Let’s be real: when you Google someone who’s big in the 4X4 scene, you expect to see search results about epic tracks, crazy mods, and maybe a few cringey old photos. But imagine Pat’s surprise when the most-searched topic for him wasn’t about off-road adventures—it was about weight loss!
Turns out Pat’s been on quite the journey, shedding about 30kgs over the past few years. Now, he’s no dietician or hardcore fitness guru—he’s just a bloke who loves getting out in the bush. But the difference in his energy levels on and off the tracks has been massive. Let’s dive into how he did it and why it might be something to think about next time you’re packing up the rig for a weekend escape.
More Energy for the Good Stuff
If you’ve ever come back from a long trip, you know the drill: clearing out the fridge, tidying up the drawers, chucking the recovery gear in the garage. It’s that last little chore that always feels like a mountain to climb—especially after an eight-hour drive home.
Pat reckons it used to wipe him out. He’d leave the cleanup for the next day, no questions asked. But since dropping the weight, he gets home with enough energy to knock out the chores right away. He’s also far more inclined to get off his backside and head out on a hike to see that waterfall you can’t drive right up to. That’s a huge win for someone who used to shrug off the idea of an extra walk at the end of a long day.
The Secret Sauce: 80% Diet, 20% Exercise
We hear it all the time: diet and exercise go hand in hand. But for Pat, the game-changer was focusing on what he ate first. He’ll tell you point-blank: if you’re pushing 50 (or even if you’re not), pure exercise alone might not cut it.
- Cut Down on Junk – No more smashing back iced coffees or tucking into big greasy burgers every second day. Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good feed—just be smart about it.
- Watch the Hidden Calories – “Diet” drinks might seem like a good idea, but Pat found they made him hungrier, as if his body was expecting sugar but never got it.
- Meal Prep is King – Pre-cook meals and freeze them. When you’re out camping, just defrost, heat, and enjoy. Easy, nutritious, and way cheaper than stopping for servo snacks every five minutes.
Daily Habits: Start Your Day on the Right Foot
Pat’s a big believer in the power of a morning routine. He’ll often go for a quick walk first thing, whether he’s at home or at a campsite. It sets the tone for the day—if you start off feeling good, you’re far less likely to grab junk food for brekkie that’ll only show up as more weight later.
Cold plunges and saunas are another little trick up his sleeve. Now, you don’t need to build yourself a Scandinavian-style sauna in the backyard, but if you happen to be camped near an alpine creek or a chilly river, consider taking a quick dip. Pat swears by that immediate rush of endorphins and the fact that your body burns a bit more energy reheating itself. Is it for everyone? Maybe not—but if you’re game, it’s worth a crack.
Enlist Some Professional Backup
Going it alone on a weight loss journey can be tough—especially if you’re often off the grid. Pat suggests chatting with a healthcare pro, whether it’s your usual GP or a telehealth service. Pat’s recently been using a company called hub.health, they’re a telehealth service that provides access to Australian-registered healthcare professionals—including GPs and nurse practitioners—for a range of health concerns, whether at home or in remote locations.
When you’re exploring the outback or camping off-grid, the nearest clinic could be hundreds of kilometers away. hub.health offers virtual consultations from wherever you are, making it easier to access expert healthcare advice without having to cut your trip short. If a hub.health doctor determines a prescription is appropriate, your medication can be delivered wherever you are—so you can stay focused on the journey ahead.
It might feel a bit weird talking to a doc on a sat phone in the ‘Simmo, but hey, better that than ignoring potential health issues. Getting professional advice also helps you tweak your diet and exercise plan to suit your body and lifestyle, so you’re not just winging it with random online tips.
The Payoff: A Better Off-Road Life
So, what’s in it for you if you follow Pat’s lead? For starters, more energy to do the stuff you actually want to do—like exploring that hidden waterfall or setting up camp without feeling wrecked. You’ll likely recover faster after big days behind the wheel, and it might even make those nerve-wracking rock climbs feel a little less daunting when you’re not huffing and puffing to catch your breath.
Plus, if you’re thinking long-term, keeping your weight in check pays off in spades for your overall health. And a healthier you means more epic 4X4 adventures down the track—no pun intended.
Final Thoughts
Pat’s journey isn’t about crash diets or random fads to drop the weight—it’s about making smarter choices day in and day out, so you’ve got the energy to do what you really love: getting out there and exploring. If you’re keen to see some positive changes in your own life—whether that’s shedding a few kilos or just boosting your stamina for the next big trip—take a leaf out of Pat’s book. Focus on your food, get moving in the mornings, and don’t be afraid to jump on a telehealth consult if you need a bit of guidance.
After all, we’re all in this for the adventure. Might as well be in top form to enjoy every single moment—on or off the beaten track.
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