#7 How'd they do it?
Sam Wilson
The How’d they do it? interview series is designed to share the tips and tricks of how members of the Alfred community lost weight and gained energy.
This week, we chatted with Sam Wilson, a new Dad, road sealer, and author, to share how changing his “why” behind getting fit helped him lose weight.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm Sam Wilson, a plant-eating dad from Ngunnawal Country, Canberra, and a construction supervisor. I recently relocated to Yuin Country on the NSW South Coast. I enjoy running, vegetable farming, spending time with family, Rugby League, Cricket, and writing. I've been sober for 12 months after hitting rock bottom and I write about it here.
From your heaviest, how much weight have you lost?
I've gained and lost 25kgs+ three times over 16 years, with my heaviest at 115 kg. Last year, I worked with nutritionist and friend James Kuhn, who helped me lose weight.
But because I was limited by shoulder injuries, I ran obsessively, averaging 100kms per week and was only eating 2100 calories per day, which dropped me to 78kgs. But I felt exhausted and weak.
Then after completing the Canberra Marathon and catching Covid, I stopped running and gained weight. And when my shoulders improved, I began weight training, but didn't watch my diet. So I gained weight and strength, but also body fat.
But a few months ago, I started using Alfred instead of MyFitnessPal for a simpler approach to food tracking. Now I’m at 92 kg, and my goal is to be strong and fit, so I’m able to enjoy life and activities with my son and not worry about size or appearance.
Why did you want to lose weight?
I've always aimed for fitness, but my weight gain was often linked with mental health struggles, as I used food and alcohol to cope. I'd try unsustainable diets and exercise routines, which got some short-term results, before I’d fall back into old ways.
But now I’m becoming more concerned about my energy levels, because my weight started affecting everyday tasks at work. That was when I knew it was time to get fit so I can have an easier and better life.
Was there anything holding you back from losing weight in the past?
My lack of nutrition knowledge, self-destructive behaviour, and mental health struggles contributed to my sporadic willpower. I never sought professional advice, and instead I'd follow online fads and try to out-train a bad diet. I also use to avoid tracking calories out of laziness and fear of facing the truth.
But working with James changed my perspective as he equipped me with the tools to manage my nutrition on my own.
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?
When I'm fit and healthy, I have more energy and better sleep, which makes everything feel easier. As someone with ADHD, sleep has always been a challenge, but a healthier lifestyle has improved my sleep and mental health.
Health is holistic; mental and physical health support each other. And when I train, I notice I eat better, drink less, and feel good. And being inactive leads to the opposite.
What’s your favourite meal?
Pizza, pasta, burgers, burritos, moussaka, lasagna, pies, ice cream, chocolate, cookies, smoothies, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, everything.
How often do you have it?
I try to eat takeaway once a week or less. It’s been a whole lot easier since moving down the coast where they don’t have Menulog, Uber Eats, etc. Plus I want to set a better example for my son so it’s probably a good thing.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself at the beginning of your weight loss journey?
Just focus on health and fitness rather than just weight loss, as it leads to a healthier lifestyle which makes weight loss a byproduct. Set diverse goals, such as performance, diet, attendance, and fitting into old clothes to avoid relying solely on the scale.
Remember that progress isn't linear, and slow progress is often more sustainable. Also, trust the process and avoid comparing yourself to fake dickheads on Instagram!
Got a message for the Alfred community?
Be honest with yourself. If you eat something, track it. And if you don’t eat perfectly, don’t beat yourself up over it. Bradman got ducks, and Michael Jordan missed free throws. Shit happens. But what’s great is we get to try again tomorrow. One bad day won’t make you fat, one good day won’t make you skinny.
Be kind and gentle to yourself, and try your best to stick to the plan and trust the process.
Thanks Sam!
If you’d like to share your story, please get in touch here.