My Weight Loss Success Story - How I lost over 20kg?

There are many inspiring weight loss stories in Singapore and everyone has a different story to tell on how it had driven them and how they had achieved it. So here's mine.

Since young, I was never the girl with acceptable weight and am a permanent member of Trim and Fit (TAF) Club in schools. My god, the word TAF Club rings so much memories. The irony of being overweight or even severely overweight is that I am extremely active in school. I was a netball girl for many years and had always achieve Gold awards for fitness tests. But I guess, I love eating/snacking too much and I was a confident person so it didn't bother me. The one thing that troubled me the most is getting to fit into the nice clothes every time I visit a shopping mall or my favourite Forever21 outlets. 

I went ahead to try various weight loss methods from consuming slimming pills (of many brands), diet supplements/food to even signing up packages with slimming centres. Did it work? Yes and no. Yes, it was temporary. No, my weight return fast the moment I cease any of the above methods. I mean seriously these are short term solutions and I don't think it was possible to sustain with these methods for long. You might have health complications and it is expensive $$$.
Sustainability = 0/10

Finally, I got my 'wake-up call' but in the most demeaning manner.

About 2.5 years ago, I met someone and he commented that I was 'fat and ugly'. He simply felt ashamed being with me in public. It is definitely humiliating but highly effective in my context. I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions. Sad. Insulted. Doubtful of myself. Lose of confidence. Disapproved. Angry and most importantly Determined.

So here's my Before and After pictures from 2012 to 2014 which I've never shared before:

Initial weight (2012): 84kg

Weight before pregnancy (2014): 61kg

Believe me when I say this losing weight journey hasn't been easy and I truly understand the struggles of many people whom had tried and still trying but it was most definitely fulfilling.

Number 1: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

I couldn't emphasize this even more and I have to admit, I was quite obsessed with it. Here's the truth. Exercising boost your metabolism, speeds up burning fat processes which you will be able to burn existing and excess calories and lose weight effectively. Sustainability: 10/10

Here's my regime for a week:
3-4 days of 1.5 hours of jogging
1 day of Zumba class
1 day of Yoga lesson (provided I can make it for class)

Benefits:
Maintenance of Metabolism
There were months I had to stop exercising due to the major haze that happened in Singapore or when I fell really ill but I did not gain any weight from there.
Good for the Soul
It clears the mind and help with anxiety you get from work/relationship, depression and fights insomnia.
A Healthier and Happier YOU!
Exercising actually release happy chemicals into your brain. It sparks Endorphins and Dopamine production that hacks into your brain and make you a happy person. How great is that!

Number 2: Your Food Intake

A healthy diet is definitely one of the key methods to losing weight. 
But I don't really go about counting my calories and carbs intake as I still love my food and wasn't willing to give in on that until I fell in love with this.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to 'Overnight Oats'. Must-Try!
A fuss-free healthy breakfast. Unleash the creativity in you and prepare your very own overnight oats meshed up with fruits and flavors of your liking.
It all started with my BFF posting her overnight oats on instagram and I couldn't help but text her for the recipes. Then I became a google overnight oats chef and finding all sorts of recipes online.

Benefits:
It Taste Really Good and Feel Full Longer
High in fibre, low in calories and still taste delicious. I was addicted to this for breakfast.
Saves Time - No Cooking Required!
It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. 

Instagram-Worthy
Okay, this is not necessary a direct benefit to losing weight. But you feel happier after posting it.
#overnightoats #healthyliving #healthyfood #fooddiy 

Weight loss methods differs for every individual. Find one that will best fit your schedule and body.

The key takeaway from this experience is that I have a much healthier body and I've gained a lot more confidence with myself than ever before. And no matter what weight you have or how you look like, always remember 'Confidence is beauty'.

Confession: My husband did not know me when I was at my whopping 80+kg and when he saw the pictures from my past in facebook, he was in disbelief. The only comments he often give is he is a lucky man to have met and got married with me when I was at my best and I'm glad I went through this journey.

Disclaimer: I've gained more than 10 over kg since after I knew I was pregnant. In time to come, I hope I will be able to blog about my post-partum weight loss journey :)