YOU GOT THIS: Woman’s 23kg wed shred in nine months

A Sydney woman who smashed her wed shred goal went on to transform her body even further after making a surprise discovery.

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Saliya Katungu-Moran has always felt “fabulous” in her body, but it wasn’t until she made a huge lifestyle change that she learned the extent of loving her body and “all that she has done for me”.

In the two years prior to her transformation, Saliya was in a job that required a lot of travelling which often meant her health took a back seat.

She reached for convenient snacks with her diet mainly consisting of hotel and plane food.

A hectic social life also meant she found it difficult to control her unhealthy eating habits.

“Life was busy then and my health was certainly not my top priority,” Saliya told news.com.au.

“That said I’ve always worked out and been on and off different diets in an attempt to shift some weight with limited success.”

Sydney-based Saliya Katungu-Moran, 34, wanted to make her health a priority after it took a back seat due to her busy working life. Picture: Kenny Visuals

It wasn’t until January last year, when the 34-year-old was preparing for her wedding that she decided it was time to make a permanent change.

“For me it spiralled to a point where I needed to something about it. I needed to start living a healthier lifestyle because it was also impacting how I was feeling. I had lost that zest for life,” she said.

“Knowing I had my wedding coming up in October, that was my first big goal.”

Saliya, who is originally from the UK, signed up to her local gym Ultimate Performance in Sydney, where went on to lose an impressive 23kg in just nine months.

“I began training with them three times a week and they provided me with a meal plan and guide for tracking macros,” Saliya explained.

“We set a goal to drop 7kg initially before a friend’s upcoming hens weekend in the April of 2020 – which I ended up dropping.

“When we came back from the hens weekend, Sydney went into the first lockdown and I started training at home and continued tracking macros.”

Saliya maintained her weight during the first lockdown and after returning to the gym in June, she lost a further 16kg, just in time for her big day.

“I felt incredible,” Saliya said. “To be honest I didn’t think I would achieve the result I did. I am now a size 10, which I have never been in my life.”

The 34-year-old, who got married on the South Coast, said she remembers the roar from guests as she walked down the aisle, describing it as an “amazing” feeling.

In January last year, she signed up to her local gym and went on to lose 23kg just before her wedding in October. Picture: Supplied

However, it wasn’t an easy journey, with Saliya referencing a time she wanted to “give up”.

“It was really hard in the first few weeks. It was a shock to the system. My whole body was sore,” she said.

“I remember around two weeks in I had to have a word with myself saying, ‘You can do this’. “I felt like giving up but as you get stronger, it gets easier.”

It was during this time Saliya discovered her passion for lifting.

“After the wedding, I built a fair bit of strength and we (trainer) started talking about powerlifting as I looked for my next goal.”

Since then she has continued her training and has gone on to compete in her first powerlifting competition where she hit her personal bests in three disciplines. Picture: Supplied

Saliya then went on to compete in her first-ever powerlifting competition hitting her personal bests in all three disciplines – squat (102.5kg), dead lift (140kg) and bench press (60kg).

“That dead lift was a year in the making and the feeling once I did it was just incredible.”

She was also due to compete in her first bikini and bodybuilding comp – INBA in September – but due to Covid, it has been rescheduled.

Instead, Saliya organised her own photo shoot on the beach, with her husband helping with her hair and make-up.

Saliya, who is originally from the UK, said she is even happier and more confident in her own skin following her transformation. Picture: Kenny Visuals

She said over the years she had challenges with her mental health which she didn’t realise the extent her lifestyle choices were contributing to until she made some changes. Picture: Supplied

Saliya is currently completing a course to become a certified sports nutritionist, in order to help others achieve their lifestyle goals. Picture: Supplied

Saliya still trains three times a week, doing 45 minute weights sessions and as for her diet, she focuses on eating high protein, moderate fats and carbs.

“I am even more happy and confident in my own skin than I have ever been,” she said.

“Making the choice to prioritise my health has positively impacted every part of my life from my mental clarity at work, to my relationship with my husband and my own mental health.

“My body is strong both physically and mentally and I am damn proud of what she’s achieved.”

Ignited by her passion for weight training, Saliya has recently enrolled in a course to become a certified sports nutritionist.

“I’ve learnt so much along the way and feel passionate about sharing what I have learnt with others.”

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