Love your videos!

This is exactly my problem! Thanks for the video, very helpful.

i just started my weightloss journey on my channel :) taking in all the tips i can get. thanks for the video!

This video is the best!

Please do a specific video on what you eat,menu,grocery shop what you’ll make😀...

I really enjoyed this! I need to up my protein for sure. I am on the opposite side. I would like to gain some muscle. It's always inspiring to hear a success story!

I'm on my fitness journey now and can't seem to make the changes necessary to see the body changes. I eat similar to how you eat now. Eggs for breakfast, protein and greens for lunch and fruit or something similar in the afternoon. I don't usually have a full dinner and usually as a family we eat a big lunch as our main meal. I do like my chocolate, but I'm not a fan of breads and pastas, so that helps. I recently got into a vegan protein shake my personal trainer recommended. I know my water intake has diminished recently. I'm looking forward to revamping my fitness routine in the new year. Maybe small changes like switching to egg whites instead of eggs and skipping sugar and reducing the cream in my coffee will help :)

Ashlee, can you share what your sources were for learning about food? Did you learn from the internet? Or maybe could you recommend some books? I personally have been aware of the need to make changes in the diet of myself and especially my family for at least a year consciously. I feel very overwhelmed with all of the advice out there and have no idea where to start or how! Also, how would one know which sources for learning about food and what your body needs are knowledgeable and trustworthy? I love your videos! You are always a pick-me-up on down days and make the happy days brighter. Keep up the good work!

This sounds so much like me. Not usually an unhealthy breakfast, sandwich or leftovers for lunch, a snack in the afternoon and starving by dinner- usually having two servings. I really was eating a lot of dinner when I was breast-feeding. And I think since I’ve stopped breast-feeding I’ve taken it down a notch on the servings, but I’m still usually hungry by dinner time. And our nighttime snack is usually cheese and wine or a bowl of cereal sometimes chips&salsa.

Can you post a before and after pic? Thank you for sharing these ideas! Holly

That was helpful, thank you! :) I would LOVE to see a step-by-step tutorial on how you do your make-up (if you have time). It looks so natural and tasteful!! I seriously cannot figure out how to put makeup on... all the tutorials online show too much glamour, not an every day look. BTW, you're a great mom! I appreciate your videos! :)

We are changing our diets as a family. I have to figure out the exercise. We dont exercise and were not sports people. We use to go on an hour long walk every sunday now were going to switch it to saturdays for the farmers market and then ill have to figure out more ways to exercise.

I am worried about my weight gain. I had lost all the baby by 2 months. But but 5 months my weight started increasing. Now he is 8 months old and I am the heaviest I have ever been ( even heavier than when I was pregnant). I don't know what will get me to make the changes I need to. Your story is inspiring.

This was really helpful! I was that gym rat for my entire life till Fibro at 41. I went from 115 ( even after twins) to 140. It's a battle but this is motivating. A good oldie video! Ty

Appreciate your videos as always! Breakfast and lunch I make better decisions with than dinner. I have trouble finding good healthy dinners for my kids so I feel I always make something not so good for us to please them. They are little and will eat some veggies, but I have trouble with proteins. My kids won’t eat whole chicken breast, but will eat chicken thighs. Any suggestions? Maybe you could do a video on kid dinners that are full of good protein?

Thank you for this video. I’m curious which protein bar you prefer

Thanks for sharing 😊🌈

Wow I can’t believe you’re a mom of four! Amazing!

Thank you so much for these fitness videos. I would love to see a video on how you went through the process. I have been trying for years to make changes and have succeeded in some small ones but always fall "off the wagon" in other areas. Did you switch over everything all at once or gradually start maybe with one meal at a time, for example start with eating healthier breakfasts for a while then switch out your snacks for another week or so...ect? My will power seems to totally disappear when life stress and anxiety hits or with my hormonal changes so I seem to undo my progress over and over again. I was just curious on your process for successfully switching over.

Awesome channel!

Hi Ashlee! I'd love to know your thoughts on intermittent fasting. I'm seeing a lot of hype about it and have considered trying it because I have about 8 stubborn pounds I'm having a hard time losing after having my 4th child 4 years ago (I'm 40 and sure age also making it more challenging!). I have a degree in Health Science, but I graduated in 2003 so much of my information is dated! Back then, I was taught breakfast is the most important meal, so I'm a little skeptical about IF. I exercise at least 5 days per week and eat mostly clean except for dinner...so I know there is room for improvement there! I know you are up do date on the latest research, and like me, particular about how you treat your body. Thanks for any thoughts you can share!! :)

Great video, Ashlee!! So awesome to have a side-by-side comparison! :)

New subscriber and loving your videos! How do you calculate your calories and your macros? I am the heaviest I’ve ever been and am hoping to get myself back. I am breastfeeding though and i feel pretty discouraged about losing anything because it’s been just a bunch of weight gain after my last baby was born. I feel hungry all the time (which I always assume is because I’m breastfeeding) but obviously my portions of what I am taking in are wrong. Thanks! :)

I just came across this video today. You are such an inspiration! When you started eating better did you change your meals all at once? I started runnimg this summer and I do that 3 to 4 times a week. But I struggle with eating healthier.

