How I lost my tummy fat and got my energy back—without dieting or obsessing over the scales

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by stubborn tummy fat that just won’t budge—even when you’re eating well and moving your body—I want you to know this: I get it. I really do.

For the longest time, I felt like I was doing everything “right,” but my body wasn’t playing along - plus of course there was perimenopause and menopause.

I, like many other millions of women, was monitoring my daily calories - but not looking at much else plus I was also trying to do cardio a few times a week (which I hated!)

I knew I was gaining belly fat, but I thought my tummy fat and weight gain was just age and the menopause related and was something I had to just suck up as I got older.

BUT when I launched Zing Wellbeing and had access to all the experts and information about holistic health I started thinking that maybe I wasn't just stuck with my tummy fat and that I could do something about it.

So I took my before shot with my overhang on my jeans and I posted it up on our Zing Wellbeing Facebook page. Which was a bit scary as I was putting myself out there but I wanted to be accountable - not just to myself - but to everyone who follows me.

I also really believed in the Zing Wellbeing program and I wanted to follow the program and everything our experts teach and show that this can work for women - even if you are in the menopause and like me thought you just had to suck it up!

My mindset change

One of the BIGGEST things in my mind when I posted that first picture and started my journey was the CHANGE in my mindset.

Through the program and coaches I had learnt that stubborn belly fat isn’t just about how we look in jeans—it’s a sign of what’s going on inside which I can tell you was a MUCH stronger motivator for me.

And that freaked me out as now it wasn't about looking good in my jeans - it was about my health and longevity and that shift in mindset changed everything for me and was nothing to do with the old school counting calories.

And below is what I look like today - which ended up just over 14kg weight loss.

🔍 Why Tummy Fat Matters More Than Just Aesthetics

So before I share my losing tummy fat journey - let's look at why tummy fat matters.

As women, especially in our 40s and 50s, our bodies change. Hormones shift, our metabolism slows, and stress impacts us more deeply.

And abdominal fat—particularly visceral fat around our organs—is linked to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.

Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat are two types of body fat, but they behave very differently in the body.

Subcutaneous fat is the soft fat stored just under the skin—what you can pinch around your hips, thighs, and belly. While it can be stubborn, it's generally less harmful.

Visceral fat, on the other hand, is stored deep inside the abdomen around your internal organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines.

This type of fat is more metabolically active and has been strongly linked to higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Reducing visceral fat isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s crucial for protecting your long-term health and hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

What Finally Worked for Me: A Holistic, Balanced Approach

I made a commitment to focus on health, not restriction and to follow the Zing Wellbeing program to a T.

No crash diets. No 1200-calorie misery. No “all or nothing” mindset. Just daily, realistic choices that helped my body reset, get stronger and lose tummy fat.

🥩 1. I Focused on Protein (Every. Single. Meal.)

I made sure every meal had enough high-quality protein to keep me full, support my hormones, and maintain muscle. This was a game changer for my metabolism and my cravings.

I aim for at least 90g-110g of protein a day and protein is always my big focus when I eat and I have a daily protein and gut health shot every day using our Zing Wellbeing protein powder.

🥗 2. I Ate Zing Wellbeing’s Low-Carb, Gut-Friendly Recipes

Instead of obsessing over calories, I followed the same balanced recipes we share in Zing Wellbeing—packed with veggies, healthy fats, fibre, and protein. They’re quick, tasty, and actually work.

I do eat carbs but I go for nutrient dense carbs and limit starchy white carbs.

And we have HEAPS of low carb recipes and meal plans in our program and app.

🥤 3. I Took My Daily Gut Health Shot

Every morning, I started with a gut health tonic—pineapple, ginger, lemon, and turmeric. It helped reduce bloating, supported my digestion, and gave me a natural energy lift - and is INCREDIBLE for immunity and I very rarely ever get sick.

I also swap the pineapple somedays for blueberries which is equally delicious and jammed full of antioxidants.

😴 4. I Prioritised Sleep

No more burning the candle at both ends. I aimed for 7–8 hours every night and gave my body the recovery it needed to function (and burn fat) properly.

🧘♀️ 5. I Reduced My Stress

Stress wasn’t just making me feel on edge—it was holding onto fat around my belly through high cortisol levels. I added daily walks, breathwork, and set firmer boundaries.

I should also add that walking away from all the stress I had over the past few years was the BEST thing I have ever done for my health. You can read about that here

🕖 6. I Stopped Eating After 7pm

Not obsessively—but consistently. This gave my digestion a break, helped reduce inflammation, and improved my sleep too.

🏋️♀️ 7. I Started Lifting Weights

I ditched the “cardio only” mindset and began strength training 3–4 times a week. Not only did it help sculpt my body—it boosted my metabolism, improved my mood, and gave me back my strength.

🙌 The Results: Less Belly Fat, More Energy, Better Menopause Symptoms

The change didn’t happen overnight—but within a few weeks, I noticed:

My bloating reduced
My cravings eased
I had more energy in the mornings
My mood felt lighter
And yes—my tummy got flatter

The belly fat I had been carrying for years finally shifted, and I genuinely believe it came down to this: I started working with my body, not against it.

And after a few months I had lost all the belly fat.

✨ You Don’t Need to Starve Yourself

If you’re struggling with stubborn tummy fat, low energy, or that “blah” feeling that creeps in during perimenopause or menopause—please know it’s not about willpower. Your body isn’t broken. It just needs a better kind of support.

At Zing Wellbeing, we focus on real food, real support, and realistic tools for women who want to feel empowered—not punished.

💛 Want to Try What Worked for Me?

Join our Zing Wellbeing Program to access:

Low-carb, high-protein, gut-friendly recipes
Regular wellness challenges
Expert support for hormones, weight, and energy
Strength-based workouts for women
And a powerful, positive community of women lifting each other up

Here's some of the dinner recipes I ate

We have over 750+ recipes and we add more ALL of the time - but here's just a few of the recipes I love!

Join now to access these and over 750 more healthy recipes!

Ginger chicken wings 11g carb and 28g protein

Grab the Ginger chicken wings recipe HERE