‘I have a far more stable outlook on life’ says Jacqueline

Jacqueline Yole is a 39-year-old mum-of-two and she has lost 19kg by following the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Since 2021 she has gone from a comfort eating 20 year old – to an unfit Mumma – to now be a run loving ‘nearly’ 40 year old!

She says there was no major defining moment for wanting to lose weight, but she has battled an unhealthy relationship with food since her teens, reaching 110kg+ in her early 20s.

“I’m a comfort eater, who is really good at eating her feelings! I give through my food too, often gifting meals/goodies to family and friends,” she says.

“It’s not so much what I eat, but why! Something that escalated terribly just before I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2019 and during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 when we were home a lot more and organised sport wasn’t on the cards.”

Jacqueline December 2023

Jacqueline is proud that she has gone from a woman who baulked at the thought of running with other people, let alone doing ParkRun, to the Mumma who ParkRuns in a crop with the WHOLE Family AND plans ahead as to what runs can be completed while holidaying interstate! This will be my 3rd December with the Healthy Mummy and I know it’s going to be our best one yet! 

“The excitement I felt when I discovered the local ParkRun to my parents’ house was hosting a Christmas Day ParkRun was next level! Our first ‘special event’ ParkRun as a family! 

I set myself the goal for 2023 to run 1000 kms or more. This week I achieved that goal!

The runs aren’t always easy and some days I spend the whole run questioning why, but once that workout is done, the feeling is so good!”

2020 fit vs 2023 fit!

“2020 WAS the fittest I had been. It shocks me how wrong I really was! I’d worked hard during the 2019 netball season and put in a solid preseason before Christmas doing HIIT sessions 3 times per week and gettingnout for regular walks… then covid hit! All team sports ceased and my exercise regime went out the window, as did my ability to regulate my emotions and not eat ALL the food in the house!

I could run rings around my 2020 self now! I’m 19kgs lighter and have gained so much insight into what my body needs! I understand portion sizes, what fuels my body and how to hydrate and recover post workout.

But most importantly, I’ve learned to LOVE exercise and that buzz and sparkle from a good cardio session!”

What a typical day looks like for Jacqueline

Breakfast: Healthy Mummy smoothie

Lunch: Some form of Healthy Mummy meal, whether it’s leftovers that I’ve prepped on the weekend or fritters/meatballs with a side salad. I’m a teacher, so I eat on the go.

Snacks: Veggie sticks and dip and a piece of fruit.

Dinner: Homemade burgers/wraps or a Healthy Mummy recipe. We always plan for one new recipe each week and the kids and hubby choose a meal each as well.

“The Prawn and Mango Tacos from The Healthy Mummy app are a hit, as is the Curry Stir Fry.”

Jacqueline’s 3 tips for success

1. Write things down to make yourself accountable! Whether it’s a diary or in my case, Google Calendar. I use it to meal plan and book in my workouts.
2. Find a way to move your body every day that you ENJOY!
3. Allow yourself treats guilt-free. It’s all about balance and moderation.

“Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Plan out your meals and exercise for the week, lay out your workout gear. The less chance you have to give yourself an excuse the better,” she says.

“Look for incidental opportunities for exercise, it doesn’t have to be massive, even a few extra steps make a difference. 

“Most of all stick with it! Results don’t happen overnight, it’s not a race to the finish line, be like the turtle… slow and steady!”