Lifestyle Blog | Weight loss & Fitness Goals

Being a happier version of myself!- My weight loss journey

Hi Everyone!
Welcome back to a brand new blog post where I'm going to document about something I've been working on with my heart and soul. This is my first lifestyle blog post and I really hope to inspire or motivate you guys by the end of it.
So a while ago I shared some details of my weight loss journey so far on my snapchat and a lot of you girls were curious and asked me to share my story in a video or a blog post.
So here I am with a bunch of in depth details that'll also help you to lose weight the real way.

Background:



I was always a plump kid, one on the healthier side with bulging arms, thunder thighs, muffin tops & chubby cheeks, always unhappy with my appearance but to be honest all I wanted to do about it was nothing. When you're already out of shape & puberty strikes, your body goes through a lot of changes and I wasn't spared either from any of it!

In the year 2012, when I was in 12th standard, we were supposed to dress up as teachers wearing a saree for Teachers Day Celebrations. Long story short, I was terrified of showing my very unflattering pot belly so I finally thought of joining Dance Aerobics classes near my locality, I had 3 or 4 months left to "look good" for the big day.

OH THE PUBERTY!

The methods adopted by me back in 2012 were so wrong, diet according to me was not eating at all, I used to believe that if I don't eat and starve myself- my body will start burning the extra accumulated fat when I go for aerobics workout daily. This ridiculously silly perception was based on all my google research and of course, lack of common sense.

TEACHERS DAY 2012

Did I lose weight? Yes- I was 58.5 kg when I joined the regime and was 53 kg ( with several inches lost) in 3 months. My body was toned and ready to rock that saree, all of those compliments and attention were enough to prove that my starvation was worth it.

Reality Check:

Many people think that one of the easiest way to lose weight is to simple- not eat. This is a terrible idea not only because it doesn’t work but also because it can lead to some very serious health problems. By the end of it all I was 53 kg female with low blood pressure, weakness & regular pain in nerves, migraine, nerve cramps and imbalance in some of my hormones. 

What happened next came as a big shock to me, going to a bunch of doctors for my health issues I was enlightened by the fact that starving yourself to lose weight only reduces your water weight ( fluids absorbed by the body to replenish itself ) which can return just as fast as you lost it in the first place, as soon as you start to eat again.

I used to think that my body is using up the extra fat stored while I starve myself, but in reality- not eating will cause your body to automatically go into what is known as starvation mode. Your body realizes it is not getting enough nourishment so it begins storing fat as a defense. So as you are not eating to lose weight your body is actually retaining more fat cells.

Giving a brief story on what I did next, I switched back to my regular eating routine, with all the health issues I was advised not to diet anymore and be on proper medication. Soon I gave up the idea of the whole slim and skinny look and indulged myself in a lot of junk food and binge eating ( reason being stress caused by studies, pressure and other girl problems )

From May 2013 to May 2016 

Food ( apart from fashion ) had become my one true soulmate. I ate anything and everything, I knew I was gaining weight when my clothes did not fit me that well, and Oh God my arms seemed to be the most hideous part of my body. When I started fashion blogging in July 2015, I was immature as well as amateur to not realize the industry I was getting into, being in the business where your presentation and content is everything- I felt low on confidence as I was unhappy and immensely conscious with the way I looked. I was so insecure that I did not even weigh myself for good 3 years.

I truly appreciate those who can accept themselves the way they are - dark, light, skinny, healthy, fat or obese. But without being diplomatic I have no shame in confessing that I'm not one of those who are content with what they have or what they are, either I'm too ignorant to acknowledge that my habits are leading me towards a bad phase- those were the 3 years I wasted, or I am a complete fireball to strive and change whats wrong- what I'm about to tell you next.

Changing Point:



Nothing to explain too much, one fine day- April 2016- I weighed myself and I had crossed the boundaries of 60s and went far ahead to 68 kg - Yes, 70s were not that far away.
Contemplating on the bad decisions I knew it was time to get back at it again. Those wasted 3 years had taught me many other lessons on different scenarios that now I was able to overcome the shock of gaining 15 kg in 3 years. I was not that young girl from 2012, this time I knew better, I made sure not to starve myself and make a realistic plan that I can follow as a lifestyle- not for a short period of time and give it up later. To eat right and workout at home as I can't afford, or rely on gym & aerobics forever.
I was fascinated with fashion & beauty youtubers and searched for various fitness youtubers when I came across this inspiring personality- Joanna Soh

She is Asia's #1 fitness youtuber and has the most motivating videos for us girls, the way she performs workouts and talks you through all the steps, asks you to push for one more is truly amazing. She has such a great impact that I've converted into this fan girl now- who can never skip watching & exercising with her (on virtual level though) regularly.
She guides you like a mentor in some of her videos on how to stay motivated, how to make your at-home workout plans, and some really yummy yet healthy Asian meals and detox teas.

