Weight loss story: “I followed a high-protein vegetarian diet to lose 30 kilos”

Ravi Daswani was terrified when he saw obese people around him being laughed at by others. Because he feared experiencing the same fate, he decided to mend his ways and brought healthier changes into his life. Besides eating healthy, he also chose an active lifestyle, incorporating daily walks and workouts. Eventually, he lost 30 kgs in just 5 months. Here’s how he did it…

Also read: Weight loss story: “I cut down on sugar intake and went for long walks to lose 15 kilos in 4 months”

Name: Ravi Daswani

Occupation: Businessman - Export

Age: 47

Height: 5.6"

City: Pune

Highest weight recorded: 90kg

Weight loss: 30kgs

Duration it took me to lose weight: 5 months

Being obese can be challenging in several ways. I was always surrounded by people who were on the healthier side and when I saw people laughing at them, I was terrified of being the next person in line. That’s when I decided I had to do something about it and that it could not go on like this…

My breakfast: Besan chilla/moong dal chilla/sprouts

Mid afternoon - Buttermilk with peanuts/milk + whey

My lunch: Chapati with bran + Veg Bowl + Salad + Paneer 50g + Flax seeds

My dinner: Same as lunch

Pre-workout meal: Banana + Whey + Creatine

Post- workout meal: Glucose + Whey + Creatine

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Paneer + Salads + All doughs mixed with bran

I indulged in 45 minutes of circuit training + 1 hr walk daily.

Fitness secrets I unveiled: Nothing is impossible if you know who you are and what you can achieve, even if the whole world is against you and against your positive growth!!!

I go through my targets I have achieved and every time, it surprises me when I refer to the previous chart. Treat yourself and give yourself a new wardrobe and don’t be shy about it...it complements your achievements, believe me.

How do you ensure you don’t lose focus?: I stay away from negative company and make my food routine my priority, especially when it comes to outings, restaurant visits and if you have someone who believes in you that is more than enough.

What was the lowest point for you?: When I saw another obese guy being laughed upon and felt as though I was the next one in line and that shattered me.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line?: My 6 pack journey has begun. Believe it or not, I am on a muscle weight gain journey which I seek to achieve in the next 6 to 9 months.

By default, I avoided things that looked beautiful and tempting to eat.

Lessons learnt from weight loss: Never let the temporary setback stop you from achieving your long term vision. Take your problems as a stage show and be the audience, let them do their thing. At the end of the day, you are the one who decides to watch them, leave them or let them leave after finishing their show. It's all in the mind and above all, don't let others put you down when they say you look weak or different. Until and unless you know what you want, no one else’s opinions matter. Once you learn to do that, people who never spoke to you or strangers will walk up to you and ask you how you did it… that moment, think of the people who thought of you as no one and when you walk in front of them the pleasure and satisfaction it gives you without even looking into their eyes is priceless.

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.