How to Lose 40 Kgs: A Real Weight Loss Journey That Worked
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Navigation
Why Working with a Weight Loss Coach Changes Everything
How to Build a Realistic Plan for How to Lose 40 Kgs
Understanding the Link Between Menopause and Weight Gain
Breaking the Cycle of Stress Eating
Redefining Your Food Habits for Long-Term Success
Simple and Actionable Ideas on Healthy Eating
Weight Loss and Health: What the Numbers Say
How to Find a Weight Loss Coach Who Gets Results
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Weight Loss Journey Done Right
Stephanie Rumble, host of the Style for Life podcast and a professional accountability coach, sat down with her client Julie to unpack one of the most inspiring weight loss transformations you'll hear. In this episode, Julie shares how she went from 124.7 kg to 87.5 kg over 11 months—without fad diets, bariatric surgery, or punishing workout regimens.
This article breaks down Julie’s powerful weight loss journey, key takeaways from the podcast, and how the right mindset, coaching, and lifestyle change can help you achieve your goals.
Why Working with a Weight Loss Coach Changes Everything
Julie didn’t start with a diet plan. She started with a conversation. Stephanie identified four key areas to work on: nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep. This holistic approach helped Julie change more than just her body—it changed her life.
A personal weight loss coach helped her set realistic expectations, stay motivated during setbacks, and understand that consistency mattered more than intensity. This support was especially important during the early stages when Julie felt overwhelmed and unsure.
Working with a personal weight loss coach helped Julie:
Understand what foods work for her
Build sustainable habits
Break free from emotional eating
Stay accountable and motivated
Julie didn’t just lose weight. She gained confidence, energy, and a sense of control that had been missing for years.
How to Build a Realistic Plan for How to Lose 40 Kgs
If you're just starting out or want personalised help to design your own plan, Stephanie's accountability coaching programme offers a realistic path forward—one that meets you where you are and helps you build from there.
"Most people have an idea of what to do. But it’s the combination of things—and the support—that really makes the difference." ~ Stephanie Rumble
There is no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to how to lose weight, but Julie’s approach to how to lose 40 kgs shows what works when the focus is on sustainable change. Rather than relying on gimmicks or harsh calorie restrictions, Stephanie helped Julie design a plan tailored to her unique needs, life stage, and preferences.
Her success was grounded in:
Learning how to eat for her stage of life: Instead of sharing her children’s carb-heavy meals, she shifted to protein-rich, lower-calorie options.
Tracking habits with support: Julie sent meal photos to Stephanie every day for months. This kept her accountable and encouraged healthier food choices.
Gradual fitness goals: She began with short walks and has since completed multiple 10K walk events—and she’s set a goal to walk a half marathon by the end of the year.
Working through physical discomfort: Sore joints, stiff muscles, and low energy didn’t stop her. With support and education, she pushed through safely.
The lesson: Long-term weight loss isn’t about chasing the best diet plan to lose weight. It's about creating systems, support, and self-awareness. Julie’s plan was built for the long haul—adaptable, grounded, and realistic.
Understanding the Link Between Menopause and Weight Gain
Julie, in her early 50s, believed that menopause and weight gain were out of her control. Like many women, she thought her changing body was inevitable and unfixable.
"I felt like I was finally in a place where I could make a change—I just didn’t know how." ~ Julie Hercock
Stephanie helped her understand that hormonal shifts affect metabolism, but they aren’t the end of the story. In fact, Stephanie regularly delivers education and workshops on topics like stress, wellbeing, and lifestyle change—equipping her clients to manage challenges like hormonal shifts with more confidence. Julie made powerful changes that worked with her body—not against it.
This insight helped shift Julie’s mindset from defeat to empowerment. She realised that while biology plays a role, lifestyle choices, mindset, and support systems are just as important.
By managing stress, improving sleep, and adjusting food and activity, she lost over 37 kg. She now has more energy than she did in her 30s.
Breaking the Cycle of Stress Eating
Julie’s turning point came when she realised she was putting everyone else first. Stress, fatigue, and emotional overload led to stress eating and poor health habits.
