The journey to weight loss is often paved with fad diets, quick fixes, and a carousel of disappointment. But for Christine Thompson, a 62-year-old customer success manager from Queensland, the path to shedding an incredible 50kg was found through a simple, yet effective food trick that revolutionized her relationship with food and her body.

Christine's story is one that resonates with many of us. For years, her life was a series of weight fluctuations, with diets starting every Monday and ending with the lure of comfort foods like Twistees and chocolate. At her heaviest, Christine weighed 118kg, a number that brought with it not just physical discomfort but a profound impact on her overall quality of life.

Christine realised she needed to adopt a healthy habit after feeling discomfort. Credit: Shutterstock

'I was in constant pain, I could barely walk,' Christine recalls. 'I was using food to soothe uncomfortable emotions, and I didn't have the tools or knowledge to change. My weight just kept climbing.'

Everything changed after a severe sinus infection in January 2023. It was a wake-up call for Christine, who realized she needed to make a change—not just for her health, but to enjoy her life without pain and to feel good about herself.

Christine turned to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, a program that emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and offers tools like the Food Tracker and Meal Planning. These resources helped Christine become more aware of her eating habits and the nutritional value of the foods she was consuming.

'I learned to appreciate the flavors of unprocessed, whole foods,' Christine says. 'I never knew a cherry tomato could taste so good!'

Her typical day's menu is a testament to her newfound love for nutritious and delicious meals:

- Breakfast: Wholemeal crumpet with ricotta, banana or strawberries and blueberries, and a little spread of crunchy peanut butter.
- Lunch: Brown rice with corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, and chicken with sweet chili sauce.
- Dinner: A variety of meals each week, like Pork Larb with Wombok salad and a dressing of sweet chili sauce, soy, and lemon juice.

But it wasn't just her diet that underwent a transformation. Christine also adopted an exercise routine that complemented her lifestyle, finding joy in daily walks with her sister and her sister's boxer dog. 'Best of all, I can keep up with them!' she beams.

In just 15 months, Christine lost nearly 49kg and, more importantly, has kept it off. She credits her success to never feeling hungry or fatigued and seeing quick weight loss results that motivated her to maintain her new lifestyle.

The biggest lesson Christine learned through her journey is the power of self-belief and the right timing. 'I needed to be ready to do this for myself,' she explains. 'I make a choice every day about how I live my life, and that started with the first day of using the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.'

Christine's advice to others embarking on their own health journey is to rely on evidence-based support and be prepared to make a change. 'Rest easy that you can't go wrong if you just follow the guidelines!' she encourages.

For our readers over 60, Christine's story is a shining example of how it's never too late to transform your life. Whether you're struggling with yo-yo dieting or looking for a sustainable way to manage your weight, consider taking a leaf out of Christine's book. Embrace the science of nutrition, find joy in movement, and remember that every meal is an opportunity to nourish your body and soul.

Key Takeaways

• Christine Thompson, a Queensland woman, successfully lost 50kg by following the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet and adopting healthier food habits.
• She overcame a lifelong struggle with yo-yo dieting and emotional eating by using tools such as a Food Tracker and Meal Planning to understand and control her eating habits.
• Christine's journey included learning to appreciate whole, unprocessed foods and establishing an exercise routine that fit her lifestyle, significantly improving her overall health.
• She attributes her success to self-believe, timing, and relying on evidence-based methods, encouraging others to seek out scientifically supported diet and exercise programs.

Have you found a food trick or lifestyle change that's made a significant difference in your life? Share your experiences in the comments below and let's inspire each other to live our healthiest lives!

 

[Maggie96]

Well done Christine.

 

[KaraJenna]

NOT a SIMP,E food 'trick'! It is b****y difficult!
I congratulate Chritine on her persistence once she decided to go this particular way.

 

[darrellh]

The hardest thing is making the decision for yourself to do something about your weight and then setting out and doing it. I believe anyone can do it if they want to, just take one day at a time. If you have a bad day, get straight back on it does not matter. I did not have a lot to lose but wanted to drop 4 kilos before my birthday at the end of May. It was end of March at this 5stage and my friend was following Sarah Di Lorenzo so I started following the principles which were mainly cut down portion sizes, cut out potates and bread in the jnterim and don't eat processed food. I found it very simple and easy to do. Fresh food is so tasty and there is such variety out there. Sarah has books that you can get through the library especially Libby and I lost 7 kilos and have kept it off. Still maintaining it and following the principles and intend to keep doing so.

 

[Dynamo]

Your are a champion Christine.