My Plan:

Diet: Knowing better this time I just pledged to just eat home cooked food, not skipping on my mom's rotis with ghee or any fried pakoras. On watching Joanna's videos I learned to give myself the liberty of a cheat meal (Not a day- a meal). One big fat meal- Once a week! So as I worked out I was also excited to decide which meal I'm going to try this Sunday(my cheat day)


Tips: 
1. Just keep in mind to avoid aerated drinks and eat as many veggies as you can- I eat my special little salad everyday that feels full.
2. Try and distinguish between hunger and cravings. When you’re hungry, you'll want any type of food. When you experience a craving, it’s for a specific food- which is not what your body needs- just a false alarm from your greedy taste buds. This specifically happens to me while I'm on my period. Some people crave for sweets, some for anything spicy.
I'm linking two video for you from Joanna's channel that helped me during the initial stages of my healthy diet plan-
> Combat Period Cravings
> How to Stop Overeating
3. Its the best way to lose weight, please drink lots and lots of water- this will not only keep your tummy full, but will also get rid of any kind of swollen body parts that make you feel fat due to water retention. Also, drinking water is the easiest way to healthy hair & skin!
4. This by far is the most crucial step, dissect your diet potions- have a heavy breakfast ( wholesome & nutritive ) a normal lunch and a light dinner. Have dinner at least 3 or 4 hours before you sleep. I have dinner at 8 as I sleep at 11.

WORKOUT:

I made a plan for myself to workout on specific areas of my body where I have more fat and want to cut it down. I included triceps exercises on an everyday basis, and also worked on my thighs and calves.
Before starting, please do warm up first, to get your body ready for an intense workout and a total body stretch after the workout, so that you don't end up with sore muscles the other day. Sore muscle problem happen a lot to me, so much so that I'm not able to move the other day- full body stretches are tried and tested by me- they have helped me to carry on my routine on a regular basis. I cannot explain how important these two steps are.
I workout for about 30 minutes for 6 days in a week and have seen great results which I'll share at the end of this post.

So here is my workout routine:

Monday- WARMUP
Dance inspired cardio
Total Body Stretches

Tuesday- WARMUP
4minute ARMS
4minue ABS
4minute LEGS
STRETCHES
Wednesday- WARMUP
4minute ARMS ( Switch it with any 4-minute exercise that is your problem area,
mine are my triceps)
Sculpted Inner thighs, legs & bums
STRETCHES

Thursday- WARMUP
4minute ARMS ( Switch it with any 4-minute exercise that is your problem area,
mine are my triceps)
Slim curvy waistline
Get rid of saddle bags ( outer hip fat )
STRETCHES

Friday- WARMUP
4minute ARMS ( Switch it with any 4-minute exercise that is your problem area,
mine are my triceps)
5 best calf slimming
Toned Butt
STRETCHES

Saturday- WARMUP
4minute ARMS ( Switch it with any 4-minute exercise that is your problem area,
mine are my triceps)
4 week slim down challenge
STRETCHES

SUNDAY- REST & 1 CHEAT MEAL


You can check out her channel to make your own workout plan if you want. The above plan has worked best for me. I started this lifestyle on 1st May 2016 and after 4 months ( Present: August 2016) I can proudly say that I have lost 7 kg
I am currently at 61 kg when I did not even exercise the whole month of July. My weight is stable and I plan to be back to my ultimate goal 53 kg ( which is the weight apt according to my BMI- Body Mass Index ) 

And the struggle is still on!

It is very important to set a realistic goal for yourself that will not only help you look good according to the desired perception of your body but will also benefit you in a longer run to be healthy and away from any kind of diseases caused by unhealthy lifestyle.

If you're feeling motivated and want to workout like me, I urge you to calculate your BMI first :
Find your BMI < click here
This will not only help you to set a realistic goal but will also help you monitor your progress.
Don't do it for anyone, do it only & ONLY for yourself!

That is it for this long post guys. I hope I was able to help you in some way. I did not include any pictures as I wanted it to be just a talk through kind of a blog post where I'm able to share as many details as possible. My only goal here is to burst some myths related to starving and promote a healthy lifestyle.
If you want to stay fit and be a better version of yourself, there is no doubt that you'll have to work hard, but the results will be so worth it, I Promise!

#FOODIEFORLIFE

My snapchat fam knows how much of a foodie I am and what all I eat along, but to include some very little lifestyle changes have helped me reach this far and I hope I am able to achieve my goal by the end of this year.

I am not a fitness expert or nutritionist of any sorts, I'm just here to document what worked best for me and might help you too :)

I am working on myself, for myself, by myself!

I wish you the best with whatever your goal is!
Any doubts? Connect with me either on snapchat or instagram!
Stay Motivated :)