What if we told you there’s a way to lose weight without starving yourself, denying your cravings, or following yet another restrictive fad diet? That’s exactly what Brittany McCrystal, an office worker from New Zealand, proved when she dropped 20kg in just nine months—while still enjoying her favorite foods like tacos, burgers, and sweet treats.

The Turning Point: From Struggling with Health to Finding Balance
Brittany, now 29, spent much of her twenties leading a sedentary lifestyle as a travel agent. Behind a desk all day, she often relied on takeaway meals and enjoyed plenty of alcohol. Her health took a hit, and at just 23, Brittany was struggling with low energy and constant dissatisfaction with her body. She was stuck in a cycle of fad diets, shakes, and juice cleanses—nothing seemed to work long-term.

“I was miserable,” she said. “I would hide beneath baggy T-shirts and never feel confident in anything I wore. I was constantly tired and just couldn't keep up with daily activities. But I knew I had to do something to change."

Overcoming the Diet Culture
Brittany’s journey to weight loss wasn’t about following the latest fad. In fact, she learned the hard way that relying on extreme methods, like keto, made her relationship with food even worse. For a while, she thought carbs and sugar were the enemy. But as she reached her lowest weight of 54kg, she realized that being smaller didn’t necessarily equal happiness.

“I was focused solely on the number on the scale,” she explained. “But I realized that the real issue wasn’t my weight—it was how I treated my body and the food I ate.”

Brittany finally understood that weight loss needed to be about more than just quick fixes. It was about making lasting lifestyle changes that supported both her physical and mental well-being.

The 80/20 Rule: A Game Changer
The key to Brittany’s success was the 80/20 rule. Instead of cutting out all her favorite foods, she focused on eating 80% whole, nutrient-dense foods and allowed herself 20% for indulgences, within reason. This flexible approach helped her develop a balanced relationship with food, without guilt or shame.

“I didn’t want to give up the things I loved,” Brittany said. “So, I started making small swaps to my meals—lower-calorie, higher-protein versions of my favorites. And it worked.”

Getting Creative in the Kitchen
As an avid cook and self-proclaimed foodie, Brittany started experimenting in the kitchen. She swapped high-calorie ingredients for healthier alternatives, making delicious yet nutritious versions of her favorite dishes.

Her healthy day on a plate looks something like this:

Breakfast:

• Coffee
• Crispy Mexican egg tacos
• Healthier version of eggs benedict
• Banana choc chip oat pancakes
• Baked oats
• Overnight oats

Lunch:

• Homemade meals such as:Soba noodle chicken bowl
• Poke bowl
• Non-boring salad
• Chicken wrap
• Sandwich

Snack:

• High-protein loaded yogurt bowl
• Homemade banana bread
• Banana Snickers bar

Dinner:

• High-protein nachos
• Healthy 'fakeaway' McChicken burger
• Pasta
• Anything Asian cuisine-inspired

Brittany’s snacks are equally as indulgent yet healthy, including homemade banana bread and mini Biscoff cheesecakes.

“I love to enjoy my food,” she said. “But I make sure I’m always adjusting the ingredients to suit my goals. That way, I don’t feel deprived.”

Walking, Strength, and Consistency
To complement her healthier eating, Brittany started walking 10,000 steps a day and gradually introduced strength training into her routine. But the real secret? She stopped obsessing over a rigid gym schedule and focused on consistency instead.

“I didn’t step foot into a gym until I had lost about 10kg,” she revealed. “It was all about moving more, eating better, and getting into a calorie deficit.”

A Sustainable Approach to Success
Brittany’s transformation didn’t happen overnight, but with patience, small tweaks to her diet, and a commitment to moving more, she lost 20kg in nine months—and she’s maintained it ever since. Today, she works as an online health and fitness coach, helping others realize that sustainable weight loss doesn’t come from magic pills or extreme diets—it comes from making smarter choices.

“Don’t give up on your goals,” Brittany said. “You are worthy no matter what size you are. It’s not about the number on the scale. It’s about how you feel inside and out.”

Her journey is a testament to the power of moderation, self-compassion, and creating a lifestyle that works for YOU. So, are you ready to start your own health journey—with room for tacos and burgers along the way?

Brittany’s Healthy “Fakeaway” McChicken Burger Recipe:

• 400g lean ground chicken
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne (optional)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup corn flakes (blended)
• Low-calorie, high-protein burger buns
• 1 tbsp light mayo per burger
• Lettuce for serving

Instructions:

• Mix the ground chicken with half of the spices.
• Form the mixture into 4 patties.
• Coat each patty with the cornflake mixture.
• Air fry at 180°C for 10 minutes.
• Assemble with buns, mayo, chicken, and lettuce.

At just 295 calories per burger and 43g of protein, you can enjoy a guilt-free version of a fast food favorite!

So why wait? Start making small, sustainable changes today and see how Brittany’s approach can work for you—without giving up the foods you love.