Karen reached her pre-pregnancy weight after 3 babies

After three pregnancies in three years Karen had gained more weight than she was comfortable carrying. Looking after the three little ones meant she had precious little time to look after herself.

Just before the babies came, she'd moved from Sydney to rural NSW which interrupted many of her previous healthy habits - like her love for exercise.

"I was the heaviest I have ever been, and I realised that if I didn't get my weight under control, I risked this being the 'new normal' as a mother of three," she says.

A few months after the third baby was born she realised she wasn't losing the pregnancy weight - in fact she was putting even more on.

"I was unhappy with the way I looked and felt," Karen says. "I wanted to model healthy eating and enjoyment of exercise to my young children, but I wasn't sure how to get back on track."

Lost 13 kg

For Karen the solution was right in front of her eyes. She had tried the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet almost a decade before and had success with the books. Back then, the weight loss led her to start running and cycling actively.

With the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Karen lost 13 kg* and got her pre-baby body back.

*In 3 months. Individual results may vary. 

"The tipping point for me was when I heard of the offer of a refund if I successfully completed the program," she says.

Karen the Craver

Karen used the Diet Types tool to understand more about her personality when it comes to diet.

"Learning about my Diet Type made me realise that my tendencies are a serious part of my personality that I need to work on - I am a craver," she says.

"I accepted my weaknesses and used the suggestions provided by the Diet Type to avoid tempting situations. I literally left gatherings - almost at run - to get home to my planned meal rather than snack on unhealthy options."

Find your Diet Type - it only takes 5 minutes!

Back in action

These days Karen can be found at the local parkrun every Saturday morning - and she rides her bike 7 km to get there. She's also gone back to the thrill of riding mountain bikes with her friends.   

For her, the exercise is the perfect 'me-time' so she can re-fuel and be energised for her family. Her husband, who is very supportive of Karen's new lifestyle, has also lost weight simply by eating what she is eating.

"I feel so much better! I feel fitter and happier in my clothes," she says. "I am more capable of looking after my young family and I am enjoying my 'time out' of exercise."