The difficulty of climbing stairs became the motivation for Jessie Lim, the CEO of a large company in Singapore, to lose 34kg in 14 months: How family holidays became 'now or never' moments.
The turning point came from a trip.
A trip up the steps of a church in Switzerland during a family vacation in December 2021 completely changed Jessie Lim's life. Feeling frustrated and annoyed following her husband and two children, then 12 and 15 years old, Lim decided it was time to take action.
She was unhealthy and overweight, weighing 85 kg, suffering from back pain and having to take medication for high cholesterol for 10 years.
Before and after photos of Lim after weight loss.
At that time, Lim, 53, after finding a suitable personal trainer, immediately started an exercise regimen that helped her lose 34kg in 14 months - reaching 51kg in November 2023 and dropping 5 clothing sizes.
“When I was 17, my waist measured about 58cm. When I started working and after having two children at ages 35 and 38, my weight just kept increasing. I was balancing motherhood with my work schedule and never prioritized my health,” the female CEO said.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Lim's fitness issues. While experimenting with different dishes in the kitchen, she discovered a "hidden talent" for cooking. The food she cooked was rich in cheese, cream, and sauces—factors that contributed to her weight gain.
“ Every morning I wake up with back pain from sleeping on my side. I’m constantly tired, and my ankles feel weak and heavy from carrying my heavy body around, ” she said, increasingly worried about her health because her family has a history of heart disease.
Stick to your daily workout schedule.
Lim joined the training facility on a friend's recommendation. Her trainer, Saydul Hasbi, designed a regimen of daily walking, one hour of strength training three times a week, and drastic changes to her diet.
“We focused on building strength and mobility through compound movements, such as squats, deadlifts, and press and pull exercises – while adding conditioning exercises at the end of the workout to improve cardiovascular fitness. We also focused on nutrition. Because Jessie travels for work, we considered managing her diet and exercise during her trips, two key elements of the transition program,” he said.
Lim started by walking 5,000 steps a day, gradually increasing it to 10,000 steps.
Hasbi, a fitness trainer with 13 years of experience, says his clients are all complete beginners at the gym.
Follow a balanced diet.
She started a diet of just 1,200 calories a day, cutting out sugar and alcohol. Lim changed her eating habits by making half of her lunch and dinner consist of vegetables – she ate the vegetables first so the fiber would help her feel full and not overeat.
Lim also reduced the amount of sauce she used in cooking, and even cut back on her favorite chili sambal, as these added extra calories.
Lim's breakfast consists of one or two eggs, black coffee, and a whey protein shake.
For lunch and dinner, she starts with vegetables, followed by grilled chicken breast or stir-fried beef with broccoli and mushrooms. For snacks, she has two small bowls of fruit.
To successfully lose weight, you must put in the effort.
Lim faced many challenges on his training journey. His first time at the gym was terrifying.
" It was daunting looking at all the equipment. However, as the coach gradually moved me through the different machines and routines, it slowly built up my confidence," Lim said.
"Walking in the mornings is difficult because I'm always a night owl. But I'm increasingly enjoying walking, and this 'time to myself' has helped clear my mind. I feel healthier and happier," Lim shared.
Lim and his family went on holiday to Freiburg, Germany, in 2021.
“Now, when I travel for work or on vacation, I often track my morning routine. I call it my ‘morning city tour.’ It gives me a chance to see new places before the city wakes up. It’s a special feeling,” she said.
Eating healthily while traveling for work was initially a challenge. She had to make sure she was taking her supplements (curcumin, omega-3 fish oil, and magnesium), protein shakes, adhering to necessary exercise routines, and abstaining from alcohol when entertaining clients.
Weighing himself every morning helps Lim develop a sense of responsibility and motivation.
“With every kilogram I lost, I pushed myself further. I knew the process was happening and my hard work was paying off. Finally, when I could fit into my old clothes again, it was the best feeling ever, ” said Lim, who no longer suffers from back pain.
Lim kept a journal of her weight loss journey on Facebook and shared it with a small group of friends. She posted about her walking routes, the equipment she was learning to use at the gym, her meals, and her progress.
Every time Lim lost 10kg, she celebrated.
“ My trainer and I call my workout decision a ‘retirement plan.’ When I lost my first 10kg, I rewarded myself with curry pie. When I dropped to 79kg, I kept a journal to remind myself that I would never weigh 80kg again ,” she said, adding that she did the same when her weight dropped below 70kg and 60kg.
" I feel excited when I walk into the gym. Being surrounded by energetic people – people who watch your progress and cheer you on – gives me a sense of belonging and helps strengthen my commitment, " Lim said.
Her family was supportive. When they went out to eat, they chose restaurants with food that suited her taste.
“ Knowing I’m monitoring my food intake, my family won’t let me snack. My husband always helps me stay on track whenever I falter ,” she said. He’s also walked with her a few times.
When she lost weight, she felt healthier and slimmer.
“I feel lighter, more agile, and my confidence has increased significantly. This feeling motivates me to stay in shape,” said Lim, who surprised herself with her determination, discipline, and perseverance.
"I have a stronger spirit than I thought ."
“My friends tell me I look 20 years younger. The doctor says I not only look good but I’m also healthy,” Lim said.
Her advice for those wanting to lose weight is to find their "reason," stick to an exercise regimen, talk to themselves positively, and take responsibility by tracking their progress.
Lim and her husband at Stonehenge, England, August 2022.
Lim's husband and children are very proud of her for having come so far on this journey.
“ My husband wrote me a letter saying that weight loss doesn’t start at the gym with a dumbbell, it starts with a decision in your head. I feel like I’m the best version of myself I’ve been in my 53 years of life ,” she happily said.
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