“I’ve always struggled with an all-in (or out) mentality when it comes to “dieting.” With that, I’ve bounced around a similar weight that has slowly climbed a few pounds but with age, has become much harder to maintain. I’d do a cleanse. Feel skinny. Eat and drink without regard. Feel fat. Do a cleanse. Rinse and repeat.

For years, I’ve said I’ll be at my best when I turn 40. And every year when I’d fall off whatever wagon I had decided was the pathway to ‘best’ at the time, I would say I’ll just do better next year. In August, I realized I was not only not better but probably in the worst shape I’ve been - stressed, bloated, exhausted, unsure of how to fix it and running out of time. So after years of following @kitchenshift online, I sent the message and did something I rarely do - asked for help. I hired her as a coach. And I told no one because I was terrified I would fail.

The next several months of coaching changed my year. Beth met me where I was, without judgement but with a fierce determination to help me meet my goals, which meant some tough love at times. Perhaps the most important thing she did for me was giving me permission to be imperfect.

I could write pages about what we did in that time period (and are still doing!), but here’s what I’ll say for now: I changed my workouts and got back in the gym. I got a journal. I developed a morning routine. I learned what foods to eat and how to cook(!!). I (mostly) stopped drinking. I listened to new podcasts. I elevated my supplements. I created habits. I changed my mindset. I made new friends and gained a new support system.

And, my anxiety and my headaches improved dramatically. My skin cleared. My bloating disappeared (y’all I wore a crop top to the gym!). I went down a size in pants. And I freaking waltzed into 40 happier and more comfortable in my own skin than I’ve ever been.

Thanks for everything, Beth!!”

-Ashley