What prompted you to start your health and fitness journey, was there a particular moment or realisation?
I fell pregnant with my first born and a couple months later we lost our house in the black Saturday bushfires. I ate for comfort and my weight ballooned! A month before moving back into our rebuilt house I suffered constant panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD and was put on anxiety medication. After years of taking medication I had had enough of the side effects and weaned off them with my doctor’s guidance . A few months later I walked into the doctor’s office wanting a referral to get lap band surgery.
After walking out and knowing how long the wait list was, I decided to make myself a promise that I would give it my all to tackle it by myself, and if by the time my specialist appointment came I hadn't been able to tackle it on my own, I would get it done.
I then went and joined Weight Watchers and by the time my appointment came I had lost nearly 20kgs so I knew I could do it with Weight Watchers.
What was the first change you made to your lifestyle?
The first change I made was focusing on filling and healthy alternatives to the foods I loved. I ate to my points allowance and started walking.
What other changes did you initially make to your eating habits?
I cut out take away and junk foods and focused on nutritious foods.
What other changes did you initially make to your exercise habits?
Because I was carrying a lot of extra weight I just focused on getting moving so Zumba, walking and swimming were my go to.
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How did you progress?
My fitness increased as the weight dropped and I remained consistent. I would make sure I did some form of exercise six times a week.
What made the biggest difference?
Focusing on my portion sizes, upping my protein and veggies really made a big difference to me feeling satisfied and not hungry.
How did you feel during the process?
My weight loss journey wasn't fast and that can be frustrating at times, but being surrounded by support makes a huge difference.
What helped to keep you motivated?
Being the best version of me for my girls was a massive motivation for me.
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What are your current short and long term goals?
Gaining strength and lean muscle. I got myself a great coach, Alice, round to help mentor and give me a great workout program tailored to me so that I can focus on hitting those goals.
Long term goals, body-wise is to keep developing lean muscle to "tone" up after my weight loss and to keep new healthy habits going! I would love to help others on their journeys so I'm looking into studying nutrition in the future.
What does your day on a plate look like?
Meal 1: Pro oats, which is zucchini, protein powder, nut butter, oats
Meal 2: Chobani yogurt, berries and 80% dark choc or some nuts
Meal 3: Chicken, avocado and salad in a mountain bread wrap
Meal 4: Protein banana bread with ricotta and sugar-free maple syrup
Meal 5: Salmon stir fry with brown rice
What is your current exercise routine?
Current exercise is five weights sessions, two walks and one HIIT session a week.
What advice would you give to others wanting to do the same?
Make time for you! Make the time to go to your local WW meetings or check in daily online for support. The WW coaches are amazing! Make time for your daily exercise/gym . If you’re scared of the gym get yourself a coach or PT to help you. Invest in you! After hitting maintenance, having a great PT/gym coach like Alice around has made a world of difference to keep myself focused and changing things up in the gym. She doesn't listen to my excuses.
