Weight loss story: “I focus on eating more protein and less carbs to lose weight”

Himani Khera struggled with weight gain and over time, became prone to many health issues. She suffered from an ovarian cyst and was diagnosed with PCOD at the same time. But before things could get worse, she braced herself up and decided to begin her fitness journey. By making necessary changes in her lifestyle, diet and workout routine, he finally achieved her weight loss goals. Here’s her story:

Also read: Weight loss story: “Having protein-rich breakfast and doing resistance training helped me lose 46 kilos”

Name: Himani Khera

Occupation: Corporate Communications

Age: 34

Height: 5"3

City: New Delhi

Highest weight recorded: 90

Weight lost: 29

Duration it took me to lose weight: 1 year 4 months approx

Gaining weight gives light to many health issues. When I discovered that I was suffering from an ovarian cyst and had PCOD, it was then that I decided to start my fitness journey. I chose not to wait any longer since there was a possibility of the cyst turning into cancer.

My breakfast: 2 brown breads with crumbled eggs with one cup of milk with moderate sugar. Dalia or macaronis with veggies at times.

My lunch: I had a protein-based diet. Either it's dal and roti along with any seasonal vegetables.

Protein shakes thrice a week during lunch hours.

My dinner: I had a low carb diet, which was a mix of sprouts sauteed in normal vegetable oil along or at times with besan chilla and hari chutney. I always make a point to avoid high carbs during dinner.

Pre-workout meal: A banana or any high protein snack or at times, a shot of 300 GMs of protein shake.

Post- workout meal: Boiled eggs or besan chilla or brown bread sandwich stuffed with cucumber or any seasonal vegetables

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): I rarely cheat on my meal, but when I do, I love to gorge on garlic bread and my favorite white sauce pasta

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Sugar free brownies made with whole wheat.

My workout routine mainly consists of 30 minutes of cardio along with 45-50 minutes of weight training and self exercise.

As long as you are physically active, you'll never be unhealthy. Secondly, it's absolutely okay to workout in your own set of time and duration. Never force yourself to a level where you feel any discomfort.

How do I stay motivated?: I stay motivated when people who have seen me at my 90 kgs tell me that I'm a role model to them and when I see that I'm medically fit with no health issues.

How do you ensure you don’t lose focus?: I see my old pictures and my old health reports.

People’s judgement and remarks bothered me the most when I was overweight. Apart from that, health problems took a toll on me.

What was the lowest point for you?: The lowest point for me was when I was told I can never be fit in my life and that I wouldn't be able to achieve my weight loss target and the only future people see for me is touching the scale of 100 kgs.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line?: I don't pre-define any shape or size. All I wish is to stay motivated and focused.

I avoid a sedentary lifestyle which was the biggest reason for my being overweight in the past and I absolutely avoid eating a high carb and high sugar diet.

Lessons learnt from weight loss: There's no defined time or day when you choose to transform yourself into a healthy living being.

If you have a weight loss story to share, send it to us at toi.health1@gmail.com

These views are not generic in nature. Weight loss results vary for individuals and the views shared in this article offer no guarantee of specific results. The content is not intended in any way as a substitute for professional advice.