Hi friends,

I’ve been in the health and fitness space for all my life, struggling with my hormones and weight! We all grow up with a food relationship - I'm now a Functional Nutrition Councelor, and a Health and Life Coach. I am also a mom of 4 trying to juggle it all!

The Ashley you know today looks nothing like the Ashley from years ago who tried diet after fad diet! At the time I truly believed I could find answers to my health concerns with diets and exercise! that these things were the healthiest choice, but it was exhausting me, stressful, and unsustainable. There is no quick fix! But there is support!

I’ve learned that real wellness is about being open to change. As research evolves, as we learn more about how our bodies and their response to stress, food, and movement, I’ve been willing to say, “Maybe I was wrong about that; let’s test something new.”

I experiment on myself for years with diets, I listen to what’s happening in the industry, I watch what actually works for my clients, and I never stop learning. Here are a few of the biggest things I've found out about over the years and why you should know too!

1. Animal Protein: Especially Beef

Some may feel red meat is harmful, some may feel going plant-based is the only “healthy” choice.

When I started digging into the science, I realized that quality animal protein is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. It’s rich in bioavailable iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and essential amino acids that are critical for energy, hormone production, and recovery.

The biggest difference? You will feel stronger, have more energy and be more stable. You will be less hungry between meals when including some meat in your diet. A balanced plate with protein, colorful plants, and healthy fats works so much better and for many of my clients, too.

You are an individual, this is where functional nutrition counselors come in! Its not a one size fits all discussion! As a functional nutrition counselor, I clear the muddy waters so I can focus on the roots to help you flourish from the inside out!

2. Probiotics Aren’t for Everyone

There was a time when I thought everyone should be on a probiotic. But over the years, working with functional lab tests, I saw that many people with gut dysbiosis or bacterial overgrowth actually got worse when they started probiotics.

That’s because probiotics feed all bacteria: the good and the not-so-good. If your gut is already overgrown with opportunistic species, probiotics can add fuel to the fire.

I recommend testing before supplementing so we know what your gut really needs: sometimes it’s probiotics, sometimes it’s antimicrobials, and sometimes it’s simply changing the diet, lowering stress, or adding a herbal.

3. Greens Powders

For a long time, I assumed any greens powder was a health upgrade. Then I learned that many contain heavy metals, pesticide residue, and even glyphosate; things we’re trying to avoid in the first place.

Make sure your type is third-party tested for heavy metals and glyphosate. I like Organifi and love having it as a travel-friendly way to get in extra micronutrients.

4. GLP-1 Peptides (Like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide)

This has been my most recent study on myself and others who've purchased through me!

I’ve always been a fan of peptides - things like collagen, glutathione (detox pathway), and NAD+ because they’re simply short chains of amino acids that can support healthy skin, recovery, mitochondrial function, and longevity.

But some have a hard stance against GLP-1s which I thought too "are they safe" I’d read all the scary headlines about nausea, muscle loss, and other side effects.

As I’ve learned more and experimented with my own body with amazing blood tests showing results before and after, my findings have answered my questions! I’ve watched some clients use them under medical supervision, I’ve realized there’s more nuance. GLP-1s can help improve blood-sugar response, appetite regulation, and weight management, and even support longevity markers.

The clients who do best are the ones who:

Focus on the foundations first: sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, mindset, and lab testing.

Work with a functional nutrition councelor to customize their approach and use appropriate dosing.

Often see better outcomes with microdosing protocols (done properly) rather than the aggressive escalations we see in some headlines.

GLP-1s aren’t for everyone - and they’re not a magic bullet - but for some women they’ve been a game-changer when nothing else seemed to work, like for me. I’m excited to be partnering with EllieMd to provide real support to those just starting into their GLP-1 journey experience! And if your well experienced already you can use Apollo Peptides as well!

I wanted to make these options accessible to those who want it, while still focusing on the big picture.

The Big Lesson: Tools in the Toolbox

A wellness journey isn’t about absolutes. It’s about having a toolbox full of evidence-based options - foods, movement, mindset, supplements as needed, sometimes medications or peptides - and knowing which lever to pull at the right time of need.

The foundations will always matter most: quality sleep, stress management, nutrient-dense meals, functional movement, and consistent habits. The other tools work best when those basics are in place.

If you’re curious about peptides or GLP-1 microdosing, Click Here! I’m working on more resources for women who want to explore this safely and responsibly.

Changing your mind doesn’t mean you were wrong; it means you’re willing to keep learning.

I’d love to hear: What’s something YOU’VE changed your mind about in your own health journey? - I’d love to hear your story.

xoxo,

Ashley

P.S.

If you’re ready to focus on the foundations that make the biggest difference - balancing hormones, supporting your gut, improving energy, and building a plan that actually sticks - Elevated Wellness by Ashley is open for new clients. Click HERE!

You’ll get functional lab testing, personalized protocols, workouts, and ongoing support to guide you through every step. I’m working on more resources for women and men who want to explore this safely and responsibly.

These peptides transformed my wellness journey, enhancing my vitality and reducing inflammation significantly. Highly recommend!

John Dorsey

★★★★★

Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice!