Mum on antidepressants lost weight, found peace and has gained confidence

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This mum suffered with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -which causes severe irritability, binge eating, sadness, anxiety, bloating and fatigue- and doctor put her on antidepressants.

Jacqueline says she hated feeling so numb on the meds, so searched for a natural therapy and stumbled across The Healthy Mummy.

She joined the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and instantly lost about 6kg, but sadly a knee injury forced her to give up exercise for six months and resulted in gaining all the weight back plus extra!

Here’s how she picked herself up, dusted herself off and started all over again…

Jacquline Christie before and after

Ditching the antidepressants

Jacqueline has since recovered from her injury and started back on the Challenges. She has lost 5.6kg and 29cm so far. 

With this has come a new love of exercise which she has also used to battle her PMDD, which had been very debilitating. After feeling very unhappy and alone Jacqueline’s depression began to take over her life.

“I didn’t want to leave home and it most definitely affected my marriage,” she says.

“This journey is about mental and physical health for me. I have found eating healthy and moving my body has made a major improvement with my symptoms. I LOVE exercise and use it as my therapy.”

Jacqueline’s injury was actually a blessing in disguise, a lesson really. It made her appreciate exercise and see it for what it actually is, a mental reliever and something we do for ourselves as respect for our bodies. 

“I promised myself everyday that I would come back and give it everything and I have. Keeping that promise just for me is what drives me,” she reveals.

“Seeing results, keeping up with my kids, being happy when I look in the mirror, being happy in my relationship and waking up and feeling happy in my heart and head pushes me to keep going every single day.”

Check out the 350 exercise videos just for you on our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Changing mindset

Jacqueline recalls, “I remember seeing photos of myself and thinking it was the wrong angle, simply not believing I looked that big. I also didn’t want to believe I had entered the bigger girl clothing section and just thought it was the stores sizing being incorrect.”

Since June she has started working out with a group of mums at her local gym, which has been a great support. Jacqueline calls the gym her second home and the people like family.

“I have become stronger physically but also mentally. I am not afraid to try new things, in fact I love it! I love pushing myself and having new challenges,” she says.

Jacqueline also uses The Healthy Mummy smoothies and even says she can’t live without them! Her favourite? Caramel. Her son loves them too!

Less food wastage

Since starting the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Jacqueline has a lot less food wastage in her house, her food shop is cheaper and her kids now love to try new foods!

Jacqueline’s advice to mums who are in the same place she was is to never give up.

“I have not had major loss on the scales but the change inside me emotionally and mentally are massive. Remember we should take other stories as inspiration but not to compare as we all have different bodies and our own journeys.”

If you are inspired by Jacqueline’s amazing transformation, then why not join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and make a change today?!

Find support through our huge Healthy Mummy support groups and community, 4,500 customisable meal plans, online exercise videos and more!

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