Mum shares secret to stunning 30kg weight loss
An Australian mum has shared the one simple thing she changed to achieve an epic 30kg weight loss transformation.
A woman has shared how she completely transformed her body with a simple lifestyle change.
Emma Frances Goode was over the moon when she found out she was going to be a mum, and is happier than ever after the birth of her son Harvey back in October 2020.
But during her pregnancy, the 26-year-old’s weight climbed to 95kg due to general inactivity and honouring her higher-calorie cravings.
Wanting to get back to her healthiest state, Emma, from Shepparton, Victoria, committed to treating her body with kindness and engaging in more healthy habits after giving birth.
Now the hairdresser feels better than ever after dropping 30kg and four dress sizes, while also building a healthy amount of muscle.
“I’ve always been a very active person throughout my entire life,” Emma told news.com.au.
“But when I fell pregnant, this slowed down. I felt heavy and exhausted.
“I wasn’t used to being so immobile. I’ve always been very into physical activity, and it took a toll on my mental health not to be able to do those things.
“I always had major pregnancy cravings and I didn’t restrict myself at all, I wanted to enjoy that special time in my life.
“I love chocolate, and I craved chocolate mousse every day. I wanted cheesecake, flavoured milk, just anything with sugar.
“During my pregnancy, I didn’t follow a diet or limit food intake, and I’d just order takeaway whenever I felt like it, sometimes several times a week.”
After giving birth, Emma was the heaviest she has ever been, but said in those first few weeks she took it easy on herself.
When she felt she was ready, she began by doing very light exercise, such as going for easy walks with Harvey in the pram, and even just doing housework with her son strapped to her in a carrier.
It is these small changes in activity that was monumental in helping to gett the weight off.
“It’s hard enough growing a literal human life inside you, so I was kind to myself and knew that I’d get back on track eventually,” she said.
“For the first two months or so, I really took it easy. I honestly just started by walking.
“I’d take him in the pram, and do a light walk around the block. It was just a gentle way to get my body moving again.
“Even just cleaning the house was helpful, you can build up a sweat.
“I had my son during the pandemic, so gyms were closed anyway. I’d often strap him to me and do household chores, and then use cans of food as light dumbbells.
“It was very small steps, but it made a huge difference.”
Emma, who is now a single mum, overhauled her diet after having her son and simply tried to make healthier choices in how she fuelled her body.
She opted for a low-fat, high-protein diet that includes plenty of energy-rich carbs to help her feel fuller for longer.
“I’m not into restricting myself, and I still eat chocolate everyday,” she explained.
“When I was losing weight, I made sure I was in a calorie deficit, I didn’t want to starve myself.
“Changing a few things is important, but you have to make sure you’re honouring your hunger. It’s all about making smart choices.”
The mum added that mental health was a huge factor in her decision to begin working out and eating better after the birth of her son.
She also urges anyone who might want to pursue a healthier lifestyle to also check in with their own mental health first before embarking on a weight loss journey.
“Working out and eating well not only makes me healthier, but it helps me keep on top of my mental health,” she said.
“It can be hard for new mums to prioritise themselves.
“We’re always told that our kids come before everything. But you have to be the best version of yourself for your children.
“Mums are magical. The fact that we can grow a child inside us is amazing.
“Stay consistent and you will see results. But be kind to yourself.
“Find your reason to want to change, everyone has one. Keep reminding yourself of it when things get hard.
“For me, I want to set a good example for my son. I want him to grow up healthy and with a positive role model.
“That was, and continues to be, my biggest motivation.”