The Healthy Mummy: Mum-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 overhauling her diet.

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

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

Laura has made huge life changes to lose — and now maintain — her weight, such as swapping pantry essentials for healthy alternatives and cutting fast foods and energy drinks from her diet.

Before she decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Laura’s weight had increased rapidly thanks to consistent takeout meals and new medication.

“I started taking some medication when I was 30 and quickly put on 20kg in a few months,” she told FEMAIL. “I wasn’t a taller girl growing up, so it was a strange feeling to carry so much weight.”

“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 Healthy Mummy private support page on Facebook — a program aimed at helping women achieve their health goals.

But Laura’s weight loss journey wouldn’t start for a while.

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

Laura soon found out she suffered from diastasis recti – the separation of abdominal muscles – which left her looking pregnant months after her C-section.

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

“I was just completely shocked when I saw the pictures – I couldn’t believe how bad I thought I looked. Then I decided to commit myself to losing weight and getting healthy.’

The mom started small by taking walks and home workouts that lasted between 15 and 30 minutes.

She also swapped all of her pantry ingredients for whole grain and whole grain alternatives that would help her stay healthy.

Laura noticed her tastes began to change within a few weeks – as she began to crave healthy food instead of the “disgusting” takeout meals her family would order three nights a week.

“My kids still get McDonald’s, KFC or pizza on payday and weekends — but I don’t eat any of it. I usually eat fresh food like salads. I also do a lot of meal prepping, I love having things ready when I’m hungry.’

“I have a day or two a week where I focus on cooking so I have something in the freezer for a lazy night. I can no longer tempt myself to pick up.’

Laura’s advice to moms in a similar situation is to take it really slow and accomplish one thing at a time.

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

The mother’s weight started to ‘melt away’ after a few months and she managed to lose 30kg in the first seven months – adding another 10kg shortly after.

‘It was really unreal, my weight was there and then suddenly it wasn’t anymore. I tried to do something small every day, like squat when I came after my kids or hang up the laundry.’

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

‘I love Pilates and core training, it really helps me relieve tension and tone my muscles in a lean way. I never want to look fat.’

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

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