How lockdown inspired Ryan to lose the weight for good

When COVID-19 hit, Ryan decided to improve the health of his whole family, joined the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet and lost 27.3* kgs in 44 weeks.

Name: Ryan
Starting Weight: 119.3 kg
Current Weight: 92 kg
Total Loss: 27.3 kg
Refund: Yes

* In 44 weeks. Individual results may vary.

Ryan's Story

What led you to join the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet?

I've struggled with my weight since I was a child and while I knew I needed to get back into a healthy weight range, I had a weakness for salty snacks like peanuts and Kettle chips and I also enjoyed a glass or two of red wine with dinner.

It was during COVID-19 that I decided to make a change. I saw the effects of lockdown on my children so I set up a 10,000 steps a day fitness challenge - with a prize for the winner that outlasts the rest of the family! It was a week into this fitness challenge that I saw an ad on television for the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet and decided to give it a crack.

I thought it was a great incentive to strive for better health and receive a program refund. The rest is history!

How has your life changed since losing weight?

My energy levels have increased to the nth degree. According to my Garmin stats, my fitness age has changed from 56 to 20 years and I feel every bit of that 36 years younger.

When I embarked on this program I was exhausted after a 5 km walk. Now I can comfortably run 10 km in under 60 minutes!

I exercise 5-6 times a week and haven’t done less than 10,000 steps a day since starting on the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. The whole family has embraced the fitness challenge and we are currently on an unbroken streak of 119 days of 10,000 daily steps! The mental and physical benefits have been invaluable.

During the program, my wife and I decided to give up our daily glass of beer and wine and I am pleased to report that we haven’t touched alcohol since. I also noticed my junk food cravings were far reduced after the first week - I haven't had a meat pie since - which shows that with proper nutrition you feel satisfied for longer.

What were your favourite things about the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet?

I liked trying out new taste combinations, the sheer volume of food (are you sure this is a diet?) and watching the weight fall off on a weekly basis.

I also loved the fact that the program allowed for a daily indulgence. It is unrealistic not to have the occasional indulgence.

What advice do you have for others trying to lose weight and reduce their junk food intake?

Stick with the program, weigh yourself weekly and track performance
You can eat to your hearts content as long as you stick to the food groups and ensure you complete your quota of fresh fruit and vegetables
If you feel like an indulgence – have it – as this will prevent a future blow out or binge
See junk food for what it is and don’t make it precious
Exercise regularly – you’re far less likely to eat a burger before or after a 10 km run
Don’t be disheartened by the number on the scales, trust the journey and know that a small to no loss is better than any gain – you’ve got this!
If you need motivation, read the success stories on the Facebook page and website. They are proof it works