By Rebecca Drew
THIS YOUNG woman shed over two-stone in just under a year after deciding to take action because she hated how she looked in the mirror.
Student, Ashley Yarwood (20) from Edmonton, Canada admits that she let herself go after she came out of a relationship two years ago which left her snacking throughout the day while she never counted calories.
At her heaviest, Ashley weighed 13st 5lbs and was a UK size 18. Ashley now goes to the gym up to six times a week and is a super-fit 11st and a UK size 12. She even incorporates her pet dog into her workouts.
“About two summers ago, I noticed that there were many things I did not like about my body. I was constantly seeing someone I did not like in the mirror,” she explained.
“Mentally and physically I was so weak from a past relationship and I just let myself go.
“I felt very low and down, I was unhappy and I did not realise how bad it was until I lost my weight and understood that I was at a really bad time in my life.
“I knew that I needed to make a change and I lost the weight in multiple different ways.
“I first started with using a protein shake diet called Isagenix and working out at the gym doing mostly cardio, I lost around a stone doing this.
“I decided to try out some new things. My boyfriend was a great coach to help me get started again back in the gym but this time I began lifting weights and ever since then I have been lifting weights and building muscle and continuing on my journey.”
Since losing weight, Ashley says that she still finds dieting the hardest part but has had to use willpower to resist temptation.
“Losing weight and becoming healthier has completely changed my life, I have never been happier with myself, I keep pushing myself further every time I hit the gym,” added Ashley.
“The hardest part for me is the dieting part because I do like snacking and I sometimes get the urge to eat something even when I know I really shouldn’t but with willpower and mental discipline you can literally make your body do anything you want it to.
“So many people have complimented my progress and I believe that I have actually inspired some others to begin their own journey and that makes me so happy.
“The best advice I could give someone who wants to start making a commitment to themselves through healthy exercise and diet is that consistency is key.
“Never give up on your goals, have a positive mindset and you can make your body do anything.”
For more information see www.instagram.com/ashleyyarwoodfitness