I lost 75 lbs over the past 2 years. I have 4 kids as well (two are twins). ;)

Thank you for sharing really motivational. ( p.s. really like the bedspread what type /brand or where you got that)

Thanks for sharing. Would like to know what you do for exercise now

Thank you so much for this!! How often would you say you exercise? I know that you are a trainer, so I'm talking about exercising for yourself. I know that most of our body is because of what we eat, but I'm curious what type of exercise you began your journey with and what you do now :)

I have the opposite problem where I lose weight very easily. I know people think this isn't a bad problem to have but I've always been underweight and the only time I have gained any weight was when I was pregnant. This last (3rd) pregnancy I actually gained 45 pounds which I have lost most of already but I have been eating so much more then I used to just to keep the remaining 10 pounds. I'm still nursing so I'm crossing my fingers that when I'm done here in a few months I'll still have that weight. Its funny you mentioned eating more protein because that's exactly what I've been doing. That and making sure I eat bigger portions.

Loved hearing this!

Hey lady, this was so eye opening. My struggle is protein. I don’t eat meat so I find myself not eating enough. I make lots of burgers out of black beans or garbanzo beans. I do a lot of lentils. What are any tips for folks like me that are plant based eaters? Thank you and blessings to you

What do you suggest as a good carb to go with dinner?

loved your video, thanks for sharing! what would you recommend doing for someone who cabnt do heavy weight training? in the past i use to do lunges with weights to strengthen my legs but now i have to hold off on that for a couple years. what would be best to do indoors in the winter? i was thinking biking and hiking (we live in a mountianous area) for summer..but stuck for winter, my only thought is power yoga... any tips are greatly appreciated!

You sound just like me. I practically starve all day long and then eat a ton at dinner and most nights I am eating my Ben and Jerry’s. I am about 20 pounds heavier than I want to be. Sweets and carbs like bread are my weakness.

What is in your protein oatmeal?

Thanks for sharing! Do you have any advice/special exercises for fixing a Diastasis recti? I have six kids and would love any feedback you have.

Just about every day I make myself a smoothie that has 2 frozen bananas, a cup of frozen blueberries, two big handfuls or so of spinach and some unsweetened vanilla almond milk. This is often for break before I go to the gym, or sometimes for after the gym.. does this sound ok or like too much fruit?

Love Halo Top :)

Do you have a list of what you eat now...a printable?

What kind of protein bar? Many have sugar

Loved this video as I am trying to make healthier food choices for me and my family. Question...what is "protein oatmeal"?

I know this is a while later but how did you begin your weight loss journey I would like to lose 90lbs but how did you get started

Do you have a basic guideline to follow? I'm overweight with 2 little ones, also a homeschool mom, and I really want to make a change. My eating habits are horrible. But I honestly don't even know where to start.

Great video. Your oatmeal, do you buy a certain protein oatmeal or do you just buy oats and make your own by putting protein powder in?

Thank you so much for all your info! Hubby & I are getting into shape so I was wondering if this info applies to Him as well or are your recommendations for men different?

All great tips. Water is so hard for me. I do like Coke Zero. 😁

Loved the video! Curious to know if you had any extra skin after all the babies and losing weight.

What protein oatmeal do you like?

Okay. So I'm about 75 pounds overweight and my day sounds exactly like your typical overweight day. I also pretty much thought I was eating relatively healthy compared to most people I know.

Loved this, what kind of protein shakes to you drink?

Silly question but how do you make your oat meal taste good without adding brown sugar? I can’t stand it plain. 😝

Did you exercise while nursing? I have a 4 month old, and a 3 & 5 yr old. This is our first year homeschooling and I know I need to change my eating and begin exercising to get the energy I need to do everything I have to do and have better moods. But I’m really concern about my breast being full and the discomfort it could be exercising 😔

I think there’s one person who has two accounts and they’ve gone through all of your videos just to thumbs down🤣cause there’s always two thumbs down. Anywho, love this vid thanks so much!!!!!! Gorgeous darling.

What kinds of good carbs do you put with your meat and veggie for dinner? Thanks!

What protein drink do you use? I've looked at quite a few and they are so full of sugar! Or could you recommend one that I could make on my own with almond milk?

Agh you just described my lifestyle. I need serious help! How can I contact you for local help??

What do you recommend for losing weight? As far as an eating plan.

How did you stop eating the things that were unhealthy? I really struggle with binging and I struggle so hard with stopping. The more I think about trying to eat better the worse it seems to get. I struggle with lack of control and I am an emotional eater. I have no idea where to start to get a handle on this. Do you have any tips? Good job on getting healthy.

Do you work with people via the internet to help setup meal and workout plans?

Your before sounds like me now!😂 very motivated to make a change... I like you think that I’m okay but why am I now losing weight?? I keep blaming it on my hormones... I guess not. Thanks for sharing... How often do you drink protein shakes??

How do you handle fats?

Wow your overweight eating sounds about the exactly the same as mine! It doesn't sound all the bad, but it's crazy how over eating at dinner time, eating too many carbs, and eating that good old bowl of ice cream can add up to so much weight gain!

Love watching your videos also your link for Instagram is broken

Thank you for sharing! Did anyone tell you that you look like Giada DeLaurentis from Food Network?

Hi! Really like your lip color; what's the brand/color?

Oh and what is protein oatmeal?

To be honest, when did you last eat at McDonald's?

Do your kids eat something different than you, specifically at dinner time?

What protein bars do you like?

This was almost shocking to me. I expected you to say that you used to drink pop and eat fast food and donuts and pizza and chips. But instead, you said cereal with a banana. And lunch was a leftovers (assuming that was meat and veggies?) and then pasta for dinner--you did say it was a large portion, but again, you weren't eating junk all day long. And then ice cream. I didn't see this as a bad day I guess. So my thoughts began to go: What if you *had* been exercising with this kind of eating, what would that have looked like? What now looks like includes lots of protein so then i wondered what if you were eating this but *not* exercising? What would that look like? So I'm trying to figure out how the exercising fits into the weight loss. Help me understand how all of this works together. ty

How do you handle fats?

How do you handle fats?