From Struggle to Strength: My 30kg Fat Loss Journey and How It Changed My Life
There’s something about staring at a scale that feels both hopeful and defeating all at once. It’s that sinking feeling when the number doesn’t budge, or worse, when it creeps up despite your best efforts. I’ve been there. I’ve spent years battling my weight, sometimes pretending it didn’t matter, other times consumed by frustration. But the truth is, losing 30kg has changed everything for me. It hasn’t just been about the number on the scale, but about taking control of my life – something I never thought I could do.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though. This journey wasn’t a linear path of constant progress and glowing success stories. It was filled with hurdles – some I expected and others that knocked me sideways. But as I sit here now, reflecting on where I started and how far I’ve come, I realise that everything – the struggles, the doubts, the slow progress – was all worth it. And if you’re reading this because you’re struggling with your weight, I want to tell you that you can do it too.
Losing 30kg sounds impressive on paper, but the reality behind it was far more challenging than I could have ever imagined. My journey was about much more than just the physical weight. It was about overcoming self-doubt, reshaping my mindset and finding strength in moments of overwhelm. The weight wasn’t just on my body; it was on my heart, my mind and my spirit.
As a busy mum of three, over 40 and suffering with menopause symptoms, the weight gradually crept on, but nothing compared to the weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The combination of homeschooling, juggling work and finding no time for myself left me feeling trapped, anxious and utterly lost. Food became a comfort during those long, stressful days and exercise was an afterthought when my to-do list never seemed to end.
That’s why my transformation wasn’t just about the number on the scale – it was about regaining control over my life. It was about taking back my health, my confidence and my sense of self-worth. This testimonial is for anyone who feels stuck, who doubts their ability to change and who wants to discover their own power to transform, just like I did.
Before my weight loss, I could see the changes in my body happening slowly over time. It wasn’t just one event or decision that caused me to gain weight – it was a gradual accumulation of small choices that led to a much larger issue. Each pregnancy brought changes to my body and while I always tried to return to my pre-baby weight, it became increasingly difficult. I had good intentions, but between the demands of motherhood and my busy schedule, I constantly put my own needs last. It was all too easy to slip into unhealthy habits, especially when time was short and stress was high.
And then, COVID hit.
The pandemic turned my world upside down. Like so many others, I found myself in a situation I’d never anticipated – trying to juggle homeschooling my young children, working and managing the anxiety that came from an uncertain world. There was no time left for me. Exercise and healthy eating took a backseat to convenience and comfort food. I reached for whatever was quick and easy, usually something processed or sugary, just to get through the day. The lockdowns were isolating and food became a source of solace, a way to soothe the emotions I couldn’t otherwise escape.
But as the weeks turned into months, I began to notice the impact. My clothes didn’t fit, I felt sluggish and tired all the time and my mental health began to suffer. I was stuck in a vicious cycle of stress, overeating and self-criticism. I wanted to break free, but I didn’t know how. The weight had crept on slowly, almost imperceptibly, but now it felt like a mountain I would never be able to climb.
The hardest part of my weight loss journey wasn’t physical – it was mental. It’s not just about what you eat or how often you exercise; it’s about what’s happening in your mind. For years, I was stuck in the all-or-nothing mindset. If I had one bad day, I felt like a failure. One missed workout or one indulgent meal and suddenly I was back to square one, ready to throw in the towel. It’s a vicious cycle and I was trapped in it for far too long.
Self-doubt was my constant companion. I would look in the mirror and wonder if I could really change. I questioned whether I had the willpower or if I was destined to be stuck in this cycle forever. And every time a holiday or special event came around, I would slip back into old habits, using food as comfort or reward and then punishing myself with guilt.
What changed everything for me was realising that I didn’t need to be perfect. I just needed to be consistent. Progress isn’t about being flawless – it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. That shift in mindset allowed me to let go of the all-or-nothing thinking and gave me the freedom to make mistakes without derailing my entire journey. I started to trust the process, even when it wasn’t linear and that trust was what kept me moving forward.
