Weight loss story: "I had steamed veggies and fruits daily to lose weight"

21-year-old Aishwarya Rajendran was never conscious about her eating habits and soon became overweight. Self-esteem and body image issues followed through and it drove her to a point of depression and withdrawal. Never did she think that it would be the same rage and inner conflict which ultimately drove her to make changes and get fitter for better.

Name: Aishwarya Rajendran

Occupation: Student

Age: 21

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

City: Puducherry

Highest weight recorded: 70 kilos

Weight lost: 13 kilos

Duration it took me to lose weight: 3 months

I have been overweight ever since I was in my teen years. I was obsessed with having junk food. Like most kids, I didn't take it seriously at first but over time, not only had I put on weight, but I had started to completely dislike myself. I felt so lazy and disinterested. Later I realized that being overweight had also impacted my health. I felt depressed and isolated from everyone. It was the rage that had built up inside me, the depression which actually turned into my biggest motivation. I started slowly. I was consistent and never gave up. I went from 69kg to 57kg in just three months. I've lost 12kg. I've gained my confidence.

The important part is to not restrict foods but maintain a calorie deficit to lose weight which means you should be burning more calories than you eat. This is the only theory actually worked out for me. So here's a sample of the meals I took on an average day:

My breakfast: 2-3 idlis with chutney or sambar (1 bowl)

My lunch: Small portion of rice with steamed veggies

Snacks: Any fruit whatever is available

My dinner: Usually two chapatis with dal or one dosa.

Pre-workout meal: Just simple water

Post-workout meal: Nothing specific, but if I am hungry, I grab a fruit.

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): Junk food was what landed me in the terrible situation before so I avoided it completely. I had homemade meals and made good swaps to cut down on calories.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Idlis with chutney

This is a simple diet and it's worked for me but it differs for each person. You can add healthy and less calorie food items to this diet and change this according to your convenience. The important thing is to be in a calorie deficit.

If you want to lose weight like me, aim to exercise for 1.5-2 hours each day. Every day I woke up at 5.30 am, went to a badminton club and in the evening I went to the gym for one hour. This really worked well for me.

Fitness secrets I unveiled: A diet without a workout is not going to work out. You have to pay attention to both aspects to lose weight in a good, healthy manner and manage to sustain it.

You have to first find passion within you to succeed. Second, for me, what worked is that I worked out, did exercises that I liked doing and it didn't feel like a chore. So, find out what's interesting for you and do that. It doesn't really matter what kind of exercise you're doing but when you're done you should be drenched in sweat.

How do you ensure you don’t lose focus? Before starting the weight loss journey one should mentally prepare themselves. You have to be positive and surround yourself with positive people. Through my journey, even if I am able to motivate one person, that would make all the difference. With this goal in mind, I do not deviate myself.

Weight gain and health challenges also impose mental difficulties and challenges. My depression and isolation drove me to get fitter.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? Definitely being healthier, and being an inspiration for many weight-watchers.

What are the lifestyle changes you made? I cut down on having junk food, started to have a lot of water and prioritized my sleep. That is very important too. Remain consistent with your workout as well.

What was the lowest point for you? The fact that I looked different, older than my age and was at the risk of encountering health issues.

Do not lose weight to impress others, but to impress yourself. We store the biggest motivation within ourselves.

Prioritize your health, we are nothing without our health. Exercise daily, not just for weight loss but just to be healthy. Remember, there's more to life.

Most of all, you should be happy and if you are not, what purpose will a change bring to you? That is really the bottom line. Be positive and determined.

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

DISCLAIMER

These views are not generic in nature. What worked for the writer may not work for you. So avoid following this article blindly. Find out what works for your body.