10 Hacks That Helped This Mom Lose 40 Pounds While "Eating Potatoes Every Day"
Struggling with weight loss while trying to eat healthy? You're not alone. Chelsea Mae knows this frustration firsthand. Like many, she spent years convinced her metabolism was broken, trying diet after diet without success. But everything changed when this New Zealand mom discovered a counterintuitive approach: eating more of specific foods, including daily potatoes. After losing 40 pounds and keeping it off for six years, she's sharing the practical strategies that finally worked. Here's how you can use these same principles to transform your own journey.
Start With the Most Filling Food: Potatoes
"Potatoes have the highest satiety index of any food," Chelsea explains in her post. "Four or five boiled potatoes are only about 500 calories, while a single serving of ice cream can pack 1,600 calories." She recommends incorporating potatoes into at least one meal daily, whether white or sweet varieties.
Load Up on Non-Starchy Vegetables
"Non-starchy vegetables are just 100 calories per pound," Chelsea shares. She suggests splitting a pound between lunch and dinner, focusing on nutrient-rich options like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. This high-volume approach naturally reduces cravings.
Ditch the Cooking Oils
"Most people unknowingly consume thousands of extra calories weekly through oils," Chelsea reveals. She uses baking paper, water for sautéing, or an air fryer instead. While healthy fats matter, she emphasizes that refined oils aren't the optimal source.
Simplify Your Meal Prep
Chelsea advocates for a 20-minute weekly system: "I just roast potatoes and prepare tofu with seasonings. When I run out, I prep more – it's that simple." This rolling approach ensures healthy options are always ready.
Master Three Core Dinner Recipes
"Choose three to four main dinner recipes that are easily modified for weight loss," Chelsea advises. Her staples include vegetable-loaded pasta, lentil dal, and hearty soups – all featuring potatoes and vegetables as the base.
Make Oats Your Morning Ritual
"I've eaten oats almost every day for the past five years," Chelsea shares. She recommends adding protein powder or natural sweeteners like banana, plus fruits and seeds for a satisfying breakfast that prevents mid-morning cravings.
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Track Your Progress Daily
"Daily weighing isn't about judgment – it's about data," Chelsea emphasizes. Studies show that people who weigh themselves daily are more successful at maintaining weight loss, using the information to adjust habits as needed.
Rethink Your Sauces
Chelsea keeps it simple: "Instead of calorie-heavy dressings, I use hummus, lemon juice, or hot sauce." When buying prepared sauces, she recommends options under 60 calories per tablespoon.
Build Natural Movement Into Your Day
"Make movement easy and automatic," Chelsea suggests. She uses a walking treadmill desk, parks farther from destinations, and has taken up skating. These small changes add up to significant calorie burning over time.
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Embrace the 'Fail Faster' Philosophy
"Expect setbacks and learn from them quickly," Chelsea advises. Rather than seeking perfection, she encourages taking action and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. This mindset shift has been crucial for her long-term success. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.