I stayed very active throughout my pregnancy, but my eating habits weren't the best! I mean, you guys know how much I loved my tater tots.
Now my little man was worth every lb and every stretch mark I gained. I wouldn't trade him for the world! And Justin and I have quickly started calling my stretch marks "beauty marks."
"Because (the stretch marks) are proof that you carried and delivered our son...and that's such a beautful thing," Justin told me once as I cried over my new body.
But I quickly realized I needed to make changes for my health- I want to spend as much as time possible on this earth with my family!
Right after I had Cooper, I still looked about 4 months pregnant.
Post-baby hospital mirror selfie...what did you expect!? Of course I would do this... |
And within a week, I had lost about 20 lbs!
One week post-baby! |
But I still had a long way to go!
And I had a laundry list of goals and dreams ahead of me - so I started the 24-day challenge!
My experience has been wonderul! I lost 5 lbs within the first 48 hours of the cleanse. The fiber drink is not the that delicious, but it gets the job done! So I started my job chugging that, drinking my meal replacement shake, and enjoying spark - my new fav obsession!!!
I bounced around a lot in the cleanse phase. I had a few cheat moments when I snuck in dairy or had a piece of chocolate. But I just took bites - I didn't binge eat or let one bad meal result in a full day of bad eating!
Spark and the advocare supplements give me the energy and nutrients to feel full, balanced, and refreshed. I don't crave fast food or fried food anymore. In fact, we only ate out once so far! And I ordered a grilled chicken with a boat load of veggies! I felt great and stayed full all night long!
I still have five days left in the max phase and I feel great!
The challenge has helped me make healthier decisions.
Inspired me to put my health over my cravings.
Taught me to eat for fuel - not pleasure.
Given me the energy to hit the gym hard and tone up my body!
I don't eat my emotions anymore. I don't binge eat when no one is looking.
I have such a healthy and responsible relationship with food now.
I have such a healthy and responsible relationship with food now.
And the advocare team and products have certainly helped me get to this healthy state of mind!
I won't tell you how much weight I've lost yet.
I will let the pictures do the talking instead!
I fit into my wedding ring again:
I fit into real jeans again ( aka pre-baby jeans that have buttons):
This was amazing until I ripped these pants. To be fair, a rip was already there...I just fueled the fire by bending over to get Coop! |
I've hit the gym 3-5 times a week, which is great for being a new mom!!!
Workout buddies. |
I am fitting into my "skinny" workout clothes again:
November 2012 (pre-pregnancy) vs. November 2013 (post-baby). |
And I am losing inches and toning up like a boss:
Left = BEFORE Right = 18 days on The Challenge |
Left = BEFORE Right = 18 days on The Challenge |
I feel amazing.
I am on the right path toward health and happiness.
But simply sharing a number on a scale wouldn't be as powerful as sharing these pictures and little success stories.
Success and happiness are not always about a number. And thanks to my husband- I am inspired to keep hitting new milestones and creating new goals at the gym! He has encouraged me to get back to my active lifestyle - he's my biggest fan and the best personal chef.
My |
As for Coop, all he needs to do is smile and I am inspired to never give up!
My whole heart. |
And Bandit is still the best running partner in the world!
My fur son is the best running buddy! |
And as for you - my lovely blog reader - you help keep me accountable and inspired! Each positive comment and story you share with me gives me inspiration to keep fighting toward my goals. You're the best - thanks for always cheeringe on!!!
Much love,
Ashley
P.S. If you want to learn more about Advocare, check out my personal page here: https://www.advocare.com/13116377/default.aspx
Send me a message to tell me more about your goals and challenges - I can help you purchase the 24-Day Challenge or build your own bundle of products to support your goals and lifestyle! GOOD LUCK!