#3 How’d they do it?

Anastasia Katsanevakis

The How’d they do it? interview series is designed to share the tips and tricks of how members of the Alfred community lost their weight.

This week, we chatted with Anastasia Katsanevakis, a uni student, pool supervisor, and Alfred team member, to share how she lost weight by realising she couldn’t out train her diet.

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Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m 22 years old and currently in my final year at uni studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Human Movement) and a Bachelor of Human Nutrition. I also work part-time as the receptionist and supervisor at a pool, and after completing my internship with Alfred, I now work part-time calculating the calories in meals for Alfred users. 

From your heaviest, how much have weight you lost?

I use to weigh 77kg, but I’ve lost 14kg and currently weigh 63kg. 

Why did you want to lose your weight?

At the beginning, I wanted to increase my confidence and feel more comfortable. I was looking at photos of myself and it didn’t feel like me, and I didn’t like the way I looked and felt. Plus I wanted to be healthier and more active.  

Was there anything holding you back from losing weight in the past?

When I was a fair bit younger, I didn’t have the knowledge I have now about nutrition and exercise, and I didn’t have any goals or the motivation to start. I was going to the gym every day, eating healthy foods and limiting ‘unhealthy foods’, however I was not seeing any progress.

It was only once I started tracking my meals that I realised it wasn’t about the food I was eating, it was the quantity I was consuming, and no matter how hard I tried I could not out-train my overconsumption.

What’s been the biggest benefit from losing weight?

While I feel better both mentally and physically, the greatest benefit along with more confidence has been the increase in energy. Not carrying around extra weight has made a massive difference to my energy levels and allowed me to put extra time and energy into enjoying everyday activities, social events and hobbies. 

What’s your favourite meal? 

Salmon poke bowl (with brown rice, avocado, mango, tomato edamame and kewpie mayonnaise!!).

How often do you have it?

Usually once a week.

If you could go back, what would you tell yourself at the beginning of your weight loss journey?

Stay consistent and allow foods that are classified as ‘unhealthy’ as long as they are in moderation. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and always have a positive mindset.

Got a message for the Alfred community?

Your diet doesn’t have to be perfect 100% of the time, it just needs to be balanced. Set goals so you have something to work for and stay consistent. Stay positive and stick with it because the benefits will be worth it.

Thanks Anastasia!