#16 How'd they do it?
Trudie Enks
The How’d they do it? interview series is designed to share how members of the Alfred community improved their health and energy.
This week we chatted with Trudie Enks, a Mum of 2 and master’s graduate, about overcoming anxiety, surprising her doctor, and doing it for herself.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a single mum of two young teens and a 15-year-old chocolate Labrador named Charli. I work in law enforcement (not police), and recently finished a Masters in Competition Law. I love open-water swimming and trail running – anything that gets me out in nature.
From your heaviest, how much weight have you lost?
At my heaviest, I was 79kg earlier this year which is the same weight as when I was 9 months pregnant. But I’ve lost 12kg and aiming for a strong, fit 65kg-ish by the end of the year.
Why did you want to lose weight?
I have always been an active person, even at my heaviest. However, every activity felt so much harder to do with the extra weight. I was also struggling a lot with anxiety and bouts of depression, and I needed extra energy to help with my mental health.
Lastly, my clothes did not fit and as a single mum, I don’t have money to be constantly buying new clothes to fit me.
Was there anything holding you back from losing weight in the past?
Fear of going to the gym – my anxiety held me back from doing this for decades, and I love it so much now!
I also tend to eat my feelings. When things get tough, I mindlessly eat even when I’m not hungry.
I remember going to my GP early this year and saying, “I just cannot shift this weight – I run, I swim, I’m fairly active, but I cannot lose weight.”
But the last time I visited, she was so impressed that she asked me what had changed. And the only two things were – I started daily meal tracking and weight-training at the gym – that’s it!
One of the things we’re trying to do at Alfred is to help people take control of their health. What’s been the biggest change to your health you’ve noticed from losing weight?
My mental health has been the biggest difference. Feeling stronger and healthier from a physical perspective has made my mind stronger too. Conquering that fear of the gym has been a huge boost for me!
If I’m having a bad day now, I’ll just make sure I get to the gym, put my headphones on and listen to some angsty or angry 90s punk or rock while weightlifting: shout out to the Alfred Whatsapp chat group for all the gym tune inspo!
If you haven’t joined, get in there. Such a lovely bunch of people – very real and authentic, and great banter too!
Join the community chat here
What’s your favourite meal?
Gelato Messina is very high on the list. As is chocolate. I also love a good burger with the lot. Also love yum cha, but haven’t been in ages.
How often do you have it?
2-3 times a week for chocolate. Maybe once a fortnight for the burgers and Messina. Once a year for yum cha.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself at the beginning of your weight loss journey?
“Just get out there and move in whatever way makes you happy. Don’t think about what anyone else thinks, just think of yourself. This is for you and no one else.”
To anyone else just starting out, make sure you pick at least one activity that you absolutely love (for me it’s swimming), and one that really challenges you outside your comfort zone (social/group runs with Running 4 Resilience are great as I’m a bit of a hermit).
Got a message for the Alfred community?
If you comfort eat or mindlessly snack, then food tracking is definitely for you.
It helps you identify patterns of behaviour, and understand the value of the food you’re eating. I haven’t changed the fact that I LOVE my chocolate, burgers and Messina. I still eat all those things regularly.
I’m just more mindful of having one serve (maybe two) at a time rather than eating half a block or a tub.
Thanks Trudie!
If you’d like to share your story, please get in touch here.