Multiple knee surgeries have not stopped this mum losing weight and smashing her goals

There was a defining moment for Fi Redding when she knew that if she didn’t make some sort of lifestyle change, there would be special moments and experiences that she would miss out with her son.

Determined to make a change, Fi embraced The Healthy Mummy lifestyle four years ago and lost 34 kilos.

“By listening to and learning from other Healthy Mummy’s throughout my journey, I’ve developed ways to make sure I stay on track and smash my goals.”

Hear more about Fi’s incredible story below

Fi’s Journey

Fi is 34 and lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children.

Having undergone multiple knee surgeries, following an ACL injury (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and suffering associated arthritis, Fi found that along with being overweight, the pain was impacting on life with her son.

“I became determined to make a change whilst playing with my child on the floor. What should have been a fun and special time with my son caused me to struggle in pain. I realised that if I didn’t make a change, there would be moments and experiences that I would miss out on with my child.”

Fi was determined to set a good example of being healthy and to be able to run around parks and to enjoy every day without being held back by her health or weight. She threw herself into The Healthy Mummy and the 28 Day Weight Loss Challange.

Fi’s Weight Loss Results – 34 kilos

Fi shares, “Originally I lost an incredible 34kg after my first baby. I was full of energy and fit and strong. It took 14 months to achieve this. It was slow steps and it worked.

I had my second baby almost 2 years ago and my life got flipped upside down, Unfortunately, I put all the weight back on and I was trying everything I was doing before but it just was not happening.

In 2023 I said enough was enough and started putting my health first again.

The weight has not shifted but my clothing is feeling looser and more importantly I’m feeling 1000% healthier and happier again.

I have more energy, and more confidence just starting this journey again.

My life has changed in many ways. I was in chronic pain after 7 knee operations and now I am living mostly pain free, I now love exercise, and try and move my body daily, I’m happier and healthier.

Feeling Confident second time around

Fi has developed a passion for exercise and health and with the help of The Healthy Mummy App, has learnt to make healthier choices.

“Saying Healthy Mummy has changed my life is an understatement. Before I was lazy unfit and hated exercise, and just ate what was the easiest and let’s be honest that was not a healthy way.“

From an unfit 20 something to a happy and active mum of 2 in my 30s.

Life is so much more fun the Healthier and stronger I feel. I have gained confidence and energy through this journey.

I still have a long way to go but never give up and take it one day at a time.

My Healthy Mummy Journey has been very different the second time around. Honestly weight wise I am back where I started before I had my first born.

It’s hard sometimes to see this but I have so many positive things in this second journey.

I’m healthy, I’m happy, I’m eating 1000 time better then before I started Healthy Mummy, I’m fitter and stronger, I have more confidence, and I’m still a size smaller then last time I was at this weight.

Even though this second time has been a challenge I have not given up. I’m still living a positive, active and healthy life style. This has been the biggest change to my life. Yes of course there are days when things just do not go to plan but that is just life.

Healthy Mummy has really helped me become the mum I have always wanted to be and will continue to be part of my families life.

“Smoothies great for a busy mum”

Fi has been using the Healthy Mummy Smoothies for over four years and finds them really convenient as part of her daily meal plan.

Fi says “They’re great for a busy mum, especially when you’re short on time, but still want a healthy option. I love mixing it up by adding things to my smoothies to give me an extra boost. My favourite combinations right now are chocolate with coffee, peanut butter and spinach as well as strawberry with frozen raspberries and spinach.”

Fi’s Daily Meal Plan

“A typical daily meal plan for me consists of a Healthy Mummy Smoothie for breakfast, whilst morning tea will be a Healthy Mummy snack which I prepare over the weekend. Lunch is often leftovers from the previous night’s dinner, followed by another prepared healthy snack in the afternoon. Dinners is almost always a recipe from the Healthy Mummy app.”

Fi’s favourte Healthy Mummy meals are the Mexican Lasagne and the One Pot Spaghetti Bolognaise.

“The One Pot Spaghetti, in particular, being a hit with the one-year-old. In addition to being delicious, both these meals are super quick and easy to prepare.”

“I have a few favourite snacks which I rotate regularly, including Apricot Balls, Caramel Slice, Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins (hubby’s favourite), Thai Chicken Balls and Pretzel and Dark Chocolate Clusters.”

Read Fi’s meal prep blog here Mum with multiple food intolerances preps 118 serves for $100 or 3 weeks’ worth of healthy meals for her family

Using The Healthy Mummy App

Fi and her family use the Healthy Mummy App everyday and love having a central place for all their recipes.

“Whether it’s me or hubby preparing dinner we know where to go to find the recipe, and being able to increase the number of servings allows us to make sure we have leftovers for lunch or another dinner.”

“I enjoy a variety of workouts on the Healthy Mummy app depending on what I’m in the mood for. Currently, I’m really enjoying the Full Body Weights and Fit Advanced. The Express HIIT sessions are also an awesome way to squeeze in a quick workout when I’m short on time.”

Fi’s three tips for success

1. Use the App! It sounds silly, but take the time to explore the Healthy Mummy App and learn how to use it. Everything you need to help you on your journey to better health is in there, plus it gives you a central place to store all your progress including no scale victories, measurements and progress photos.
2. Get a buddy. Everyone’s journey is different, with many ups and downs, so it is important to have people to support you along the way. This might be a friend or family member, or someone you meet when you’re out exercising.
3. The Healthy Mummy Facebook groups are also a great place to meet and share with other mums. If you ever feel like you need help or support, don’t be afraid to reach out to these groups, they are full of people who are more than happy to share their experiences and support you in your own journey to better health.
4. Document your journey. It can be hard to see your progress, and often you may feel like nothing is changing. Progress photos are a great way to see the changes to your body and can be a great motivator when it all seems too hard. Recording your measurements and fitness test results in the app (or a journal) is a great way to observe those changes that can sometimes be hard for us to see.

Congratulations Fi, you are an inspiration