For many of us, there comes a breaking point – a moment when we realise something has to change. For me, it was one morning when I looked in the mirror and barely recognised the person staring back at me. I wasn’t just heavier; I was exhausted, emotionally drained and disconnected from the person I used to be. That day, something inside me shifted. I knew I couldn’t keep going like this. I needed to make a change – not just for my physical health, but for my mental and emotional well-being too.
But making that change wasn’t easy. I had tried countless diets before, each time hoping that this would be the one that finally worked. But inevitably, life would get in the way and I’d fall back into old habits. I knew I had to approach things differently this time. I needed to stop thinking of weight loss as a temporary fix and start treating it as a lifelong commitment to myself. This wasn’t about fitting into a certain dress size or hitting a certain weight for a special event. It was about becoming healthier, stronger and more confident – both inside and out.
Consistency is everything. But staying consistent? That’s the challenge. Especially when life gets in the way – holidays, birthdays, dinner parties and let’s not forget the stress and emotional rollercoasters we all face. These were the moments that often tested my resolve. It’s so easy to tell yourself, “I’ll start again on Monday,” after indulging a bit too much. I used to say that to myself a lot.
I won’t lie – there were plenty of times when I slipped. I’m only human, after all. Holidays were especially tough. It’s easy to fall into the trap of overindulging when you’re surrounded by delicious food and drink, but I learned how to enjoy these moments without going overboard. I practiced mindful eating, paying attention to my hunger cues and savouring the foods I truly loved. I allowed myself to indulge, but in moderation and I balanced it out with healthier choices throughout the day. By doing this, I was able to enjoy the holidays without feeling guilty or derailing my progress.
What I learned is that slipping up doesn’t mean failure. It’s what you do next that counts. Instead of punishing myself for enjoying a piece of cake at a party or eating a bit too much on a holiday, I let go of the guilt. I got right back on track the next day, refocusing on my goals and reminding myself of why I started this journey in the first place.
Special occasions became less about food and more about spending quality time with loved ones. When I stopped obsessing over what I could or couldn’t eat, I found that I could still enjoy these moments without derailing my progress. That balance – allowing myself to live while still staying committed to my health – was key to staying consistent in the long run.
When it came to nutrition, I had to re-learn everything. I used to think that dieting meant cutting out all the foods I loved, starving myself, or eating nothing but salads. That’s not sustainable and it didn’t work for me long term. Instead, I shifted my focus to nourishing my body, not depriving it.
One of the biggest changes I made was meal prepping. It sounds so simple, but it was a game changer. Having healthy meals and snacks prepared in advance meant that I wasn’t constantly tempted to grab convenience foods or order takeout. I planned my meals around whole, nutrient-dense foods; – lean proteins like chicken and fish, lots of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. And yes, I still included some treats, but in moderation. It wasn’t about eliminating the foods I enjoyed – it was about finding balance.
Hydration was another crucial aspect of my success. Drinking enough water every day helped reduce my cravings, kept me feeling full and gave me more energy. It was one of those small habits that had a huge impact on my overall health and well-being.
I also learned the importance of portion control. Instead of counting every calorie or measuring out every bite, I focused on eating mindfully – listening to my body’s hunger cues and stopping when I was full. This was a much more sustainable approach for me and it helped me build a healthier relationship with food.
I used to think of exercise as punishment – a way to burn off the calories I ate. No wonder I dreaded it. But as my journey progressed, I began to see exercise differently. It wasn’t about punishing my body for what I ate; it was about celebrating what my body could do. That shift in mindset changed everything.
At first, I started small. I went for walks – nothing too intense, just enough to get my body moving. But as I gained more energy and confidence, I began incorporating running and strength training into my routine. Lifting weights was a game changer; it made me feel strong, not just physically, but mentally as well. I wasn’t just shrinking my body – I was building it up.
Exercise became a form of self-care rather than a chore. I began to enjoy it and that enjoyment kept me consistent. It wasn’t about achieving a certain look; it was about feeling powerful and capable in my own skin. That’s something I never expected to gain from my weight loss journey, but it’s one of the most valuable rewards.
