My Top 5 Tips for the Journey

Weight loss isn’t just about numbers on the scales (or as my lovely support Carolyn calls them, “the bitches” — and yes, the name stuck!). It’s about reclaiming your health, rediscovering your joy, and creating a life that feels full of connection, energy, and purpose.

At 8 months post-surgery, I’ve learned so much more than I could have imagined when I first started this journey. And today, I want to share my top 5 tips that have truly changed the way I think about weight loss, movement, food, and self-love.

1. Find Joy in the Journey of Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to be punishment. For me, it’s become a beautiful ritual.

Every morning at 6:15am, I walk to Triangle Espresso. Six days a week, no matter the season. On the way, I soak up the moonlight and stars, chat with Welshy and his dog Robbie, wave to the man who greets me in Te Reo, pop an older couple’s newspaper into their letterbox, and share a smile with the sparkly girls at Triangle. I laugh with Brett and Mel, say hello to the crew at Auric Electrical, and sip a coffee that’s worth the walk.

It’s not just exercise—it’s connection, community, and joy. And oh, by the way… I’ve moved my body too.

2. Get Active With Your Family

Making exercise fun with your family is a game-changer.

In the warmer months, most nights after school, Ryan rides his bike to the MTB track from Trevors Road while I walk alongside with Teddy. We chat, laugh, and spend time together—all while getting our bodies moving.

These little moments don’t just help with fitness, they create memories. Movement is so much easier when you do it together.

3. Understand Your Body’s Rhythms

I’m no doctor, and this isn’t medical advice, but here’s something I’ve learned: hormones and monthly cycles really do affect weight loss.

Some weeks, despite walking and eating well, my weight goes up or stalls. Old me would feel disheartened, grab a packet of chips, some chocolate biscuits, and sabotage myself. New me? I understand the pattern, and instead, I’ll enjoy one homemade protein ball—sweet, satisfying, and enough.

The key? Track your progress. Notice the patterns. And don’t let temporary fluctuations steal your motivation. The bitches are tricky, but they’re not the boss of you.

4. Portion Control & Protein First

Why didn’t they teach us this at school? Portion control and protein are game changers.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Eat 100 grams of protein first on your plate.

Eat slowly and chew well.

Put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls.

Serve dinner on a bread-and-butter plate to naturally reduce portions.

It sounds so simple, but it’s changed everything for me. Fueling with protein keeps me fuller, longer, and makes such a difference.

5. Celebrate Your Progress (Big & Small)

Every win counts. Every little step forward matters.

For me, that’s trying new things—even if I’m not great at them yet. I love Aqua Size. My coordination is terrible, I swallow mouthfuls of water, and I’m sure Mel (our instructor) has a quiet chuckle at my flailing arms… but I leave smiling every time.

And next? Running. Right now, I’ve only managed a power pole or two before feeling motion sick and stopping. But here’s the thing: I haven’t run in 26 years. Of course it feels foreign. Of course I’ll stumble. That’s how new things are supposed to feel.

But one day? I’ll run all the way to Triangle Espresso for my morning coffee. And that thought makes me grin from ear to ear.

My hope for you: Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, or simply wanting to live a little healthier, these tips remind you that progress doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from joy, consistency, compassion, and trying again.

Here’s to moving our bodies, fueling them well, and celebrating every step forward - big or small.