When you are overweight, you not only struggle with a myriad of health conditions but also have to face unsolicited comments and namecalling. However, it was a self-defense class which actually changed Gaurav's outlook towards the whole situation and kickstarted his weight loss journey. If you are looking for an inspirational real-life weight loss journey, keep reading.Name: Gaurav BinaniOccupation: ServiceAge: 39 years
Height: 5 feet 3 inchesCity: Kolkata
Highest weight recorded: 80 kgs
Weight lost: 22 kgs
Duration it took me to lose weight: 1 year approximately
The turning point: From namecalling to body shaming, when you are overweight, you experience life from a very different lens. I have always wanted to learn a form of self-defense, so I enrolled myself for the same last year. However, in the first class itself, I felt really embarrassed as I wasn't able to be a part of the class due to all the extra kilos. So, in addition to the challenges I was already facing in my daily life, not being able to perform well in the self-defence class was a huge blow. That was the day I decided to take charge of my life and lose all the extra kilos! From that day, I have never really looked back.My breakfast: 1 bowl mixed fruits, 2 pieces of besan dhokla with green chutneyMy lunch: A glass of warm water 15 minutes before lunch. For my lunch, I eat 4 to 5 pieces of oat moong dal tikki and 1 glass of coconut water
My dinner: 1.5 bowls of moong dal shorba +1/2 bowl sauteed vegetables and 1 glass lemon cooler or 1 glass of bel sherbet (no sugar)
Pre-workout meal: 1 cup of black coffee +1 tablespoon of pure ghee
Post-workout meal: 1 glass of sattu water (2.5 tablespoons of sattu in a glass of water)
I indulge in: Chocolates
My workout: Bodyweight exercises like callisthenics and strength training on alternative days
Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Sabudana, fruit bowl and sauteed vegetables.
Fitness secrets I unveiled: When you are trying to lose weight and get back in shape, it is important that you reserve one day per week to rest. Also, strength training is as important in your fitness journey as doing cardio. One should keep changing the diet and exercise routine periodically as the human body quickly adapts to the routine.
How do I stay motivated? Whenever I used to feel down and out, I pay attention to the compliments I get for my transformation and take a look at my old photographs. It reminds me that if I do not exercise or eat well, I can easily go back to how I was a year ago. Also, my personal trainer played a huge role in keeping me motivated. I have won a few physical fitness competitions and completed a 10-kilometre marathon in 53 minutes. These achievements act as a driving force of motivation as well.
How do you ensure you dont lose focus? Whenever I feel that I am straying from the path of fitness, I push myself harder and try my hands at something I havent unable to do in a long time. I have also understood the importance of mediation in calming me down and helping me focus on my weight loss journey. Remember, sometimes it is okay to slow down and relax.
Whats the most difficult part of being overweight? When you are overweight, you not only lack mobility and agility but are also prone to various disease. Also, you miss out on a lot of opportunities in life as you struggle with stamina and under confidence.What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? I have always wanted to get a V-shaped body! Additionally, I also want to be healthy enough to start trekking.
What are the lifestyle changes you made? I have made a lot of lifestyle changes in order to get back in shape. Some of them are:
1.No sweets or sugar-laden products2. I have put a limit on the intake of high-calories food items3. Minimised the consumption of white flour (maida)
