From upsizing to energising: Katie’s journey to better health
As a health care worker, Katie knew she wasn’t prioritising her own health and wellness. But the moment of truth really came on holiday in New Zealand when her partner proposed.
“We had to weigh ourselves for both a helicopter glacier hike and a tandem bungee jump. When I added up our weights, we didn’t qualify for the tandem jump as we were over the weight limits. That moment combined with seeing the photos of my engagement were a turning point. In the pictures of our engagement, I didn’t recognise myself. I knew I didn’t want to look like that for our wedding. I decided then and there to make some changes”.
Name: Katie
Starting Weight: 94 kg
Current Weight: 67 kg
Total Loss: 27 kg
*Lost in 12 months. Individual results may vary.
Katie’s weight loss journey…
Before starting the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Katie was eating good quality foods, but in the wrong portions. Cooking almost every night she thought she was serving healthy home cooked meals but in hindsight the units of each food group were way off and calorie intake too high. That coupled with having a job that required her to work fluctuating shifts also saw exercise become non-existent.
“I was prioritising absolutely everything else above my health. I know scales can be an unfair judge of how we are going with our overall weight. However, a pair of work pants that you wear every day can never lie! I found myself having to upsize once again in my work uniform. I went to select the next size up on the online ordering system and next to the number in brackets it said 2XL! I couldn’t believe that’s what I needed to order!”
Why the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet?
I decided to try the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, because it didn’t seem like anything too drastic. It was based on scientific knowledge of food groups, in the quantities we need them, to support a healthy weight. It seemed sustainable, rather than something you do and then stop when the challenge has finished. I stopped referring to it as a diet soon after starting it, rather calling it my ‘wellness journey” which I will be on for the rest of my life.
Katie’s advice to anyone joining the program….
"Consistency is the key and I now know that I am capable of far more than what my mind lets me believe. You just have to keep on showing up for yourself, consistently. There’s absolutely nobody else that can help you besides you.
Obviously, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diets app gives you the foundation to achieve your goals, but you have to back yourself, dig deep and get it done. I think that can be said for any goal in life, not just weight loss."
Life for Katie post weight loss has given her a newfound sense of confidence.
“I’ve always been happy, had a great partner and family and lived a good life, regardless of what weight I was. I believe that weight truly doesn’t define who you are as a person, however life has more opportunity post weight loss.
I find I carry myself in a different way now, possibly with more confidence.
I’m immensely proud of my commitment to myself, and I’m taking new opportunities that I may not have prior to my weight loss. Being able to walk into any store and know the clothes will fit me is an added perk!”
What are your top 3 reasons why the Total Wellbeing Diet worked for you?
- The Fast Start Shakes: being able to see change so soon into the program really encouraged me to keep on going.
- Simplified method regarding units of food groups. This really helped me plan balanced meals to meet my unit requirements.
- The great recipe ideas!
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.
