Julie slimmed down for her daughter's 21st

Julie decided to join the Total Wellbeing Diet and lose the extra weight for her daughter's 21st. Since starting the program, Julie has lost 34 kg* and become far more active than she's been for a long time. In fact, her next goal is to run a triathlon!

*In 7 months. Individual results may vary. 

How did you put on the weight?

"I have gone up and down with my weight since having children. I entered into a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits."

What did you eat on a typical day before your weight loss?

"A chocolate donut or iceblock would certainly be a part of most days. Two glasses of wine a night was always consumed."

Have you tried other diets in the past and how was your experience?

"I have tried many diets in the past: Weight Watchers, Lite n' Easy, Jenny Craig. I had varying success with these weight loss programs however Jenny Craig and Lite n' Easy are expensive and you have to purchase their foods, and then still cook something different for the family."

What made you decide to lose the weight?

"My moment of truth was my daughter's 21st birthday coming up and I wanted to feel confident on this special social occasion. And menopause is looming and I want to be in the best shape that I can be prior to this perhaps unsettling time in my life."

What do you think has made you successful in losing weight?

"I am committed to it and I incorporate exercise into my day, for example walking or riding my bike to work. I did not exercise at all prior to my weight loss and now exercise is a priority and I ensure I do something daily."

How is your life changing now that you are losing the weight?

"As I am a nurse, I notice health issues first. Having twenty kilos removed takes pressure off a lot of areas, for example, bladder and my feet! I am more confident and happy to attend social functions. The dog is pretty happy as well as he gets a walk most days now and, as a result, there are less holes in the garden!"

Describe a typical day now in terms of what you eat and exercise?

"A typical day is a wholemeal crumpet for breakfast with a cup of tea. I have done this for most of the last 19 weeks that I have been on TWD, I am a creature of habit."

"Lunch in summer is a salad with smoked salmon or tin of tuna and now that its cold its soup or toasted sandwiches for lunch with still the occasional salad. I have only just started to do strength exercises probably every second day, and I will walk an hour most days, or ride my bike once a week."

Have your family and friends been supportive of your weight loss?

"Yes, my family and friends have been very supportive and I have had many positive comments from work colleagues."

"The other day was so nice. My youngest daughter is now motivated to become healthier and we walked into town together, myself to go to work and my daughter to go to uni. It was a great thing to do…"

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

"I would like to complete a triathlon. I love to ride and swim and will have to work on the running side of things, however, this is going to be my first challenge."

"My aspirations for the future is to keep the weight off for life. I plan to continue to monitor my weight by weighing in weekly and continuing on with the TWD online program. I still have another 8 kilos to lose, and I am looking forward to that!"

Julie's tips for success

• Set a clear goal. Mine was my daughter's 21st birthday.
• Notice the improvements in your weight and always keep an eye on the results.
• Save time by cooking several dinners on the weekend. I don’t finish work until 7pm on a Tuesday and Wednesday night so I will make a slow cooker dish or casserole dish on Sunday or Monday so as I can just reheat it when I get home from work on those days.
• Make exercise a part of your day. I walk or ride to work or home from work which takes an hour.

*Individual results may vary