Weight loss story: “I measure my meals before cooking to keep a track of calories”

Gaurav Dhingra was always a sports enthusiast. However, like everyone else, COVID-19 also impacted his routine, restricting him from continuing with his sport activities. The result being weight gain. But over time, he came across a fitness community, which helped him get his fitness back on track and with the help of his coach, he made considerable progress. Here’s his weight loss journey:

Also read: India’s biggest foodie Kunal Vijayakar loses 20 Kgs by enhancing his subconscious brain; read more

Name: Gaurav Dhingra

Occupation: Nutrition and Fitness Consultant

Age: 25

Height: 5 feet 10 inches

City: Lucknow

Highest weight recorded: 85kg

Weight lost: 20kg

Duration it took me to lose weight: 1 year

I have always been into sports but due to COVID-19 lockdown, I was unable to keep up with my sports activity and as a result I gained a lot of weight. That's when I heard about the FITTR community and decided to enroll myself under coach Shanu Shashank.

It further led me to pursue fitness as a career and I pursued Certification of Nutrition and Fitness coach from INFS and I started helping people change their lifestyle and get their dream physique.

My breakfast: My meals are quantified (measured before cooking) so that I can track my calories, so for breakfast, I usually eat poha with green vegetables, bread and peanut butter.

My lunch: Dal, chole, rajma, parantha and curd.

My dinner: Chicken and rice

Pre-workout meal: Black coffee with any fruit

Post- workout meal: Whey Protein

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): I never had cheat days during my journey because my meals were fulfilling and sustainable. With quantified nutrition, I have learnt to include my favourite foods in my diet and my coach has helped me make thoughtful choices.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Soya pulao, chicken rice, egg omelette, egg bhurji.

My workout included 6 days of weight training and because I am an active person I did not need any type of cardio.

When it comes to fitness, it is not just about having a good appearance. It is also a lifestyle that replenishes our mind and tends to our soul. This is what I unveiled from my journey.

How do I stay motivated: In order to stay motivated, I just go back in and revisit the time when I was the most unhealthy. Having reached where I am today gives me a sense of pride, which is what helps me stay motivated.

Doubting yourself and your capabilities is what pulls you down! Being overweight took a toll on my self-confidence, which made things difficult for me.

What was the lowest point for you?: When you have an awesome coach like Shanu Shashank you can’t be low in your journey. He has helped me in every aspect of my fitness journey and taught me the actual concept of nutrition and fitness.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line?: I wish to be my fittest, most energetic self in the next 10 years.

I followed a quantified diet focussing on all essential nutrients including protein, fat and carbs. I became more physically active and did weight training exercises to enhance my fitness.

Lessons learnt from weight loss: When it comes to fitness fitness, it should not only be about weight loss, rather it should also urge and encourage yourself to find your own capabilities and strength.

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.