Real-Life Weight Loss Story: We all blame our eating habits for weight gain which certainly is one of the major reasons but that’s not the only reason behind gaining those extra kilos. Our day-to-day schedule, including our work culture, daily eating habits, exercise regime, hormonal imbalance and a lot of other factors are also to be blamed for weight gain. When we’re told to lose weight, the first thing that pops up in our minds is exercise. We start exercising rigorously, exerting ourselves but it doesn’t give any significant results and in the end, it demotivates us. Weight loss transformation journeys are full of ups and downs but all you need is the right approach to tackle weight loss.
Aanya Parashar’s weight loss journey has been full of ups and downs. At the age of 15, she was diagnosed with PCOS which made it even more difficult to lose weight. “I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15 years of age, and my doctor simply asked me to lose weight, while I was never overweight in the first place. Back then the only way I knew how to lose weight was to exercise, so that’s what I did. But it didn’t help to improve my condition, even though I managed to lose 3-4 kgs. For the next few years I managed to keep myself afloat by over-exercising,” she said.
Consistency is the key to losing weight, but staying consistent is not always possible. Aanya took a break in 2018 for her board exams but it started hampering her health. Due to stress eating and lack of exercise, she gained 15 kgs and reached her heaviest at around 70 kgs. This came as a turning point in her life and she decided to take charge of it. “I started working out again, but this time no matter how hard I worked I couldn’t get back in shape properly. In 2019, I came across the knowledge of nutrition and what role it plays in weight loss, something I never really knew about. I started eating properly instead of just eating less. By having adequate nutrition and moderate strength training, I managed to lose 20 kgs in a year,” she said.
Biggest Challenges Faced During Weight Loss Transformation Journey
Aanya struggled with weight loss due to PCOS. She tried everything possible but nothing worked. Along with PCOS she also dealt with severe body dysmorphia, and gut health-related issues that made her transformation even worse.
How Did You Stay Motivated Throughout Your Weight Loss Journey?
Aanya shares that her end goal was her only motivation to ace this journey. “Honestly, there’s no such thing as motivation. The end goal should be your only motivation. And once you start to see results of your hard work, that’s all the motivation you need,” she said.
Can You Tell Us About Your Diet And Exercise Regimen During Your Transformation?
To lose weight Aanya added loads of fibre in her diet to keep herself full. “I followed a low-fat high-fibre diet with moderate protein and complex carbs as my cholesterol levels were elevated and I needed that fibre to keep myself satiated. Alongside I weight lifted 4-5 days a week with minimal cardio,” she shares.
How Did You Deal With Setbacks?
Aanya’s mantra was: Never Give Up. This approach helped her defy all odds and she came out victorious. “There were a lot of setbacks, it was a very long journey. Getting periods regularly was a victory in itself. I always knew in my heart what I was meant to be and I never really gave up on my dream of how I wanted to see myself as a strong, independent, and healthy woman,” she shares.
What Advice Do You Have For Others Who Are Looking To Start A Similar Transformation Journey?
“My biggest mistake was to not understand the role of nutrition when it comes to weight loss and health in general and that’s why it took me so long to understand the right approach to lose weight. So my advice would be to tell them that it's not just about the calories. Nutrition is the biggest contributing factor in deciding your long-term success and failure in your weight loss journey,” she shares.
How Has Your Life Changed Since Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals?
Weight loss transformation not only transforms the way you look but also your mindset. After achieving her weight loss goals, everything has changed for Aanya. “Everything has changed, from the way I live, the way I eat, to how I see food, and how I see myself as an individual. I have started respecting myself and my body more, and people have started respecting me more for my accomplishments. I see food as a nourishing fuel for my body instead of a source of happiness. It has also helped boost my confidence levels, It made me believe that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. And every day of my life I am living the dream life of 15-year-old Aanya,” she shares.