This mum quit weight loss to focus on a healthier life for the sake of her girls

Rochelle shares one of the best things of switching her focus from weight loss to choosing to follow a healthy life has been teaching her girls about food and fitness in a health-focused, positive way.

I believe it’s essential to instill good habits from a young age, and I’m passionate about showing them that wellness is about feeling good and staying healthy, not about weight loss.

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How this mum embraced a healthier life for the sake of her girls

My name is Rochelle, and I'm a mum of two wonderful girls, Amaya (11) and Liyaana (8). Life has thrown me a fair share of curveballs, but through it all, I've learned the importance of physical and mental health, and how these elements can transform our lives. 

The Turning Point

My health journey began around eight years ago, after separating from my ex-husband. Over the past 8 years I struggled with the battles of eating too much to not eating enough, exercising excessively to not being able to get off the couch, feeling energised and excited to not being motivated at all.

Like many, I have faced challenges and moments of uncertainty. COVID lockdowns in Sydney were particularly tough. I struggled with maintaining healthy eating habits, staying active, and managing my mental health. I found myself feeling lethargic, unmotivated, and had put on quite a bit of weight. It was a rough period, but it set the stage for a significant change.

In April 2022, I embarked on a new chapter by starting a new job and a fresh relationship with my incredible partner, Ricky. He has not only been a fantastic support in my personal life but also a source of inspiration through his own entrepreneurial venture, The Gamer Realm. His positive outlook on life and his dedication to building his business have been truly motivating.

Fitness and Food 

Ricky, who is also passionate about fitness and healthy living, encouraged me to start going to the gym with him. His support and guidance gave me the tools and confidence to take on my fitness journey independently.

Though we both enjoy working out separately, we love having our sneaky couples workouts every now and then - it’s a fun way to stay motivated and connected. We also love including my two girls in our exercise, whether it's playing a game of netball in the backyard or taking our dogs for a walk.

I now work out six days a week at the gym, varying my sessions from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Whether it’s lifting weights or a quick cardio session, staying active has become a cornerstone of my routine. My job is mostly desk-based, so I like to get my workout done first thing in the morning.

Protein-based meals are crucial for me. I prioritise chicken, steak, and eggs in my diet, and I’ve found protein shakes to be an easy and effective way to boost my protein intake. (see our protein powder here)

This balanced approach has made a significant difference in how I feel and how my body responds.

Which is why Rochelle LOVES the new high protein meal plan. 

Teaching Healthy Habits

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been teaching my girls about food and fitness in a health-focused, positive way. I believe it’s essential to instill good habits from a young age, and I’m passionate about showing them that wellness is about feeling good and staying healthy, not about weight loss.

Amaya, my eldest, has particularly taken these lessons to heart. She was selected to represent her class in the Public Speaking Finals with a powerful speech on the negative impact of social media on body image.

Her initiative and awareness make me incredibly proud and reinforce the importance of our conversations about health and self-esteem.

Mental Health: Focusing on the Positive

Incorporating fitness into my life has not only improved my physical health but also my mental wellbeing. The discipline and routine of working out have helped me manage anxiety and depression, making room for positivity and happiness. Ricky’s focus on the good things in life, despite the demands of running his business and working full time, has inspired me to adopt a similar mindset.

My Advice to You!

Starting a health journey can feel overwhelming, but here’s my advice: just start. You don’t have to dive in headfirst; whether you start big or small, the important thing is to begin. And remember, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your path is unique, and progress is personal.

Life is busy - balancing work, family, and personal time is no small feat. But making time for yourself, your fitness, and your mental health is crucial. Embrace the journey, celebrate your wins, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve got this!

Read more - How mum ditched the weight loss focus and changed her entire life for – Zing Wellbeing