Why I Started My Weight Loss Journey (and the Dress That Broke Me)

I never actually intended to start a “weight loss journey.” But, what I did know was that I was fed up. Fed up with looking six months pregnant every time I looked in the mirror. Fed up with choosing an outfit I loved in my head, only to catch the full-length reflection and feel yuck.

One moment in particular sticks with me. My husband and I were window shopping when we passed an expensive store. In the window was the most beautiful dark green satin dress: classic, understated, everything I could have wanted. I joked that I’d try it on for fun, even though we couldn’t afford it.

The sales assistant sized me a full size smaller than I would have chosen myself, and I was quietly thrilled. I stepped into the changing room, slipped on the dress, and twirled in the mirror. It looked… fine. But I didn’t feel amazing, and I couldn’t put my finger on why.

When I pulled back the curtain, both my husband and the assistant said, “Wow, that looks amazing.” I stood there, surrounded by mirrors, wearing a dress that on paper ticked every box, and all I could see was fat. I felt frumpy, heavy, and honestly, disgusting.

Like we’ve all done, I pretended I might buy it, made some excuse, and shuffled out of the shop feeling humiliated and deflated. A few metres down the street, I burst into tears. My husband thought I was upset because we couldn’t afford the dress. He even offered to buy it for me. But the truth was, I hated what I saw in the mirror. Even in a dream dress, I couldn’t feel beautiful.

The Turning Point

At the time, we moved on with our day. But a few weeks later, while procrastinating on my laptop (as you do), I started searching for nutrition coaches.

The thing is, I already “knew” what to do. Eat less, move more. Choose whole foods. Watch portions. Manage my environment. Train at the gym. Drink water. Sleep properly. All the things. And honestly, I thought I was doing that, at least most of the time.

But I also knew I had blind spots. So I thought, what’s the harm in seeing what someone else thinks? I found a local coach, booked an appointment, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Why I Share This

That dress was a turning point for me. Not because of the price tag or the style, but because it showed me something had to change. I didn’t want to keep living in a body I hated, second-guessing every outfit, every mirror.

Starting weight loss for me wasn’t about being “good” or “perfect.” It was about finally finding a way to feel at home in my own skin. And if you’ve ever had a similar moment, standing in front of the mirror, wondering how you got here, you’re not alone.

If this story resonates with you, you might like my post on Why I Shifted to Maintenance. It’s where the real freedom starts.