Eating for success: Wendy's journey to a healthier, lighter self
Before Wendy's weight loss journey, her portion control was lacking, frequently indulging in large servings of pasta alongside plenty of red wine. The weight gradually accumulated.
Seeking a solution, Wendy joined the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, drawn to its emphasis on balanced eating plans that ensured her weight loss would be sustainable. Her commitment paid off as she successfully shed an impressive 36.2 kg!
Name: Wendy
Starting Weight: 114.2 kg
Current Weight: 78 kg
Total Loss: 36.2 kg
*Lost 36.2 kg in 2 years. Individual results may vary.
Losing the weight
Describe your life before the weight loss, including your eating and exercise habits. Are there any incidents you can recall where your weight was an issue?
I was not eating much junk food, but I was not eating a balanced diet. I would eat large portions of pasta and not much else on a regular basis. I would drink a lot of red wine and I was not exercising at all. 15 years ago, I used to cycle a lot, often long distances up to 200 km in a day.
My work/life balance shifted, and I stopped cycling, contributing to weight gain. As the kilos piled on, my motivation declined. Realisation struck when simple tasks like bending down and tying shoelaces became challenging due to my weight.
What was ‘your moment of truth’ that made you decide you finally had to lose the weight?
My moment of truth was looking in the mirror and being disgusted, appalled and ashamed of the reflection looking back at me.
Gaining life
Describe how your life has changed since losing the weight? Are there any activities that you do now that you never thought you would be able to do before?
I am a new person, my mental health is at an all-time high, I have an absolute new lease on life and energy. My confidence has grown, and I feel I can tackle anything life throws at me. I have started running which I thought I would never do, even before I put on the excess weight.
Did you overcome any health ailments after the weight loss?
My blood pressure and cholesterol have come down significantly and I have reduced my medication drastically.
Do you have any goals and aspirations for the future?
My goals for next year are to cycle 220 km around the bay (in a day) and to run the Melbourne half marathon.
What is the biggest lesson/s you have learnt from the whole journey?
Trust the science, I almost gave up after the first time I gained a bit of weight (which was over the Christmas period) but I am so grateful I decided to stick to the plan and I managed to lose the weight gained in the next week! Always plan ahead and be well prepared.
What advice do you have for others trying to lose the weight?
Trust the science, believe in yourself, you can do it and above all be kind to yourself!
What are your top 3 reasons why the Total Wellbeing Diet worked for you?
- It is flexible, you can still eat the foods you love so you do not feel as though you are being deprived of anything.
- The tracker motivates you to be honest with yourself and keeps you on track.
- The online and social media support is amazing, you realise you are not alone on this journey.
Are you trying to lose weight? Read our comprehensive guide on weight loss to understand where to begin, what happens when you lose weight and what doesn't work when it comes to dieting.
