The difficulty of climbing stairs became the motivation for Jessie Lim - CEO of a large company in Singapore determined to lose 34kg in 14 months: How family vacations became a 'now or never moment'.
The turning point came from the trip
A trip up the steps of a church in Switzerland while on a family vacation in December 2021 changed Jessie Lim’s life forever. Feeling irritable and frustrated as she followed her husband and two children, then aged 12 and 15, Lim decided it was time to act.
She was unhealthy and overweight, weighing 85 kg, had back pain and had been on medication for high cholesterol for 10 years.
Lim's pictures before and after weight loss.
Lim, 53, found the right personal trainer and embarked on a fitness regime that helped her lose 34kg in 14 months - reaching 51kg in November 2023 - and drop five dress sizes.
“When I was 17, my waist was about 23 inches. When I started working and had two children at 35 and 38, the weight just kept creeping up. I juggled motherhood with my work schedule and never prioritized my health,” the CEO said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded Lim’s fitness woes. While experimenting with different dishes in the kitchen, she discovered her “hidden talent” for cooking. Her dishes are rich in cheese, cream and sauces – factors that contributed to her weight gain.
“ Every morning when I wake up, my back hurts because I sleep on my side. I am constantly tired, my ankles are weak and heavy because I have to carry my heavy body everywhere, ” she said, becoming increasingly concerned about her health because her family has a history of heart disease.
Stick to your daily exercise schedule
Lim found the gym on the recommendation of a friend. Her trainer, Saydul Hasbi, designed a regimen of daily walking, an hour of strength training three times a week, and drastic changes to her diet.
“We focus on building strength and mobility through compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, presses and pulls – and adding conditioning exercises at the end of the workout for cardiovascular training. We also focus on nutrition. Because Jessie travels for work, we looked at managing her diet and exercise while on the road, two key elements of the transformation programme,” he says.
Lim started by walking 5,000 steps a day, gradually increasing to 10,000 steps.
Hasbi, a fitness trainer with 13 years of experience, says his clients are complete gym newbies.
Follow a balanced diet
She started on a diet of just 1,200 calories a day, cutting out sugar and alcohol. Lim changed her diet so half of her lunch and dinner consisted of vegetables – she ate the vegetables first so the fibre would help her feel full and not overeat.
Lim also reduced the amount of sauces she used in her cooking, and even cut back on her favorite sambal chili, as these add calories.
Lim's breakfast consists of one or two eggs, black coffee and a whey protein shake.
For lunch and dinner, she starts with vegetables, followed by grilled chicken breast or stir-fried beef with broccoli and mushrooms. For snacks, she has two small bowls of fruit.
Want to lose weight successfully, must make an effort
Lim faced many challenges in her fitness journey. Going to the gym for the first time was scary.
“ It was intimidating looking at all the equipment. However, as the trainer gradually moved me through different machines and routines, it gradually built my confidence,” Lim said.
“Morning walks are hard because I’ve always been a night owl. But I’ve grown to love them and the ‘me time’ has helped clear my mind. I feel healthier and happier,” Lim shared.
Lim and family on vacation in Freiburg, Germany, 2021
“Now, when I travel for work or on vacation, I often track my steps in the morning. I call it my ‘morning city tour.’ It gives me a chance to see new places before the city wakes up. It’s a special feeling,” she said.
Eating healthy while traveling for work was initially a challenge. She had to make sure she took her supplements (curcumin, omega 3 fish oil and magnesium), protein shakes, kept up with the required exercise and abstained from alcohol when entertaining clients.
Weighing herself every morning helps Lim stay accountable and motivated.
“With every kilo I lost, I pushed myself further. I knew the process was working and my hard work was paying off. When I finally fit into my old clothes, it was the best feeling ever, ” said Lim, who no longer suffers from back pain.
Lim kept a diary of her weight loss journey on Facebook, sharing it with a small group of friends. She posted about her walking routes, the equipment she was learning to use at the gym, her meals, and her progress.
Every time he loses 10kg, Lim celebrates.
“ My trainer and I call my fitness decision my ‘retirement plan’. When I lost my first 10kg, I rewarded myself with curry puffs. When I got down to 79kg, I kept a diary to remind myself that I would never weigh 80 again ,” she said, adding that she did the same when her weight dropped below 70kg and 60kg.
“ I feel excited when I walk into the gym. Being surrounded by energetic people — people who watch your progress and cheer you on — gives me a sense of belonging and helps reinforce my commitment, ” says Lim.
Her family was supportive. When they went out to eat, they chose restaurants that catered to her.
“ My family knows I’m watching my food intake, so they don’t let me snack. My husband always helps me stay on track whenever I falter, ” she said. He’s also walked with her a few times.
When she lost weight, she felt healthier and slimmer.
“I feel light, agile and my confidence has increased a lot. This feeling motivates me to stay in shape,” said Lim, who has surprised herself with her determination, discipline and perseverance.
“I am mentally stronger than I thought .”
“My friends tell me I look 20 years younger. The doctor says I not only look good but also healthy,” Lim said.
Her advice for those looking to lose weight is to find your “why,” stick to an exercise regimen, talk to yourself positively, and hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress.
Lim and her husband at Stonehenge, England, August 2022.
Lim's husband and children are very proud of how far she has come on this journey.
“ My husband wrote me a letter saying that losing weight doesn’t start in the gym with a dumbbell, it starts with a decision in your head. I feel like the best version of myself I’ve been in my 53 years, ” she said happily.
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