Intro

I feel like I should have my mom write this post. She does a much better job of talking about me than I do. So I won’t say much but she would be quite upset if I didn’t share this with you all.

photo 2

See that little photo of the blond with the glasses? That’s me.

I was asked by Glamour how I stay fit while being surrounded by food all the time. Hahaha. I told them that I walk to the bakery rather instead of driving 🙂

I have been asked this before and I often don’t know what to say. You see, I just make little choices. It’s the little things like choosing the stairs rather than the elevator, eliminating a bit of sugar from some recipes (I also don’t like things very sweet so it works both ways) and yes, I do in fact do some squats while cooking, holding my baby and blow drying me hair. It’s true, I do. But you will have to take my word for it as there will never be any photographic evidence. Hear me, dear husband. NEVER.

I don’t have much time for the gym and extended work outs so I try and fit in little bursts of exercise. I keep a set of five pound weights handy and if the kids are content for a few minutes I might just squeeze in a little bit of a workout. I think it is also important for my children to see the importance of moving, exercising and trying to stay healthy.

I have to continually keep myself in check and maintain a healthy balance as I have, in the past, gone too far into the world of diet and exercise. There was a period in my life where I really struggled with eating and trying to attain the “perfect” body. I became too thin and yet I still managed to find areas of my body that needed improving. See, that’s the point. There is no perfect. Don’t bother trying. What there is is acceptance that will eventually turn into confidence. Once I freed myself with the all the self-consuming thoughts I had more energy to love others and be loved in return. Much, much better.

You must get to the point where you feel healthy, happy and confident about the body you have been given. Life is too short to fret over it. There are too many incredible tastes to savor and much more important issues to put your energy toward.

Moderation is key, making small choices that add up to big ones and a few squats and leg lifts now and again never hurt – unless you pull a muscle, that hurts. But I think you get the point.

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20 Responses to “that’s me, next to cat cora”

  3. Michelle

    Well put. I won’t get into details but I found myself in the same boat of excessive exercise and little food. It was torture but I didn’t see it at the time. Now I totally enjoy food, write about it and experience it as much as I can – equally as much as exercise. It is a healthy balance. I enjoy the discovery.

  5. MG Atwood

    I love the healthy Ashley, not that boney girl…You are a woman, a mother, a wife, and you are fabulous! Don’t forget it! PS, too much maple bacon mix for me, I need to take a few walks today and drink LOTS of water! 🙂

    • Ashley Rodriguez

      MG – Thanks. Yes. That girl was sick, horribly insecure and way too self-involved. So happy to be done with that. Ditto on the maple bacon mix. I’d be okay never seeing chex again. ok. Maybe not.

  6. heather

    As a Dietitian, I can resonate with your words. Too often people take their nutrition and exercise regimes to the “extreme”, be it too much food/too little physical activity or just the opposite. Neither of which are healthy, nor enjoyable. The new guidelines that just came out really try to emphasize enjoyment of food, along with (as you stated) some exercise, moderation and portion control. Great thoughts!

    Cheers to your success — health-wise and in being featured,

    *Heather*

  7. Joanne

    Great post, girl! I’ve totally been that over-exercising fault finding person…and it’s no fun. It’s impossible to love when you’re like that…either yourself or others…and what is life without love, you know?

  8. mixette

    So glad you shared this or I definitely wouldn’t have seen it. I love your attitude about so many things including this one. And I’m the one who parks in the *farthest away* spot at the grocery store while picking up the ingredients for my next NWS recipe.

  9. marla

    Consider me a fan. Loving your blog and your real take on life, fun and exercise. I have been around the world & back on this stuff too. This is the most comfortable place I have been in a long time. You are darling next to Cat.

  10. erin

    You’re totally right! … and what was it Julia Child said? … oh, yea, “Everything in moderation, even moderation”
    Thanks for opening up to all of us, you are always an encouragement.

  13. Paige

    It’s like you wrote this post to me, just stumbled upon your blog today and I’m already devoted 🙂