This wasn’t about willpower. It was about reprogramming her response to stress. Stephanie taught her to slow down and ask herself what she really needed—whether it was food, rest, or support.
Stephanie taught her to:
Recognise triggers
Create alternative coping strategies
Understand how food affects mood and energy
"We don’t need perfection—we need progress and consistency." ~ Stephanie Rumble
This shift moved Julie from emotional eating to intentional eating. She learned to nourish herself rather than numb herself.
Redefining Your Food Habits for Long-Term Success
Julie didn’t follow a strict meal plan. She focused on understanding her food habits and making smart changes that fit into her life and preferences. At first, this felt unfamiliar—Julie had spent years either on restrictive diets or eating emotionally without structure. Finding balance was something entirely new.
"I didn’t need a diet. I needed someone to walk beside me and hold me up when I was struggling." ~ Julie Hercock
She began by observing her own patterns and talking through them with Stephanie. For example, she realised she often skipped meals when stressed, only to overeat later. With accountability coaching, she learned to approach food with awareness and intention.
Stephanie also supported Julie with styling advice as her wardrobe needs changed, helping her express her newfound confidence as the weight came off and her energy returned. Explore Stephanie’s personal styling services.
Eating for energy, not emotion
Choosing meals aligned with her goals
Using portion-controlled delivery services like Fresh Start for ease and accuracy
What surprised Julie most was how much more control she felt once she stopped obsessing over food. Instead of deprivation, the focus shifted to nourishment and routine. This made healthy eating feel achievable—something she could sustain for life.
It’s not that she never indulged—it’s that she learned how to bounce back. The flexibility in her food habits gave her freedom, rather than guilt. This flexible and realistic approach worked because it wasn’t about perfection. It was about progress.
Simple and Actionable Ideas on Healthy Eating
Stephanie’s nutrition coaching helped Julie learn that how to be more healthy starts with simple, doable changes. There were no banned foods or rigid rules—just a better understanding of what her body needed.
Swap processed snacks for whole foods
Reduce refined carbs (especially when you don’t need them)
Keep meals protein-focused and fibre-rich
Prioritise hydration and sleep
These ideas on healthy eating allowed Julie to feel satisfied without feeling deprived. As her energy improved, so did her desire to keep going.
Julie’s success was not about cutting everything out. It was about adding in the right things consistently. Her transformation was proof that small steps, done daily, are more powerful than big leaps done occasionally.
Weight Loss and Health: What the Numbers Say
Weight loss is about more than aesthetics—it can be life-changing for physical and mental health. These statistics highlight just how impactful weight loss can be across individuals and communities:
Two in three members of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet lost at least five per cent of their starting body weight by 12 months, while one in three lost at least 10 per cent.
Excess weight is linked to a range of health conditions including Type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and several common cancers (New Zealand Ministry of Health).
The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial showed substantial weight loss led to remission from type 2 diabetes in Māori and Pacific populations in New Zealand.
In 2022/23, 110,000 children aged 2–14 (13.5%) were classified as obese in New Zealand—a slight increase from 11.6% five years ago (New Zealand Health Survey).
These numbers underline the power of intentional, supported weight loss. It’s not just about the scales—it’s about reducing health risks, improving daily function, and creating a future that feels good to live in.
How to Find a Weight Loss Coach Who Gets Results
A good coach doesn’t just give you a plan. They give you tools, support, and accountability. If you’re looking to find a weight loss coach who can help you make a lasting change, it’s important to know what to look for.
Look for someone who takes a holistic approach
Choose a coach who offers customised, ongoing support
Make sure the focus is on education, not just restriction
Someone who understands how weight loss connects with lifestyle, emotional health, and personal identity will be far more effective than a coach who just focuses on meal plans. Stephanie’s coaching style is built around this very philosophy—she blends practical strategies with empathy, mindset work, and tailored guidance to ensure that each client feels supported across every aspect of their wellbeing.
