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The Beginning is Sh*t: An Unapologetic Weight Loss Memoir
120.3kg. No way! I feel the urge to vomit.
I knew I was over the 100kg mark but 120.3kg! Holy hell.
I fight the urge to run from the room and do a Maccas drive thru run. How has it come to this?
According to the record book I am trying to read without anyone looking over my shoulder, I need to lose 52kg to be considered healthy. 52! My best friend doesn't even weigh that much!
I need to lose a whole person?!
My urge to quit before I even start is strong. The leader once again materialises beside me. Perhaps she could sense my impending bolt, and she gently touches me on the arm. "This is the last time you will see that number. It's just a starting point. You are here for a reason. Remember that, and let's go and take a seat and get started."
The leader was wrong. This wasn't the last time Suzanne would see that number. This would be neither her final weight loss attempt, nor the highest number the scale would reflect back to her.
The Beginning is Sh*t is the heart wrenching and inspiring true story of a woman desperate to achieve a healthy and comfortable weight, her frustration with the many diets she endures, and the ultimate discovery that leads her to release 78kg and maintain her current weight of 72kg. With no holds barred, Suzanne shares her story with humour and grace, inspiring us all to see what might be possible with determination and a willingness to look for answers in unexpected places.
I knew I was over the 100kg mark but 120.3kg! Holy hell.
I fight the urge to run from the room and do a Maccas drive thru run. How has it come to this?
According to the record book I am trying to read without anyone looking over my shoulder, I need to lose 52kg to be considered healthy. 52! My best friend doesn't even weigh that much!
I need to lose a whole person?!
My urge to quit before I even start is strong. The leader once again materialises beside me. Perhaps she could sense my impending bolt, and she gently touches me on the arm. "This is the last time you will see that number. It's just a starting point. You are here for a reason. Remember that, and let's go and take a seat and get started."
The leader was wrong. This wasn't the last time Suzanne would see that number. This would be neither her final weight loss attempt, nor the highest number the scale would reflect back to her.
The Beginning is Sh*t is the heart wrenching and inspiring true story of a woman desperate to achieve a healthy and comfortable weight, her frustration with the many diets she endures, and the ultimate discovery that leads her to release 78kg and maintain her current weight of 72kg. With no holds barred, Suzanne shares her story with humour and grace, inspiring us all to see what might be possible with determination and a willingness to look for answers in unexpected places.
- GenresNonfiction
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2021
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
suzanne culberg
1 book2 followersSuzanne Culberg is an international mindset
coach for women seeking weight loss based in Sydney, Australia. She believes
that women often gain too much weight themselves because they give too much
help to others. They over-eat because they over-give. Suzanne’s passion for
helping women is fueled by her own weight loss journey, going from 150kg to
maintaining the healthy 72kg she is now.
Suzanne lives with her husband Jeremy and her
two young children who keep her both busy and entertained. When she’s not
coaching her clients, running her programs, sharing her latest bit of wisdom on
Facebook Live, podcasting or writing her popular newsletter, she can be found
reading, enjoying Diamond Dotz, or burlesque dancing. She is also a big fan of
yoga.
coach for women seeking weight loss based in Sydney, Australia. She believes
that women often gain too much weight themselves because they give too much
help to others. They over-eat because they over-give. Suzanne’s passion for
helping women is fueled by her own weight loss journey, going from 150kg to
maintaining the healthy 72kg she is now.
Suzanne lives with her husband Jeremy and her
two young children who keep her both busy and entertained. When she’s not
coaching her clients, running her programs, sharing her latest bit of wisdom on
Facebook Live, podcasting or writing her popular newsletter, she can be found
reading, enjoying Diamond Dotz, or burlesque dancing. She is also a big fan of
yoga.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 24, 2021
So easy to read and yet so unforgettable
After reading that potent prequel, I just needed to devour it. I finished reading this book in two quick sittings.
Suzanne wrote her life story in very simple English, without any flowery descriptions, and yet, I felt strongly connected to all that she wrote. Her story is so alive!
Though she's so honest about her deepest struggles with her weight and the drama wrapped around it, it doesn't feel like a rant. It feels so therapeutic and liberating and grounded, especially when she shares the reality after the happily ever after.
You don't want to miss this.
Thank you for writing your story so courageously, Suzanne. I'm truly honored to get to read it the way you described it.
With immense gratitude,
Bingz
After reading that potent prequel, I just needed to devour it. I finished reading this book in two quick sittings.
Suzanne wrote her life story in very simple English, without any flowery descriptions, and yet, I felt strongly connected to all that she wrote. Her story is so alive!
Though she's so honest about her deepest struggles with her weight and the drama wrapped around it, it doesn't feel like a rant. It feels so therapeutic and liberating and grounded, especially when she shares the reality after the happily ever after.
You don't want to miss this.
Thank you for writing your story so courageously, Suzanne. I'm truly honored to get to read it the way you described it.
With immense gratitude,
Bingz
May 3, 2022
I am someone who relates to this book so much its crazy. Still I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Is it a good story? Sure! Are the struggles the author has gone through relatable? Absolutely! However, I guess I expected the book to be funny. I title and the cover kind of gave me that vibe. It wasn't funny. There were some moments of levity, however the story was very matter of fact, moving from one point to the other. Again, I could relate, and maybe I just didn't want to.
Congratulations to the author on her weight loss. That part is truly amazing, but as someone who has read every "lifestyle change" book, and tried most of the same things she has, it's just another success story in the sea of failures. I did love that it was short and easy to read.
Congratulations to the author on her weight loss. That part is truly amazing, but as someone who has read every "lifestyle change" book, and tried most of the same things she has, it's just another success story in the sea of failures. I did love that it was short and easy to read.
