Ashley Gertley, who started her own hair salon at the age of 19, has always recognized the importance of hard work. However, her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic took a toll on her personal well-being. Over the years, Gertley found herself sacrificing her own health as the numbers on the scale climbed higher and her clothes became tighter.
Gertley, who is now 23, used to have a hectic schedule at work, leaving her with little time to eat. However, as soon as she finished her shift and got home, she would indulge in binge eating fast food. In the midst of all the chaos, she admitted to Newsweek that she was prioritizing her work over her personal health, leaving no room for exercise.
In January 2023, Gertley, a resident of Toronto, Canada, made a firm decision to break free from her unhealthy lifestyle. Weighing in at 270lbs and wearing US size 16 clothes, she realized that a change was long overdue. While she had attempted various fad diets in the past without success, she embarked on a new challenge in 2023: to regain her fitness and sustain it for the long term.
Gertley, the owner of Ashleeybeauty, shared how she prioritized herself after dedicating her time and energy to opening and running her salon. She realized the importance of maintaining a balance between her personal and work life. Gertley worked diligently to make time for activities such as meal prepping, socializing, spending time with her family, and exercising. In an interview with Newsweek, she emphasized the significance of putting effort into self-care alongside her business.
For me, losing weight meant making a complete lifestyle change. I didn’t want a quick fix that would only result in temporary results. Instead, I opted for a more sustainable approach that focused on developing healthier habits over time. This gradual transformation allowed me to not only shed the pounds but also maintain my weight in the long run.
Just What Is ‘Dirty Keto’?
This Article Includes
Gertley used to have a routine where she would go for long hours without eating and then indulge in fast food and quick meals at the end of the day. However, she has now made a switch to a high-protein diet that includes a lot of vegetables and minimal sugar.
She still consumes some carbohydrates, but not as many as before, which is why she calls it a “dirty keto lifestyle.” According to WebMD, a keto diet entails consuming fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day. This approach can lead to quick weight loss in the short term, typically within the first three to six months. However, it may not offer any significant long-term health benefits.
According to Hannah Sutter, founder of Natural Ketosis and a keto expert, when you consume less than 50g of carbohydrates per day, your body will naturally start using fat for energy.
According to her, opting for a low-carbohydrate diet, commonly known as a keto diet, can help you efficiently burn excess body fat for energy. Not only that, but it also ensures that you feel satiated and can enjoy delicious, natural food.
Gertley has chosen a more relaxed approach to the keto diet, allowing herself to enjoy other foods “in moderation” while still maintaining her commitment to the diet.
“I prefer to follow a high-protein diet that includes plenty of vegetables and limits my intake of carbohydrates. To reduce my sugar consumption, I only have a minimal amount of fruit. I don’t restrict myself to a specific calorie count or eliminate any particular foods,” she explained.
By keeping a watchful eye on her food choices, Gertley has become more mindful of what she consumes, without completely depriving herself. This balanced approach to nutrition, according to nutritionist Sarah Herrington, has played a significant role in her successful weight loss journey.
According to Herrington, following a dirty keto diet, like Gertley has done, can reduce the intake of unhealthy elements while still providing a satisfying and enjoyable diet.
According to Herrington, “Dirty keto incorporates a variety of delicious foods like bacon, steak, and cheese, making it more enjoyable while still promoting weight loss. Keto diets primarily emphasize fats and proteins, which are more satisfying than carbohydrates, resulting in a feeling of fullness with fewer calories consumed.”
Depriving ourselves of certain foods for long periods of time can lead to issues, as Gertley experienced when she restricted her food intake all day and then binged. However, a more effective approach to weight loss can be achieved by combining a high-protein diet, the muscle-preserving properties of a keto diet, and regular exercise.
But Keto Won’t Work For Everyone
Gertley found success with the dirty keto diet, but Herrington, a holistic nutritionist at Brio-Medical, emphasizes that this approach may not be suitable for everyone.
“It is crucial to discover a dietary pattern that suits your individual needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences, rather than simply adhering to what has worked for others,” she emphasized.
Health experts emphasize the importance of considering one’s health before embarking on any diet plan, and several nutritionists caution against following the keto diet. In a previous interview with Newsweek, Ashley Kitchens, a registered dietician from North Carolina, highlighted that carbohydrates should not be vilified in diet culture. She emphasized that they are not the enemy and should not be completely eliminated from one’s eating regimen.
She emphasized her stance, stating, “I strongly advise against adopting low-carb diets. They are not sustainable, suitable, or safe, particularly in the long run. Although low-carb diets may initially yield rapid weight loss due to water reduction and a temporary boost in well-being, they should not be considered a viable, long-term solution for achieving weight loss goals.”
What Gertley eats in a day:
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- Breakfast: eggs and cottage cheese
- Lunch: chicken quinoa and a salad
- Dinner: lamb (or other meat) and broccoli, with some cheese
- Snack: an orange at some point in the day
In addition to revamping her diet, Gertley also implemented a new exercise routine in January 2023 to aid in her weight loss journey.
Gertley shared that she engages in Pilates sessions three times a week, along with three cardio or HIIT (high intensity interval training) sessions.
“I immediately noticed a significant difference within the initial four weeks. My weight loss journey was off to a great start, with me shedding around 4-5lbs every week. As time went on, the rate of weight loss slightly decreased, but I was still making progress at a steady pace, dropping 2-3lbs per week during the subsequent months. Now that I am closer to reaching my goal weight, I am losing approximately a pound or even less each week.”
Losing weight can be a goal for many individuals, and while quick results may be desired, it is important to approach it steadily to ensure long-term success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that losing around 1 or 2 pounds per week increases the likelihood of maintaining the weight loss, compared to those who lose weight at a faster pace.
Sharing Her Weight Loss Journey On TikTok
Ashleey Gertley, a TikTok user (@ashleey.gertley), has been inspiring others to prioritize their well-being by sharing her own success story. After achieving a remarkable weight loss of 90lbs in just one year and adopting a healthier lifestyle, Gertley decided to document her journey on TikTok. One of her post she shared, which showcased the progression of her weight loss month by month, became a viral sensation. Garnering over 6.8 million views and 696,900 likes, it resonated with countless viewers on the platform.
At 180lbs, Gertley is now focusing on lowering her body fat percentage and building muscle. This could potentially lead to a weight decrease of around 160lbs. However, it’s not just the physical changes that have energized the 23-year-old; she has also discovered a great deal about her mental resilience.
“I’ve come to realize that self-discipline is an act of self-love,” she expressed. “It’s not merely about my capability to accomplish something anymore; it’s about having the determination to consistently follow through. Nourishing my body with healthier nutrition requires discipline, and though it may not always be effortless, I always remind myself of the reasons behind my choices.”
After Gertley shared her TikTok post about prioritizing herself, she received an overwhelming response of support and praise, with over 3,300 comments flooding in. One comment particularly stood out: “The change in Jan from March is absolutely mind-blowing!”
One individual replied, expressing admiration: “You should feel a great sense of pride in your accomplishments.”
Another TikTok user commented that “you are an inspiration and a reminder that these transformations don’t happen overnight.”
