Like so many women in our Stay Fit Mom community, Ashley came to us ready to stop guessing and start feeling her best again. With the guidance of her coach, she found freedom in structure, learned how to plan for real life (yes, even cookies!), and turned her fitness routine into a sustainable lifestyle she actually loves.

“Ashley has embraced the process and found balance with working toward her goals and living her best life. She always thrives with weekly challenges to increase steps or focus on other goals. I love collaborating with her on how to keep things moving forward for her. Ashley is the perfect example of staying the course and watching the little changes add up to big ones over time. Her commitment to the long game is inspiring. It has been such a joy to get to join her on this journey.” Coach Kristi 

Tell us a little bit about your story. Work? family? 

Ashley: I always been really active. Growing up I played soccer all year round. When I graduated high school I kept active I sports by joining a summer rec softball league. I got married in 2012 and we had our first daughter in 2015. I had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and had to suppress all my cravings during pregnancy. Once she was born I enjoyed all the things and was not my healthiest. My son was born in 2019 and getting back to “myself” after that pregnancy took a lot longer. Then COVID came around, I work in a bank and we split into teams. All of a sudden I had more time on my hands and my COVID hobby became strength training. This made me feel my best I had in a long time, but I also used it as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted. That caught up to me and I was feeling sluggish and not my best. I eventually decided I needed to clean up my diet. 

How did you find Stay Fit Mom and what made you decide to take the leap?

Ashley: I found Stay Fit Mom when I found Krista’s glass bowl meal prep videos. It was genius and sounded like a great way to get my diet in order. I probably followed and saved the posts for a year plus before I decided to take the plunge. I had been trying to figure out macros on my own but it was really hard to do I my own. I also decided I needed accountability. About 2 years ago I made the decision to try it and I’ve been hooked ever since. I feel great!

You’ve worked so hard and your transformation is inspiring! Tell us how much weight/inches you’ve lost. 

Ashley: In total I’ve lost 8lbs and 11”. The most being in my waist and hips. 

How are you able to fit in Macro counting with your lifestyle? Have you had to make any major changes?

Ashley: I use the weekend to set myself up for success. I recently took a new job which has changed my routine up a little – I look at the week ahead, will I be driving during lunch and I need an easy cold lunch option. Or will I be in an office – my lunch box goes everywhere with me. I then will input my food into MFP to see where I am for the week and always leave myself a little wiggle room in case I want a cookie or a couple chips. I found if I restrict it makes it harder for me, but if I plan for it I use it maybe 1-2x a week. Using those resources provided in the beginning helped me get here. Now it’s gotten to the point that I know what can help me hit my macros without needing a resource. I just make sure to always have a couple key things at home always (cottage cheese, sourdough bread, dried cranberries, protein powder, and Fairlife milk are some of my staples). My biggest change is to just plan better. 

How has learning to macro count shifted your thinking about “dieting?”

Ashley: Macro counting has made me realize food is fuel. It’s also made me pay attention to what I’m putting in my body. Fiber is always a big focus for me. I’m also always trying to get my fat macros from healthy fats like nuts. I also don’t restrict, if I want a cookie, I have one. Then I move on and find something more filling. 

Besides shedding pounds and inches, what are some Non-Scale Victories that you’ve experienced? 

Ashley: My job is pretty sedentary and coach Kristi and I have been working on getting my steps up. I set a goal to walk a mile everyday this year. I’m not going to hit it but I’m going to come close. It’s also just changed my mindset about prioritizing being active. 

What’s your most used, favorite SFM recipe?

Ashley: Anything with instant pot shredded beef! 

Tell us about your experience working with Coach Kristi specifically.

Ashley: Kristi is great! Always cheering me on and positive. She celebrates my wins and nudges me in the right direction. 

At Stay Fit Mom, no one does this alone. Our coaches walk beside you every step of the way, helping you build habits that last a lifetime. If you’re ready for your own “aha” moment, let’s do this together.