Stephanie Rumble offers accountability coaching that goes beyond weight. It includes mindset, movement, and emotional wellness. She treats every client as an individual—not a number on the scale.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Weight Loss Journey Done Right
Julie’s story isn’t just about the scales. It’s about showing up for yourself, every day, even when it’s hard—and Stephanie was there throughout to guide her through the tough days, celebrate the small wins, and keep her anchored to her long-term goals. That daily consistency was made possible through their connection, trust, and shared commitment. It’s a reminder that even the most extreme weight loss stories start with a single step.
Her journey offers powerful weight loss inspiration—especially for women who feel like it’s too late, too hard, or too overwhelming to start.
Whether you’re looking to shed 5kg or 40kg, the key isn’t punishment or perfection. It’s progress, support, and sustainable change.
Your transformation could start with a single conversation. If you’re ready to take control of your health, find a coach who can walk with you. A healthy lifestyle isn’t about extremes—it’s about consistency and care.
If your workplace or team could benefit from a more confident, healthy culture, consider bringing Stephanie in to speak. Her workplace training and speaking engagements inspire practical change—whether it’s stress management, wellness, or presentation and presence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight did Julie lose and how long did it take?
Julie lost just over 37 kilograms over a period of 11 months. She started at 124.7 kg and reached 87.5 kg with the support of accountability coaching.
Her progress was consistent and sustainable, driven by changes to her food habits, daily movement, mindset, and stress management. This transformation is still ongoing, with further goals in place.
What made Julie decide to change her lifestyle?
Julie reached a point where she realised her health was affecting her ability to be present for her children. Her blood pressure was high, she lacked energy, and her weight had become a barrier in daily life.
It wasn’t a single dramatic event—just a quiet but clear moment of readiness. When Stephanie introduced the idea of accountability coaching, Julie was mentally ready to hear it and take action.
What is accountability coaching and how does it work?
Accountability coaching is a personalised form of support that helps people change habits, mindset, and behaviour in a sustainable way. It combines guidance around food, movement, stress, and sleep.
Stephanie Rumble’s accountability coaching programme offers real-time feedback, daily support, and a non-judgemental space for progress. It’s not a diet—it’s about building a lifestyle that works for you.
Did Julie follow a specific diet?
No, Julie did not follow a formal or restrictive diet plan. She learned how to eat for her stage of life and focused on balanced, nutritious meals that fit her goals.
The shift wasn’t about removing foods—it was about being intentional, consistent, and learning how her body responded to different choices.
How did Julie get started with exercise?
Julie began by walking her dog around the block. At the time, even short walks felt difficult. Over time, as her weight decreased and confidence increased, she added more movement.
She’s since completed multiple 10K walk events and has a goal of completing a half marathon. Her progress was gradual, and guided by what felt achievable each week.
How did Stephanie support Julie with emotional and stress eating?
Stephanie helped Julie recognise the emotional triggers behind her eating patterns—particularly stress, fatigue, and putting others first. They worked together to reframe food as fuel, not comfort.
The coaching included strategies for identifying stress cues and responding differently, which allowed Julie to build more empowering food habits.
What role did menopause play in Julie’s weight gain?
Julie believed that menopause made weight loss impossible. Like many women, she thought her body had changed for good and that weight gain was inevitable.
Stephanie helped her understand how hormones interact with stress, sleep, and food choices—and how to make adjustments that worked with her body, not against it.
Did Julie need to use supplements or medications?
Julie’s transformation came through lifestyle change rather than medication or supplements. Her success was driven by consistent choices in nutrition, activity, and mindset.
Everyone’s situation is different, but in Julie’s case, the biggest breakthrough came from daily accountability and realistic adjustments—not pills or quick fixes.
What changed in Julie’s wardrobe and confidence?
As the weight came off, Julie’s confidence grew. Her clothing no longer fit, so she needed guidance on how to dress her new body shape. Stephanie supported her through this style transition.
Julie’s transformation wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. Feeling better in her clothes helped reinforce her progress and boosted her motivation even more.
Can I work with Stephanie if I’m not based in Christchurch?
Yes, Stephanie offers virtual accountability coaching and styling services, so you don’t have to live locally to work with her. Her clients come from all over New Zealand—and even abroad.
Whether you need support with weight loss, healthy habits, or wardrobe confidence, her programmes are tailored and flexible to suit your lifestyle.
