The Healthy Mummy: Mum-of-three, 32, stuns after ‘surreal’ 40kg weight loss

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

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

The mum, 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 a mere 55kg.

Laura made massive changes in her life to lose – and now maintain – her weight, like swapping out pantry essentials for healthy alternatives and cutting fast food and energy drinks out of her diet.

Before her decision to adapt a healthier lifestyle, Laura’s weight had piled on quickly due to consistent takeaway meals and new medication. 

Laura had implemented massive changes in her life to lose  weight, such as swapping out pantry essentials for healthy alternatives and cutting fast food out of her diet

‘I started taking some medication when I was 30 and rapidly gained 20kg in a few months,’ she told FEMAIL. ‘I was not a bigger girl growing up, so it was an odd feeling to carry around so much weight.’

‘I had no idea how to even go about losing the weight – I was terrible at diets and an extremely fussy eater.’

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

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

‘I fell pregnant soon after joining the group and gained even more weight. The worst part was when my stomach didn’t go back to flat after giving birth.’

Laura soon found out that she suffered from diastasis recti – the separation of abdominal muscles – which caused her to still look pregnant months after her C-section.

Laura soon found out that she suffered from diastasis recti – the separation of abdominal muscles – which caused her to still look pregnant months after her C-section

The mum-of-three started small by going on short walks in the evenings and doing home workouts that lasted between 15-30 minutes

Laura Kukulovski’s typical day on a plate 

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

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

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

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

DINNER (19:00): Beef lasagna, sausage and vegetable pasta bake, or a chicken mince stir-fry

Laura’s favourite snacks include chocolate chip muffins, sausage rolls, and various nuts

‘I went out for drinks with a couple of friends about three months after giving birth to my son,’ she said. ‘There was a photographer at the event who took a lot of photos and posted them on Facebook.’

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

The mum started small by going on walks and home workouts that lasted between 15-30 minutes.

She also swapped out all her pantry ingredients for wholegrain and whole meal alternatives that would help her stay healthy.

Laura noticed her tastes starting to change just a few weeks in – when she began craving healthy food instead of the ‘disgusting’ takeout her family would order three nights a week

Laura noticed her tastes starting to change just a few weeks in – when she began craving healthy food instead of the ‘disgusting’ takeout her family would order three nights a week.

‘My children still get McDonald’s, KFC, or pizza on pay day and the weekend – but I don’t eat any of it. I usually eat fresh foods like salads. I also got into meal prepping a lot, I love having stuff ready to go when I’m hungry.’

‘I have a day or two a week where I focus on cooking so that I have something in the freezer for a lazy night. I can’t tempt myself with takeout anymore.’

Laura’s advice to mums in a similar boat 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.’

Laura’s advice to mums in a similar boat is to take it really slow and accomplish one thing at a time as it’s impossible to make big lifestyle changes overnight

The mum’s weight started ‘melting’ off a few months in, and she managed to lose 30kg in the first seven months – with another 10kg soon following.

‘It was really surreal, my weight was there and then suddenly it wasn’t. I tried to do a little something every day, such as squatting when I picked up after my children or hung up 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 doing Pilates and core training, it really helps me relieve 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 meals she enjoys.

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

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

Healthy Mummy’s one pan creamy herb chicken 

Ingredients:

 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

 1 tbsp butter

600g chicken breast fillets, diced

1 red onion, thinly sliced 

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds

1 tbsp corn flour

1 cup reduced fat milk

5 tbsp light cream cheese

1 tbsp dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper

1/2 bunc fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 small zucchini, sliced into thin batons 

Method:

• Heat oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion and cook for two minutes to brown chicken and sauté onion
• Add the garlic, mustard, asparagus, zucchini, and stir to combine
• Combine the corn flour with the milk, pour into the pan and bring to boil. Then reduce to a simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened 
• Stir through the cream cheese and dried herbs until there are no lumps and cook for a further minute or two until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper
• Divide evenly between four shallow bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley to serve 
• Leftovers can be stored in airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freezer for up to two months  

Laura’s favourite dinner dish is Healthy Mummy’s one pan creamy herb chicken