“I’m 5’3” and my maintenance calories are currently 2200-2400 ? #strongxwellfed

If you would have told me this 10 years ago I would have FLIPPED at eating this much food. ⁣I used to average 800-1400 calories a day.

I couldn’t be flexible, watched every morsel that hit my mouth, and any time I ate something that I didn’t consider “healthy” (even if I wasn’t overeating it), I felt bloated, heavy, and insanely guilty about it.

This is not the way I want to live. I didn’t have the resources back then to know better, but now that I do, I’m telling you that this doesn’t have to be your life either.

If you’re there right now, frustrated and exhausted with your nutrition, you’re not alone. I know how deep this runs. It challenges every part of who you are.⁣

It’s not just about eating more food. It’s about what eating MORE food means:⁣
⁣- Taking up more space⁣
– Being okay with others commenting about how much food you’re eating⁣
– Using your voice⁣ and setting boundaries⁣
– Looking at all your stuff straight in the face⁣
– Dealing with the bs beliefs that hold you back⁣
– Actually being who you are⁣
– Acceptance of the body you have when you’re fueling yourself versus starving yourself⁣

This was a VERY slow process for me – it took years. I hired coaches, and did my own education (books, podcasts, etc) – but the biggest dial mover was taking the steps I was scared to take: asking for help, being accountable, trusting the process, and trusting myself. Essentially: living as my whole, fully embodied self.

How’d I get here though?
⁣- Focused on building muscle (rather than getting smaller) via strength training⁣ with Paragon Training Methods Physique program
– Walked 10k steps per day⁣
– Ate more protein (120-130g a day for me)⁣
– Slowly increased my food (about 100-150 calories a month)⁣

Know that wherever you are right now isn’t permanent. You have the power to make a choice and change.

Whether it’s to lose, gain, or maintain your weight – what matters is following a plan that’s best for you. And your freedom ?”

Paragon Athlete and Nutrition Coach, Ashley P
? @ashleykpardo

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