Ashylla Ardell: My fitness Journey

I want to start this blog off with the BEST news. My Matthew had his follow up appointment with his doctor following his MRI scan on the 5th and I am so happy to report that they did not find anything. I feel such a peace knowing that he is going to be ok. Of course we are still going to monitor his health and if anything suspicious or of the same nature happens again we will be seeking medical attention ASAP. I am feeling extremely blessed and such a peace with this news and I am so ready to continue our beautiful life together!

I have had a lot of people asking me and commenting about my lifestyle change! I wanted to answer some questions and just share some information on what has been working for me, and about how amazing I feel! I wanted to write a bit about why I decided to make this change. The biggest reason is because of Matt's health scare. We both decided we needed to make some changes and be the healthiest that we could be, to further prevent any issues with our health. I also really wanted to do something for ME. Being a mom is the most amazing thing I have ever done! But being a mom can consume you, and take away pieces of you, and make you wonder who you are sometimes. I really wanted to have some ME time and I dedicated this me time to making myself feel better and to relieve some stress and feel good about myself. I have found myself in working out, and I have bettered myself and become someone even better then I ever knew I could be.

As most of you know I am a big supporter in the Skinny mint teatox! The reason I decided to do it detox is because I really didn't feel great about my post pregnancy body. I will admit I am one of the lucky ones who looses there pregnancy weight (or most of it|) by breast feeding. But I knew once I stopped breast feeding I wouldn't be burning those extra calories and I was terrified of gaining it all back. So I started looking into detoxes and I stumbled upon the skinny mint teatox. This specific teatox caught my eye because of it's natural ingredients and because it is NOT a meal replacement you simply drink it in the morning before or with your breakfast, and every other night after your last meal. The morning boost tea is a great way to kick start your day with extra energy! it has Green Tea which boosts your energy, improves immunity and burns calories. Yerba Mate which boosts metabolism, and curbs your appetite. Nettle Leaves which is a natural diuretic and antioxidant. Dandelion which improves digestion, detoxifies, and cleanses your body. Guarana which increases physical endurance and alertness and stimulates your digestion. It also contains a hint of grapefruit, strawberry, and pineapple to make it taste even yummier! It is a scientifically developed herbal blend, its fresh and tasty and it is such high quality! Obviously if your doing a detox you also want to eat a healthy diet to help the detoxing process and to get your maximum results. I absolutely love my morning boost tea. I find it really does give me that extra boost in the morning and it just makes me feel so great!

The night cleanse helps to reduce bloating, improve digestion and lose weight! It has Ginger root which is for anti bloating and detoxifying. Orange Leaves that improve digestion and promotes good sleep. Lemon grass which is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and also enhances complexion. Senna Leaves which acts as a natural laxative, anti bloating, and helps reduce appetite. Licorice Root that relieves cramping and constipation. All mixed together with a hint of peppermint, hawthorn berry and psylium husk to make it even more effective. I love the night time cleanse it helps me wind down at the end of the day and it truly does make me feel so great! I do not sell this product, they are not paying me to give them good reviews, although I did get a free tea tox for sending before and after pictures so if you decide to try this out make sure to take before and after pics and send them to them so you can also receive a free detox! I just love this product I am currently doing my 2nd detox and feeling amazing!

I have always been a visual person. The myfitnesspal app just works for me. I like being able to see how many calories I've eaten, how many more I can eat, and track my workouts to see how many calories I've burned. I am a FOODIE I love food! this has always been my biggest down fall. I had to really make a choice and decide if I wanted to eat what I wanted all the time, or if I wanted to be healthy and happy and look great. I finally decided after many years of yo yoing with my weight that I would try something different in my eating habits. IT WORKED. And I could kick myself for waiting this long to change. It helps so much that Matt is on board with our lifestyle change. I am always buying calorie wise and low sugar, low fat ect of everything, and cooking clean, and smaller portions. We are always trying new recipes and broadening our horizons! It is lots of fun! I recently made Matt homemade protein bars and energy balls. (I feel like martha stewart) haha It is so fun to watch both of us change and become so much more happy and confident in our own skin! I find that counting my calories has worked wonders for me! If you want to try out the myfitnesspal app add me and we can motivate each other! ashyllasmith

Can I just say I am in love with my bowflex m5 and I am so spoiled that I get to work out in the comfort of my own home!! The bowflex m5 are 15 minute workouts they are freaking HARD but they are so great! This just works so well with my stay at home mom lifestyle! I am able to put Lane down for a nap and head to my basement and get on my bowflex machine and get an amazing workout in. I usually throw in a circuit workout afterwards, some sit ups, weights, squats ect. And Wala its a half hour tops and my workout is done! How amazing is that?! I still have time to shower, get ready for the day and have lunch on the go by the time Lane wakes up! Its fantastic. Since the Weather is beautiful we usually also get a good hour morning walk in with the puppy so that keeps me exercising as well. I find if I don't exercise now I get cranky! lol I never thought I would ever be that kind of person but I truly look forward to working out and challenging my body to see its limits and to strengthen myself.

If you are struggling with your fitness, or just don't know where to start, or don't think you can, I've been there and I just want to say you CAN do it. Start small! I started by ordering a detox, and then by going on short walks, and then I expanded it to much more. Just start! Go slow you can do it. Start eating a bit less or making healthier choices its as easy as that. If I can do it so can you! There is no time like the present, Take control of this crazy beautiful life! Your body is yours machine! Be the best you. I have found that I have got just as much negative feedback as I have positive. Crazy right? I am happy healthy and making the best life for me and my family and I know that. I am so happy for this lifestyle change and I can hardly wait to see what I future holds! xoxo

here are a few pictures from my fitness journey...