For years, Christine Thompson struggled with her weight, bouncing between fad diets and relying on unhealthy habits that took a toll on her physical and emotional well-being. But after decades of dieting frustrations, the 62-year-old from Queensland finally cracked the code to lasting health transformation — and it all started with a shift in mindset and a solid, evidence-based nutrition plan.
Christine’s weight journey had been a constant battle. At her heaviest, she weighed 118kg, with chronic pain that made even walking a challenge. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was using food to comfort myself,” she explains. “Twistees and chocolate were part of my daily routine, and I was overeating without knowing why.”
For much of her adult life, Christine found herself trapped in a cycle of yo-yo dieting. Each week, she would commit to a new diet plan, but would quickly fall back into old habits. “Every Monday I’d start a diet, but it wouldn’t be long before I was grabbing my usual snacks,” she recalls. “I just didn’t have the knowledge or tools to make real change, so my weight kept climbing.”
However, after a severe sinus infection in January 2023, Christine decided it was time to take control of her health. Determined to enjoy life without pain, she turned to a program that promised not only weight loss, but a complete lifestyle shift.
“I realized I needed a change that went beyond temporary diets,” she says. “To truly lose weight and transform my habits, I needed a plan that provided real support and clear guidance.”
Christine turned to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, a structured program that combines meal planning, portion control, and scientifically backed nutrition advice. The program’s focus on sustainable habits helped Christine build healthier relationships with food. “I started with meal replacement shakes from the Fast Start plan and immediately saw changes,” she says. “Using tools like the Food Tracker and Meal Planning Guide, I became aware of what I didn’t need to eat and what would nourish my body.”
The transformation didn’t just come from cutting back on junk food. Christine rediscovered her love for cooking and began enjoying whole, unprocessed foods. “I never knew how much I’d enjoy a simple cherry tomato until I gave up processed snacks,” she adds.
A Day in Christine’s New Routine
Christine’s meals are now centered on fresh, nourishing ingredients. A typical day might include:
- Breakfast: Wholemeal crumpet with ricotta and fresh fruit, topped with a little peanut butter.
- Lunch: Brown rice paired with corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, and grilled chicken, finished with sweet chili sauce.
- Dinner: A varied menu, including dishes like Pork Larb with Wombok salad and a soy-lemon dressing.
Alongside her new nutrition plan, Christine also embraced regular physical activity. “Walking with my sister and her boxer has become a highlight of my day. It’s great to be able to keep up with them now!” she shares.
After just 15 months, Christine had lost nearly 50kg. “I never felt hungry or fatigued during the process, and seeing the results motivated me to keep going,” she says.
The Key to Christine’s Success
Reflecting on her journey, Christine believes the most important factor in her success was timing and self-belief. “I had to be ready to make this change for myself,” she says. “It wasn’t just about following a diet; it was about committing to a lifestyle overhaul.”
The biggest challenge, she admits, was overcoming the disappointment of previous failed attempts. “I spent years trying every fad diet under the sun, but I would have saved myself so much stress if I had relied on a program grounded in science.”
Now, Christine advises others looking to make lasting health changes to seek out evidence-based programs and to commit fully to the process. “Be prepared to make a real change,” she encourages. “And trust the process — if you follow the guidelines, you can’t go wrong.”
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