The biggest change I made in my journey wasn’t what I ate or how I exercised – it was the way I thought about the entire process. For so long, I was stuck in that all-or-nothing mindset, believing that one mistake meant total failure. But when I learned to shift my perspective – to see the journey as a marathon, not a sprint – that’s when everything started to click.
Instead of focusing on the end goal, I started to appreciate the small victories along the way. Every workout, every healthy meal, every pound lost – it was all progress. And even when I slipped up, I learned to forgive myself and move forward. That shift in mindset was what allowed me to keep going, even when the road was tough.
I also started to believe in myself. I had spent so many years doubting my ability to change, but as I saw the weight come off and my energy levels increase, I began to trust myself more. I wasn’t perfect, but I was making progress. And that progress fueled my motivation to keep pushing forward.
After reaching my goal weight, the next challenge was maintaining it. Many people think that once the weight is gone, the hard part is over, but that’s not necessarily true. Maintaining weight loss requires ongoing effort and commitment. But this time, I was ready. I had made changes that were sustainable and that I could see myself sticking to for the long term.
Instead of viewing maintenance as an end point, I saw it as a new beginning – a chance to continue building on the healthy habits I had developed. I stayed consistent with my nutrition and exercise, but I also allowed myself flexibility. I didn’t restrict myself or deprive myself of the things I enjoyed. I had learned how to strike a balance between nourishing my body and indulging in the occasional treat.
One of the most important lessons I learned during this phase was the importance of self-compassion. Even now, I have days when I don’t eat as well as I’d like or skip a workout. But instead of falling back into old habits of guilt and self-criticism, I remind myself that this is part of life. The key is to keep going, to keep showing up for myself and to trust that the small, consistent efforts will add up in the long run.
Losing 30kg – a third of my body weight – was an incredible achievement, but the transformation went far beyond the number on the scale. This journey changed the way I saw myself, the way I approached life and the way I valued my health.
For the first time in years, I felt confident in my own skin. I wasn’t hiding behind baggy clothes or avoiding social events because of how I looked. I had more energy, I was sleeping better and I felt happier overall. My mindset had shifted from one of self-doubt and restriction to one of empowerment and balance.
And that transformation wasn’t just physical – it was mental and emotional too. I had gained a new sense of control over my life, my confidence was sky-high. I climbed a mountain, ran a marathon and started a new business. I had proven to myself that I could do hard things, that I could make lasting changes and that I could create a healthier, happier future for myself.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been the opportunity to inspire others. Now a qualified nutritionist, through Thrive Nutrition, I am able help other women who are struggling with the same challenges I once faced. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. I know how hard it can be to balance the demands of motherhood, work and self-care. And I know that it’s possible to overcome those obstacles and create a healthier, happier life.
I’m passionate about helping others achieve their own transformations because I know firsthand how difficult it can be. I know the frustration of trying and failing, the self-doubt that creeps in and the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start. But I also know the incredible rewards that come from sticking with it – both physically and mentally.
That’s why I created Thrive Nutrition. My mission is to help others break free from the cycle of failure and find success in their own journeys. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been struggling for years, I want to help you build a plan that works for you – one that’s sustainable, balanced and tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Through Thrive Nutrition, I provide the tools, guidance and support you need to make lasting changes in your life. Together, we’ll build healthy habits, create a balanced nutrition plan and find the right exercise routine that works for your lifestyle. I’m here to help you overcome the mental and emotional hurdles that come with weight loss and show you that you can achieve the transformation you’ve always wanted.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story, it’s this: You can do this too. I know it’s hard. I know there will be days when you want to give up. But I also know that you are stronger than you think. You are capable of change. You deserve to feel good in your own body. And you have the power to make that happen.
This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when it feels difficult. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time. And most of all, it’s about believing in yourself and your ability to transform.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But I also know that there is a way forward and I’m here to help you find it. Together, we can create a healthier, happier life – it’s time to THRIVE!
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