After losing 48kgs over the last 16 months, I get the question almost daily... "How did you do it?" Some people wait in anticipation for me to unleash the magical quick fix solution, others ask me in passing, expecting a short, precise answer.
My answer is neither magical, or short, so I am sharing my journey, tips and experiences right here.
Me at Christmas 2011 and again in August 2013…over 40kgs lighter!
I'm not a gym junkie and I don't have a strict diet of almonds, quinoa and kale. I don't starve myself and I eat chocolate more than you'd think. I have created a maintainable lifestyle and I have achieved great results… but, it has taken time.
So many people I speak to say they don't have time, they need the quick fix, or they want to try the latest fad. I've been there too. In my lifetime I have done meal replacement shakes, skinny teas, Lite n Easy, Weight Watchers, Atkins, Dukan diet, juices, soup and liquid diets, hypnotherapy, Chinese herbal medicine, and any vitamin, oil, cream or other potion that claims you'll lose weight.
With some of the diets, I did lose weight, and a few of them definitely do work, but as most of them are not practical to sustain in everyday life, these 'diets' didn't stick.
I've managed to lose weight by taking a slow and steady approach. I'm still not at my goal weight, but I'm a hell of a lot closer than with any other weight loss option I've ever tried.
I've found that to lose weight and keep it off, you can't be doing something unnatural, temporary or impractical. Slow weight loss is easier to maintain, and is a lot better for your skin and muscles too.
I know that's not what anyone wants to hear; that it's a slow process, but if you start now, by this time next year, you'll be so glad you did!
I have no training in nutrition or health, I am just an average mum with 2 kids who found a way to lose weight, it's nothing new, it's not special, but if you want to join me on my journey, I'll be happy to share my tips, stories and advice.
There are a few major basics that build the foundation to my new lifestyle and today I will share with you the first one, its an oldie but a goodie.
Low Carb Eating
Don't run away just yet! Yes, I know this is a very basic concept, and it can be very hard to stick to, but you don't have to give up carbs all together!
If you are currently eating carbs like there's no tomorrow, you can slowly decrease the carbs you're eating. There are so many great substitutes to those high carb foods like bread, that you won't even miss them. So don't stress!
Carbs can be evil, they taste good, they're usually affordable foods, and high carb foods are generally quick and easy to prepare. But to lose those extra kilos, you need to limit your intake!
I think the first important thing to do is consider what you eat for breakfast.
Weetbix, corn flakes, Special K and other cereals are advertised as really nutritional foods with lots of fibre and vitamins.
These cereals are really high in carbs and they area unnecessary as you can get the nutritional value a lot easier in other foods.
If you're eating cereals like Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, Nutrigrain, Rice Bubbles or Coco Pops, then stop now!! No nutritional value, and a ridiculous amount of sugar that you really don't need.
Here's the good news, you can replace these cereals with some really yummy breakfasts.
Omelettes are my number one breakfast food. They can take a bit longer to prepare than grabbing a bowl of cereal, but can be easily prepared the night before, ready to be cooked on the stove.
It's filling, healthy and nothing beats a cooked breakfast!
Another option could be a piece of toast (sandwich slice, and preferably wholemeal, grain bread) with a healthy topping.
One of my favourites is mixed grain toast with avocado, ham, red onion, tomato and low fat cream cheese.
I have only just scratched the surface today on what has been my experience with creating a healthy lifestyle and I have so much more to share.
To start losing weight, you don't have to psych yourself up for a drastic change, and you don't have to go hungry. I suggest to a slow and gradual start, and you won't even miss the old foods.
Tomorrow morning, eat a high protein, low carb breakfast, and your journey begins!
Head over to the recipes page for my first recipe "The Breakfast Omelette"
