She Lost 40 Pounds After Discovering "The Most Satisfying Food On Earth"
Have you tried every diet only to end up feeling hungry, deprived, and ready to give up? You're not alone. Chelsea Mae spent a decade struggling with her weight despite following a healthy plant-based diet. Everything changed when she discovered the science of satiety and one surprising food that would transform her approach to weight loss. Now, after losing 40 pounds and maintaining it for six years, this New Zealand mom is sharing the practical strategies that finally worked. Her story proves that sustainable weight loss isn't about eating less—it's about eating more of the right foods.
Start With The Most Satisfying Food
"Potatoes are the most satisfying food on the planet, and I'm not making this up," Chelsea reveals in her video. "They have the highest satiety index of any food, meaning they keep you fuller longer than anything else." She recommends making potatoes a daily staple, ideally incorporating them into one main meal. A serving of 4-5 boiled potatoes contains only about 500 calories while providing exceptional satisfaction—compare that to a pint of ice cream at 1,600 calories that leaves you wanting more.
Double Down on Volume With Vegetables
Once Chelsea discovered the power of satiety, she added another game-changing habit. "Non-starchy vegetables are only about 100 calories per pound, so you can eat more food, feel more satisfied, and naturally reduce cravings," she explains. She suggests splitting a pound of vegetables between lunch and dinner, incorporating foods like broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts. "I've maintained this habit for six years because it works."
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Eliminate Hidden Calories
"Most people rack up thousands of extra calories weekly through oil consumption without even realizing it," Chelsea warns. She explains that oil is a highly refined product stripped of fiber and water, making it extremely calorie-dense. Instead of using oil, she suggests cooking with parchment paper, water-sautéing, or using an air fryer. "Your taste buds will adjust, and now I don't even like oily food," she shares.
Simplify Your Meal Prep
Forget overwhelming meal prep sessions. "What works is making things so easy, so simple, so consistent that you don't have to think," Chelsea says. Her "rolling prep system" takes only 20 minutes per week. She keeps cooked potatoes ready at all times, prepares simple proteins like tofu, and steams fresh vegetables as needed. "When you run out, you prep more—that's it."
Master Your Core Meals
"Choose three to four main dinners that can be easily modified to be lower in calories," Chelsea advises. Her go-to meals include vegetable-loaded pasta, lentil dal with rice, and hearty soups. She emphasizes focusing on whole foods like legumes, grains, and vegetables while minimizing processed ingredients: "The moment you add tortilla chips, wraps, or processed condiments, you've just tripled the calories."
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Make Breakfast Automatic
"I've eaten oats almost every day for the past five years," Chelsea shares. "Sometimes I get sick of them, but I eat them anyway because they're reliable and satisfying." She recommends using a full cup of oats, adding protein powder for flavor and muscle support, and topping with fruit and flax seeds. This consistent breakfast habit eliminates decision fatigue and starts your day with stable energy.
Track Your Progress Daily
"Daily weighing isn't bad for your mental health—it's about data, not worth," Chelsea emphasizes. She points to studies showing that people who weigh themselves daily during holidays tend to lose weight, while those who don't often gain. "After thousands of weigh-ins, it's just information that helps me stay on track."
Transform Your Flavoring Strategy
Rather than relying on high-calorie dressings, Chelsea suggests flavorful alternatives. "I mix hummus with lemon juice, use soy sauce or barbecue sauce on vegetables, and focus on simple seasonings," she explains. "Put in a tiny bit of effort upfront, and your taste buds will adjust to enjoy simpler flavors."
Move More Without Exercise
Chelsea intentionally creates opportunities for natural movement: using a walking treadmill desk, parking far from destinations, and choosing active hobbies like skating. "This isn't about formal exercise," she explains. "It's about naturally increasing your daily movement so you can eat more and still lose weight."
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Embrace Imperfect Progress
"We expect failure. We expect that we're going to muck it up," Chelsea says about her 'fail faster' mindset. Rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis or giving up after setbacks, she encourages taking action and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. "This mindset shift was vital for my success. It's about becoming someone who consistently takes action and bounces back quickly." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
