Sam’s Inspiring 35kg Weight Loss Journey
Mar 19, 2025
In one of our most powerful podcast episodes yet, Sam opened up about her incredible 35kg weight loss journey. But trust me, it’s not just about the kilos she shed—it’s been a full-on emotional and personal transformation.
As virtual assistants, we’re constantly spinning plates—juggling work, whānau, life—and sometimes, our own well-being slips through the cracks. Sam’s journey is a wake-up call to all of us: looking after yourself doesn’t just change how you look; it changes everything—your business, your relationships, your entire outlook on life.
The Wake-Up Call
For Sam, her journey kicked off after what can only be described as a brutal year. She was burnt out, feeling lost, and struggling to balance running a business with the rollercoaster of perimenopause. Then, one moment changed everything. It was a single photo from an awards night—a snapshot that made her stop in her tracks.
“I saw that picture and thought, ‘How did I get here?’” Sam shared in the podcast. That photo wasn’t just a picture; it was her turning point.
Starting on Her Own Terms
Here’s what I love about Sam’s story—she didn’t rush into it. She didn’t dive headfirst into a strict diet or sign up for an expensive gym. Instead, she gave herself the mental space to prepare. And, instead of a random Monday, she chose January 1st—not because it was a New Year’s resolution, but because it was practical. It gave her time to enjoy the holidays with her whānau, then kick things off with a clean slate, without pressure.
“I wanted to start when I felt ready,” she said. “For me, that was after Christmas. I didn’t want to set myself up to fail.”
The Secret Weapons
So, how did Sam do it? Gut health was her main focus initially. After heaps of research (she’s practically a gut-health guru now!), Sam realised the major impact gut health has on EVERYTHING and in particular just how important it was during perimenopause. She found supplements from Love Your Guts that helped reset her system, and within a week, she felt the shift. Talk about results!
She also jumped on board with intermittent fasting—and, to her surprise, she loved it! With an eating window from 11 AM to 7 PM, Sam found a rhythm that worked for her. It wasn’t about starving herself; it was about making a sustainable lifestyle change.
The Emotional Side
Now, let’s get real. Losing weight isn’t just about numbers on a scale. Sam went through her fair share of emotional ups and downs. There were moments where she worried: Would this new, healthier Sam still be the person her whānau and mates knew and loved?
But as the kilos dropped, Sam rediscovered parts of herself that had been hidden for far too long. One standout moment was when her 8-year-old son, Angus, wrapped his arms around her and said, “Mum, I can hug you properly now!”
Cue all the feels! 🙂
Small Wins, Big Changes
Sam’s journey wasn’t about overhauling her whole life overnight. She started with small, simple changes—like drinking more water, getting more sleep and using the Freedom app to cut out late-night doom-scrolling. Those tiny shifts made a huge difference—not just in her weight but in her overall health, energy, and even her sleep.
She tracked her progress with weekly weigh-ins, and her husband was her biggest supporter. Every little win was a reason to celebrate, and that kept her going.
The Most Important Lesson
One of the most powerful parts of Sam’s story is her shift in mindset. This wasn’t just about dropping kilos—it was about accepting herself and finding her confidence again. I especially loved when Sam shared how she ditched her old clothes—the ones that no longer fit—and made a vow not to keep them “just in case.”
“I don’t need a Plan B. I’m never going back to that version of me,” she said, completely owning her decision.
Sam, You’ve Made Us So Proud!
Sam’s 35kg weight loss journey is about so much more than numbers on a scale. It’s a journey of resilience, rediscovery, and learning how to put yourself first. Her determination to make small, meaningful changes, with the support of her whānau, has led to a healthier, happier life.
Sam, I couldn’t be prouder of you! Watching your transformation has been a privilege, and you’ve inspired so many of us—including me. You’ve shown us all that no matter where you’re starting from, change is possible. It’s all about taking that first step—and girl, you’ve taken a million of them!
I can’t wait to see what’s next for you. You’ve got this, Sam!
Jo xo
