“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
