Weight loss story: "I start my day with soaked almonds and chia seeds"

Nupur Maheshwari remembers facing the reality of her bulging weight when she got photographed. Deep down, she felt extremely down on confidence and self-esteem as well. With her cousin's wedding approaching and health taking a beating, she finally took it as the opportunity to start her weight loss journey, with the help of good home workouts and not having to give up on any desi staples!

Name: Nupur Maheshwari

Occupation: Software Engineer in IT Industry

Age: 38

Height: 5ft 3in

City: Noida

Highest weight recorded:87 kgs

Weight lost: 18 kgs (Current weight is 69 kgs)

Duration it took me to lose weight: 7 months (15 March '21 – 15 October '21)

It was the time I looked at myself in photos I realized I was severely out of shape. We had gone out for lunch with one of my cousins whose wedding was approaching and that day, my pictures came out horrible. It was there and then that I decided to take some steps and get in proper shape before his wedding day. And am so happy that I have achieved that!

My breakfast: It was always freshly prepared breakfast like poha, upma, vermicilli, sandwich, omelet, paneer parantha etc

My lunch: I did NOT avoid roti or Chawal and just had home-cooked meal - 1 bowl of dal, 1 cup veggies, 1 roti and salad.

My dinner: I made sure to finish dinner by 8 p.m. Any green sabzi & 1 roti or Atta Pav & bhaji or Matar & Atta Kulcha or Idli Sambhar.

Pre-workout meal: 5 overnight soaked almonds and chia seeds

Post- workout meal: 1 boiled egg

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): For the initial 4 months, I did not have any cheat meal. Then I started having cheat meal once a week, which was my favorite chaat, golgappe!

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Murmure, roasted paneer, makhane, fruits.

I do half an hour of home workout 6 days a week, in the morning before the office. 4 days of strength training with dumbbells and 2 days of cardio/yoga, along with a half-hour walk in the evening after the office.\

Fitness secrets I unveiled: I strongly believe that our age kind of decreases with every kilo that you lose. You don't need to spend on costly gyms and dieticians to be fit. I only invested in a pair of dumbells and a yoga mat and availed all the knowledge that is available on youtube for free.

When I gradually started seeing the results in my body, it motivated me the most. The constant praise and appreciation of my hard work from my husband and brother was the biggest support for me. Also, my kids after seeing me have started exercising along with me which is a big reason to carry on my health journey. Also on youtube, there are many inspiring transformational stories that help you to persist on your path.

How do you ensure you don’t lose focus? Being nicknamed “Moti” for as long as my memory goes, to now people coming and saying - “You inspire us”, that's the biggest factor which doesn't let me lose focus. Also, my mother always wanted me to be healthy and fit, I am sure she must be happy in heaven seeing me in a better state now, which keeps me going.

Most difficult part is not being taken seriously by others. I always felt as an embarrassment for my family and friends. Also your overall personality does not look good as you are low on confidence and also can not wear clothes of your choice.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? I just want to forever continue the new lifestyle that I have carved out for myself. This will help in keeping me & my family fit and healthy.

I started giving priority to my health & exercise before any other household chores. Begin having early dinner. Having home-cooked meals and portion control of sugary, fried, packaged and maida food items were the major changes.

What was the lowest point for you? The lowest point was when I was unable to manage home activities, 2 kids (infant and toddler), and office work altogether. I could not do ordinary things like climbing stairs, playing with my kids etc especially after 2 C-section deliveries. In the family of high achievers, I always felt the weakest link but now I think that they can be proud of me for at least something.

Moderation and consistency are the key with which you can achieve anything. Also, you can turn any problem into an opportunity as during the second lockdown when we could not go out of home I utilized the same time and invested in my health. Also, weight loss is more of a mental game than a physical one as you have to be dedicated in your mind to commit to this long journey for your life. The process is simple but not easy yet definitely worth it!

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.