September 27, 2021
I flew through this book - the chatty, conversational style makes it really engaging and enjoyable to read. Very honest and real, but with a good splash of humour. Great book for anyone who has had a lifelong battle with something (not just weight), and wants to see what it looks like to try and fail and try and fail and try and fail and eventually find your way. I need to skim read this a second time and make a list of the mindset/motivational quotes scattered throughout - there are some really good ones I've never heard before!
November 24, 2021
This is an easy to read memoir about a woman who has struggled with weight issues since childhood.
Many of the authors pervasive thoughts and patterns around weight and weight-loss, I too can relate with.... family diet anyone? My jaw dropped with some of the incidents she relayed, like being bullied by her peers and her complaints falling on deaf ears at medical school or dieting so her school uniform would fit after the school holidays.
I see the author is now a coach and is now helping other women break the weight loss and gain cycle that she has found ways to free herself from. This book sets the foundation for more books to come about weightloss and mindset.
Many of the authors pervasive thoughts and patterns around weight and weight-loss, I too can relate with.... family diet anyone? My jaw dropped with some of the incidents she relayed, like being bullied by her peers and her complaints falling on deaf ears at medical school or dieting so her school uniform would fit after the school holidays.
I see the author is now a coach and is now helping other women break the weight loss and gain cycle that she has found ways to free herself from. This book sets the foundation for more books to come about weightloss and mindset.
January 24, 2022
Raw. Real. Relatable. Suzanne shares her struggles with food, weight, exercise-related injuries etc in her straight-talk, humorous, intelligently written and heart-warming book. There were times when I wanted to reach out and give her a big hug because hell yes the struggle is real! A relatable account of yo-yo habits but inspiring too to see the result of self-acceptance, mindset shift and consistency.
April 27, 2022
Suzanne tells a story that is so relatable, it's scary. I had to keep reading (devoured it in two quick sittings) to learn how she finally said no to diets, and how she learned to love herself and be her truth. And it sounds easy to say no to diets....but then what? How do you become the best version of you? How do you find peace with however you cope with life's ups and downs? Do yourself a favour and read Suzanne's story.
I have to be honest, I hesitated to read this book initially, because I knew it was going to tell my truth as well, and it can be scary to see it in black and white. But I'm so glad I read it.
Thank you Suzanne for sharing your story. You have so much wisdom to share and I'm so glad you're part of my life journey. Can't wait for the next book 😊
I have to be honest, I hesitated to read this book initially, because I knew it was going to tell my truth as well, and it can be scary to see it in black and white. But I'm so glad I read it.
Thank you Suzanne for sharing your story. You have so much wisdom to share and I'm so glad you're part of my life journey. Can't wait for the next book 😊
November 8, 2021
A courageously yet conversationally told story. Like a juicy conversation where you stay up all night at a pyjama party with your bestie.
Great writing style and food for thought, pun intended!
Great writing style and food for thought, pun intended!
May 26, 2022
Having met the author at a retreat (no not the fat camp) I wanted to show support by purchasing a
signed copy. I was pleasantly surprised to receive the package in the mail only days later. The message on the inside front cover (as requested) and her children's signature brought a smile to my face before I'd even commenced.
It was a sunny afternoon so I thought I'd make a start whilst lounging on the hammock. Before long my eyes were straining as the sun went down. I moved to the couch and continued another chapter and then another and another. It's one of those easy to read, relatable books that feels like you're cuddling up with a familiar friend under a soft blanket. I was surprised by some stories, saddened by others. I laughed at my own similar experiences of seeking "the thing" and sympathised with her back pain struggles and the roller coaster ride in general. I appreciated the raw account of childbirth and surgery. It builds to a crescendo that shows we are humans - flaws and all.
signed copy. I was pleasantly surprised to receive the package in the mail only days later. The message on the inside front cover (as requested) and her children's signature brought a smile to my face before I'd even commenced.
It was a sunny afternoon so I thought I'd make a start whilst lounging on the hammock. Before long my eyes were straining as the sun went down. I moved to the couch and continued another chapter and then another and another. It's one of those easy to read, relatable books that feels like you're cuddling up with a familiar friend under a soft blanket. I was surprised by some stories, saddened by others. I laughed at my own similar experiences of seeking "the thing" and sympathised with her back pain struggles and the roller coaster ride in general. I appreciated the raw account of childbirth and surgery. It builds to a crescendo that shows we are humans - flaws and all.
August 1, 2025
I loved this book.
Suzanne is very honest about her weight as well as her situation. She basically wrote a book that could easily describe me, minus the kids and all the crying.
Seriously, what is up with all that crying? getting angry, I get, feeling frustrated, scared.....all valid, but the crying on every other page was the one thing I found annoying.
I also question the roles her family, hubby, and friends have in her life. They are basically rarely mentioned, and at one point, I seriously thought she had divorced and chose not to tell us.
Bottom line, loved the honesty. I totally loved the pace of this book, and I totally identified.
Suzanne is very honest about her weight as well as her situation. She basically wrote a book that could easily describe me, minus the kids and all the crying.
Seriously, what is up with all that crying? getting angry, I get, feeling frustrated, scared.....all valid, but the crying on every other page was the one thing I found annoying.
I also question the roles her family, hubby, and friends have in her life. They are basically rarely mentioned, and at one point, I seriously thought she had divorced and chose not to tell us.
Bottom line, loved the honesty. I totally loved the pace of this book, and I totally identified.
July 14, 2025
Phenomenal read
As someone who is struggling with a lifelong weight problem, this book truly resonated with me. Suzanne is an excellent writer and storyteller who draws you in, I highly recommend
As someone who is struggling with a lifelong weight problem, this book truly resonated with me. Suzanne is an excellent writer and storyteller who draws you in, I highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews