Gene can't believe what he's capable of now

Gene had always had lifelong issues with excess weight, but when COVID-19 hit in 2020, the number on the scales kept rising more rapidly. The stress of lockdowns weighed on his mental health, which drove Gene to seek comfort in junk food. Coupled with an inactive lifestyle, Gene gained an extra 10 kilograms during lockdown. As his 30th birthday approached, he knew he had to make a change. That's when he decided to do the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.    

Total loss: 38.5 kg*

*In 9 months. Individual results may vary.

Gene's story

Describe your life before the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet

Life before the weight loss was just hard – physically and mentally. My eating habits were poor, with my worst habit being snacking on sugars and other high carb foods late at night. I had no structure with eating and I almost never exercised other than social tennis maybe once a week. My weight has been an issue for me ever since I can remember, and it has robbed me of so many opportunities and freedoms in life that most people take for granted – even something as simple as being able to go swimming without a top on. It caused me so much anxiety when it came to trying to feel comfortable and confident in clothes as it was sort of impossible.   

I kind of had a moment where I realised that it was now or never. I was turning 30 in October 2021, so I set myself a goal to try and lose 30 kg by my birthday. I realised that I had to lose the weight now or otherwise I felt I would be too set in my ways and life would become too busy with other commitments.

I was also constantly trying to lose weight with quick fix crash dieting like weight loss shakes, bars etc where I was just basically starving myself hoping to lose weight. One night I woke up with a very sharp pain in my gallbladder area that lasted the whole night. This scared me a lot and I saw my GP about it and had to have bloodwork and an ultrasound done. Luckily, my bloodwork was okay and the ultrasound was clear of anything like gallstones but it was certainly a massive wake up call for me that something had to change, and that if I was going to lose weight I had to do in a healthy way that was not going to cause me further harm.

Did you overcome an health ailments after the weight loss?

I didn’t really have any serious health ailments but I am much happier and do not have any back or joint pain since having lost the weight.

How has your life changed since your weight loss?

Everything in my life has changed for the better since losing the weight. Life is just easier in every single way and I am so much happier. I never thought I would be capable and fit enough to run 10 kilometres but I know now that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

As for my currents goals, I want to continue to work on my overall fitness and hopefully this year run a half marathon. I am also considering studying to become a qualified personal trainer as I want to help inspire others to never give up on their own weight loss journey. 

What are your top three reasons the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet worked for you?

• The food and recipes all taste great, and I never felt hungry.

• It does not feel like a “diet” and the program is flexible and easy to follow.

• The program actually teaches you a lot about healthy nutrition and portion sizes to better prepare you for success in the future and maintenance post weight loss. It is less of a diet and certainly more of a lifestyle change.

What advice do you have for others trying to lose weight?

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet really works. I have tried countless other diets over many years with very little success. I am confident that anyone who does this and sticks to the program and advice will eventually have success and achieve their goal. Never ever give up!

Gene's day on a plate

Breakfast: Weet-Bix with banana and blueberries 

Lunch: Sushi or vegetarian rice paper rolls

Dinner: Chicken with brown rice and veggies

Looking for weight loss motivation, dinner inspiration or exercise ideas? Check out the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet blog or read more incredible success stories.