REAL LIFE: A mum-of-two shares her incredible weight loss journey and how she dropped 55kgs
Cicily Goodwin finally found a way to lose the weight and keep it off.
This stunning mum has embarked on a weight loss journey that’s seen her lose an astounding 55 kgs in just 22 months.
It’s not been an easy road for Cicily Goodwin, as she reveals her weight crept back on at times when she was going through some personal challenges.
But amazingly, Cicily has picked herself up and hauled herself back on the weight loss wagon every time she fell off it.
The mum-of-two began her journey with the healthy eating and weight loss program, The Healthy Mummy in July 2016, after describing what she calls a toxic relationship with food.
“I’ve always had a lot of trouble losing weight despite going on countless diets,” she admits.
“I didn’t care if I ate healthy because it didn’t seem to matter. I think that’s a big part of where my issues started.”
Breakfast for Cicily consisted of bacon, fried eggs and sausages, or something dripping in grease, at the food court.
Lunch would be fast food in massive quantities. She’d then have takeaway again for dinner, or a big heavy meal like spaghetti Bolognese with heaps of pasta and cheese.
Prior to her weight loss, Cicily says she always had a “toxic relationship with food”.
In fact, the portions would be so large Cicily would feel sick and then eat more.
“I’d pile my plate high, have massive portions and I’d wash it all down with fizzy drinks,’ she says.
“I would also drink heaps of iced coffee and flavoured milk throughout the day and snack on lollies, chocolate and chips.”
Shockingly, Sicily confesses she used to buy maternity clothes when she was at her heaviest.
“I used to buy maternity clothes just because they were stretching and forgiving. Now I can buy tight denim,” she says.
“I used to buy daggy undies. Now I buy whatever I want. I even wore size 24 tights, but now I can fit both of my legs in one leg hole!”
Cicily used to wear maternity clothing but now loves that she can buy “tight denim”.
DISCOVERING THE HEALTHY MUMMY
Desperate to get in shape, Cicily looked to The Healthy Mummy for help. She initially lost 20kg in the first few months by drinking the smoothies twice a day and making meals from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge – all without going to the gym.
She was then able to lose another 35kg over the next year by signing up to the Challenge and incorporating exercise into her week.
“Before I started, I weighed 128kg and I got down to 73kg, which was the goal I’d dreamed of my whole life,” she gushes.
At first, it was all about losing the weight for Cicily but she says over time she decided to focus less on the scales and more on eating healthily.
“It’s not just about how you look – it’s how you feel. You can be slim but unhealthy and that’s not good. I just want to be the best I can form my kids,” she says.
“I have so much more energy and for the first time in my life feel truly happy in myself.”
MAINTAINING THE WEIGHT LOSS
Cicily, 26, found maintaining the weight loss a whole different ball game, and she fluctuated a few kgs at times.
“Some trolls even mocked that I would ‘gain it all back again in a year’ but the amazing thing about The Healthy Mummy is that you’re not denied anything, and you’re not restricted to 1200 calories, I ate over 2000 calories a day and lost this weight!” she says.
The Nambucca-based mum also reveals that some personal issues affected her lifestyle and self-esteem.
“I went through divorce and gained some weight back, I felt pretty terrible about myself for a while,” she admits.
“But with persistence, I’ve managed to lose what I gained. Because of this, I feel a huge sense of body love and confidence within myself.”
“I’m now a single mum, juggling work, university and kids, but I always make time for a walk on the beach to keep active.”
Cicily gained some weight after her divorce but has managed to shed it again.
Cicily says she remembers at the beginning of her journey feeling like it was such a daunting task – but now she’s done it and couldn’t be prouder, she is an amazing inspiration to all mums!
“The Challenge is honestly the best thing I’ve ever done. It has given me valuable knowledge on how to eat healthily and fuel my body correctly,” she says.
“I’ve completely transformed my life and that honestly still shocks me. I can lose weight and still eat chocolate, bugers, pizza etc. I’ve just learnt to do it in a healthy way – it’s true, you just need a balance and embrace moderation in all that you do.”
“I’m so much more confident now and feel the best I ever have.”
This edited article originally appeared in The Healthy Mummy magazine and has been reprinted with permission.
Find out more about The Healthy Mummy here.
