This is Ashby. Ashby has done the NOURISH program twice, and is gearing up to do it again. She can often be found (between modeling, teaching yoga and playing DJ to the frenetic masses) waxing poetic about how the simple act of learning to feed herself changed her life.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO THE PROGRAM?
“I’ve been vegetarian for a while, and I’ve gone back and forth with the idea of being vegan… but never really stuck to it. And I learned that being vegetarian doesn’t automatically mean being healthy. Even though I’ve never struggled with weight, I definitely knew that I wasn’t healthy. I drank so much coffee… and I was still tired and trying to hold it together.”
DID YOU HAVE TO STOP DRINKING COFFEE DURING THE PROGRAM?
“Yes! And I’d be lying if I said it was easy. Honestly that was the hardest part for me! If I’m being honest, I’ve been sipping coffee since I was a kid… like TODDLER. I’m not kidding. So giving up coffee seemed crazy to me. But then one day I didn’t crave it… and didn’t even think about it. The biggest lesson for me was realizing that I didn’t need it. It had been such a regular staple in my life, and it was a crutch to keep me from really looking after myself.”
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST TIME YOU DID THE PROGRAM, AND THE SECOND?
“Well this time I didn’t cheat. The first time I did it, I didn’t truly trust that I’d be fine. So I insisted on keeping some of my bad habits. What’s crazy is that even though I didn’t follow it completely, it still worked! When I did the program the first time, I wanted to carve out my abs. And even with cheating, I still managed to do it! That’s when I knew NOURISH was the program for me. The program was built for me (each program is individual), so it makes sense that it would work for me, even if I didn’t truly do the work to earn my results. So the second time I did it, I followed all the guidelines and got even better results! Not just physically, but mentally as well. I can’t stress how good you feel after doing this program. You sleep better, you look better, and you legit FEEL better.”
DID YOUR PROGRAM CHANGE THE SECOND TIME?
“Well the foods changed. The program is seasonal, so you work with foods that are in season and at their peak nutritional value. That way you know you are giving your body the best that it needs to thrive. I know that’s a big part of why I always feel so much better. Honestly, after the first time I went back to drinking coffee because I was convinced that I needed it. And once again, I realized that I didn’t. The new recipes that I got the second time are some of my favorites! There’s nothing like that Mung Bean Smoothie (you HAVE to try it). It’s so good and I never thought I’d like a smoothie with BEANS in it!”
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF THE PROGRAM FOR YOU?
“No portion restrictions. I love that I can eat as much as I want, and the food is GOOD y’all. I’m not into starving myself. I’m very active and I used to try and work out empty, and it just wasn’t a good look. Between teaching and working out on my own I’d be STARVING after it all, and I’d just make the worst choices. Now I’m prepared, I’m never hungry and I’m full of energy. I feel so lucky that I know what works for my body. It’s such a good feeling.”
WHAT’S THE WORST PART?
“THE COFFEE Y’ALL! Like I said, I went back after the first time because I’ve been drinking coffee forever. It’s a journey for me. I know I don’t need it. But I love that you’re always encouraged to forgive yourself. And you’re so supported by the community. Everyone is rooting for you. It’s hard to fail when so many people are helping to lift you up.”