Pat is fit and fabulous at 60
Pat’s first memory of gaining weight was when she was a child, which she attributes to her parent’s mantra that she eat every single crumb on her plate. This childhood habit started a lifelong weight battle for Pat, but after following the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet she lost 17 kg* in 34 weeks and has maintained her weight ever since!
Name: Pat
Starting Weight: 75.8 kg
Current Weight: 58.8 kg
Total Loss: 17 kg
* In 34 weeks. Individual results may vary
Pat's Story
Tell us about your weight over the years
I’ve struggled with my weight ever since I can remember.
I started putting on weight when l was about 7 or 8 years old. I sometimes think that my mum had an obsession with food as she lived through World War 2 when food was scarce and when she had a family, she really made sure that we had fresh homemade food at the table and that we never had to starve. But we were always told to finish every crumb on our plate and not to be fussy.
Over the years I’ve tried so many diets to lose weight and with some, I had instant success, but I was unable to maintain the weight loss. I think this was because the programs had limited/repetitive or uninspiring menus/dishes. I had to have separate meals to my family, which just isn’t practical.
What were your eating habits like before the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet?
I really didn’t give any thought as to what and how much l was eating before joining the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.
I ate three meals a day with lots of snacks in between - the food was half healthy and the rest not so. I would start off with a good breakfast and really good intentions but by mid-afternoon, all good intentions went out the window and l would end up eating chips, chocolate bars and biscuits.
I also consumed alcohol as a way to relax and ‘wine down’ after a busy day at work and with the family.
What was your moment of truth that made you join the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet?
I turned 60!
I also went through the loss of two family members that were around my age that did not seem to have any issues with health, which really impacted me. It made me want to be fit and healthy for my family and most importantly ME.
One day I heard about the program on morning TV so I checked out the website and was impressed with the variety of menu plans. I liked that l didn’t have to cook different meals for the family and l.
I also liked the sound of the refund offer.
How has your life and health changed since losing weight?
I have so much more energy and feel great! I can walk up the steep road to my house that l struggled with at the beginning of last year and I can go to the beach and embrace my new body.
I am wearing size 8 and 10 clothes, which I’ve NEVER done before! My friends and family are gobsmacked with the new me.
I had a full check-up after the first 12 weeks and my doctor was very impressed with my cholesterol and blood sugar level results. As my mum had Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol l had to keep an eye on that so I’m very happy with my health at present.
My body aches have lessened and I haven’t had a cold or flu since starting the plan. My brain is no longer “foggy” and l don’t get the low sugar level shakes at 3 pm anymore.
What advice do you have for others trying to lose weight and reduce their junk food intake?
- Go hard for the first 4 weeks and stick to the menu plan
- Join the Facebook community and you will realise that there are hundreds of people like you and that you are not alone
- Get your family or partner involved with the menu and get their input on what dishes you all want to have. Take each day at a time
- Enjoy your daily indulgence so you don’t feel like you are missing out on anything
- When you have a great day on the plan give yourself a pat on the back before you go to bed. And when you have a great week, give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate with an indulgence – have a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate!
- Be kind to yourself and keep positive even if you’ve had a binge!
Pat's day on a plate
Breakfast: Feta and tomato on toast
Lunch: Chicken and avocado bowl
