The healthy mom: Mom of three, 32, stuns after ‘surreal’ 40kg weight loss

A mother of three has revealed how she lost 40kg in just 12 months after changing her mindset and changing her diet.

Laura Kukulovski, 32, weighed 94 kg in February 2021 after giving birth to her third child.

The New South Wales mum lost 30kg in just seven months after starting a weight loss program and has since lost a further 10kg. She now weighs only 55 kg.

Laura has made massive life changes to lose — and now maintain — her weight, like replacing pantry staples with healthy alternatives and eliminating fast food and energy drinks from her diet.

Prior to her decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Laura’s weight had increased rapidly due to regular take-out meals and new medications.

Laura Kukulovski [pictured]32, from New South Wales, weighed 94 kg in February 2021 after giving birth to her third child

Laura had made massive changes in her life to lose weight, e.g. For example, swapping out pantry staples for healthy alternatives and eliminating fast food from their diets

“I started taking medication when I was 30 and quickly gained 45 pounds in a few months,” she told FEMAIL. “I wasn’t a bigger girl growing up, so it felt weird carrying that much weight around.”

“I had no idea how to even lose weight – I was terrible at dieting and an extremely picky eater.”

Laura said one of her friends encouraged her to join the private support page The Healthy Mummy on Facebook – a program designed to help women achieve their health goals.

But Laura’s weight loss journey would not begin for a while.

“Shortly after joining the group, I got pregnant and gained even more weight. The worst part was when my stomach didn’t flatten out after giving birth.”

Laura soon found out she was suffering from diastasis recti – the separation of the abdominal muscles – which meant she still looked pregnant months after her caesarean.

Laura soon found out she was suffering from diastasis recti – the separation of the abdominal muscles – which meant she still looked pregnant months after her caesarean

The mother of three started small by taking short walks in the evenings and doing 15 to 30 minute home workouts

Laura Kukulovski’s typical day on a plate

BREAKFAST (07:30): A salted caramel smoothie with bananas and nuts

MORNING (10:00): Cheese and crackers, fresh fruit or a homemade muffin

LUNCH (12:00): Salad, rice paper rolls or rice cakes

SNACKS (15:00): A bag of nuts, fresh fruit or a sausage roll

DINNER (19:00): Beef Lasagna, Sausage Vegetable Pasta Casserole, or Chicken Mince Skillet

Laura’s favorite snacks include chocolate chip muffins, sausage rolls and assorted nuts

“I went for drinks with some friends about three months after my son was born,” she said. “There was a photographer at the event who took lots of photos and posted them on Facebook.”

“I was just totally shocked when I saw the photos – I couldn’t believe how bad I thought I looked. That’s when I decided to commit to losing weight and getting healthy.”

The mother started small by going for walks and home workouts that lasted between 15 and 30 minutes.

She also swapped out all the ingredients in her pantry for whole grain and whole grain alternatives, which would help her stay healthy.

Laura noticed her tastes changed after just a few weeks – when she started craving healthy food instead of the “disgusting” takeaway her family ordered three nights a week

Laura noticed her tastes changed after just a few weeks – when she started craving healthy food instead of the “disgusting” takeaway her family ordered three nights a week.

“My kids still get McDonald’s, KFC or pizza on payday and weekends – but I don’t eat any of those. I usually eat fresh foods like salads. I’ve also taken up a lot of meal prep, I love having things ready when I’m hungry.

“I have a day or two a week that I focus on cooking so I have something in the freezer for a lazy night. I can no longer tempt myself with takeout.”

Laura’s advice to moms in a similar boat is to really take it slow and get things done one at a time.

“You spend years cultivating your lifestyle and diet, it’s really mind-blowing to change everything overnight. I want people to take their time and make small changes, there’s no rush.”

Laura’s advice to moms in a similar boat is to really take it slow and get things done one thing at a time, as it’s impossible to make big lifestyle changes overnight

The mother’s weight began to “melt” after a few months and she managed to lose 30kg in the first 7 months – another 10kg soon followed.

“It was really surreal, my weight was there and then suddenly it wasn’t. I tried to do something small every day, like crouch down when I picked up my kids or hung out laundry.”

Laura began her journey with Nathalia Melos’ fitness program 28 Day Stronger, which focused on burning calories and increasing muscle definition.

“I enjoy doing Pilates and core training, it really helps me release tension and strengthen my muscles in a lean way. I never want to look bulky.’

The mum also admitted to being a “creature of habit” and often repeating the meals she enjoys.

“I start every morning with a salted caramel smoothie and then have a few recipes that I never deviate from — like rice paper rolls, lasagna, and chicken casseroles. I also eat snacks throughout the day like muffins, sausage rolls, and cheese with crackers.”

Laura began her journey with Nathalia Melos’ fitness program 28 Day Stronger, which focused on burning calories and increasing muscle definition

Healthy Mummy’s Creamy Herbed Chicken in a Pan

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp butter

600 g chicken breast fillets, diced

1 red onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds

1 tbsp cornmeal

1 cup reduced-fat milk

5 tbsp light cream cheese

1 tbsp dried Italian herbs

salt and pepper

1/2 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 small zucchini, cut into thin sticks

Method:

• Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion and cook for two minutes to brown chicken and onion
• Add garlic, mustard, asparagus, zucchini and stir
• Mix the cornmeal with the milk, add to the pan and bring to the boil. Then simmer on low for a few minutes until slightly thickened
• Stir in the cream cheese and dried herbs until there are no lumps and cook for a minute or two more, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper
• Divide evenly among four shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley to serve
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to two months

Laura’s favorite dinner dish is The Healthy Mummy’s Creamy Herbed Chicken