Mum Mandy no longer hates looking in the mirror and now likes what she sees having lost 14 kilos in 5 months
A photo of herself at a family wedding five months ago was the trigger for Mum Mandy to make some changes to her lifestyle. Unhappy with how she looked, Mandy joined the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and has lost 14 kgs!
Not only that, she has less back pain, her skin has improved and she’s feeling mentally stronger, happier and more confident.
Mandy Gratteri is 34 years old from Perth Western Australia and has three kids aged 16, 10 and 6 years.
Just five months ago after attending her sister-in-law’s wedding, Mandy was keen to see all the pictures. Even though she felt great on the night, she wasn’t expecting to feel how she did when saw the photo’s.
“I thought I was looking amazing and I felt good, however looking back at the photos of the night I was shocked to see the photos of myself. I have never really liked the way I looked in photos, but these made me want to cry.”
Making a change
Determined to look and feel good again, Mandy signed up to the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and hasn’t looked back.
“I have lost 14kgs in five months since starting my Healthy Mummy journey, going from a size 14 to a size 10.”
Not only has Mandy lost weight, but she’s also experienced a heap of other benefits.
Mandy says, “I used to suffer from intense lower back pain, however since starting this has all but gone”
My skin has improved also, not experiencing so many breakouts and my skin tone has become more even and not so blotchy.
Most importantly my mental health and self esteem have improved so much. I feel more comfortable in my skin and feel more confident and happier. I feel stronger, happier in myself, more confident and comfortable in my skin.
I no longer look at myself in the mirror and feel like crying because I hate the way I look.”
Living the Healthy Mummy Lifestyle
Armed with the tools and the knowledge she has learned through the Healthy Mummy, Mandy isn’t concerned if she slips up or has a bad day.
“I do still have days that I experience weight gain due to bad eating or a naughty weekend, however now I know that I have lost it once, I can do it again.”
Mandy has found incorporating The Healthy Mummy Smoothies into her daily routine has really helped her stay on track on busy days.
Mandy shares, “I love The Healthy Mummy smoothies, drinking them for breakfast and lunch as my day can get very busy and sometimes I don’t find time to eat during the day.
On any particular day I will drink a smoothie for breakfast and lunch, sometimes having blended fruit or mixing in an espresso into them for something extra. I would eat fruit or a pre-made snack such as cheese and crackers from the app for a snack and a Healthy Mummy recipe for dinner.”
Mandy’s favourites
“My favourite dinners have to be the stovetop lasagna (pictured) and Beef San Choy Bow as these are incredible and always a winner with my household.”“My favorite snacks are the hedgehog slice, Weetbix Slice, (pictured) mint choc bubble crunch and wholegrain crackers with tomato and cheese, all from the Healthy Mummy app.”
Mandy’s favourite Workouts
“I absolutely love Jo’s Pilates workouts and try to do them every single day as they really have helped me with my overall strength and reduced back pain, although now I am incorporating Jo’s no equipment workouts as these are really good and always make me feel so good afterwards. I also use my treadmill daily as I love to go for a jog/walk while listening to music”
Mandy’s Tips for success
- Make sure you allocate a time for your exercise and try to stick to it – I have found that mornings are my perfect time to exercise as knowing myself, once the afternoon comes around I will lose my motivation and try to make up excuses not to do it. I know my time is the morning and try to stick to this daily. This may not work for some people, but find what works for you and stick to it.
- Make sure you drink your water – I have been guilty of not drinking enough water and have really noticed how it affects my body when I don’t drink enough. I get all bloated, my skin suffers and I suffer headaches. Hydrate.
- Don’t beat yourself up – Sometimes you may slip up and smash out the chips or have a few too many drinks. I have been guilty of this on more than a few occasions. But it is important to remember that this is a lifestyle and it is ok to slip every once in a while. Everything is ok in moderation and tomorrow is always a new day. Be kind to yourself.
Mandy also has some amazing advice for mums who are starting out on a weight loss journey.
“My advice is to be kind to yourself and love yourself. Be proud of what you are trying to achieve. Have faith in yourself and believe you can do it, even on the days the scale doesn’t move.”
“I love reading what my fellow healthy mummies are putting on the Facebook site and feel inspired every day watching them smash their goals and cooking up a storm. Even if you don’t want to get involved online, have a read. We are never alone and always supported.”
Great advice Mandy!
Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge includes:
To learn more about our 28 DAY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE CLICK HERE or purchase our Smoothies.
Join Mandy on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge
If you are wanting to lose weight and improve your energy – not to mention – help improve your overall health and wellbeing – our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is an awesome program to check out.