Akshay’s weight loss story is motivating
If you’re looking for fitness inspiration, you’re at the right place. Akshay Desai’s fitness story is not only inspirational but sets a real expectation of how workout and diet can change your body and life too. From weighing 101 kgs to a 6-pack shrewith 74 kgs, a combination of sleep and strength training brought out a new and fitter version of this IT professional. Let’s hear it from the man himself:
What caused the weight gain?
My weight got out of hand due to my poor lifestyle, eating habits and my IT job. Major reasons were stress induced eating, binge eating and neglect towards my body. There came a time in life where I started prioritising work and that directly caused my ignorance towards my eating habits.
What was the turning point that motivated you?
Recalling the life-changing moment, Akshay says, “One fine day I saw some weight transformations on a fitness app while I was casually scrolling through my phone. It made me look at myself in the mirror and that’s when I realised I have neglected my body and my health too much. I recalled my college life when I used to be a very active person, gradually growing to like fitness and workouts but this person was not me, I had completely lost control over myself.”
Is there a fitness secret that worked in your favour?
My secret is the time for self-introspection that I had during the lockdown. The time off I got for myself to look after my eating habits and control my food portions helped me overcome my neglectful attitude. I am a person who loves to eat and lockdown kept me at home with home cooked meals and that definitely helped me get back on track.
Describe the diet and workout regime you followed
I consumed a diet low in calories, high in fibre, and protein at the rate of 2 grams per kilogramme, and I drank 5 litres of water every day to stay hydrated. Every night, I stuck to a sleep regimen of 7-8 hours. I worked out six times a week using bodyweight strength training. Every day, I performed 2000 rope skips and 10K steps of walking. Since my diet contained foods I enjoy eating, I didn't indulge in any cheat meals.
Crediting his initial fitness levels to home workouts, Akshay says, “The major factor that helps during such calculated transformations is home cooked quantified food and that’s exactly what I started practising with home workouts, and casitas strolls to increase my activity levels and get back to a routine. Remember that the process is slow; you have to be consistent and patient. I gradually started strength training in the gym.”
What are some lifestyle changes you made?
Reflecting on the changes he made in his schedule, Akshay says, “Major change that contributed to my fitness journey is quantified nutrition and good 8 hour sleep. Getting to bed early and rising with the sun definitely goes a long way.”
What was the difficult part about being overweight?
Looking at myself in the mirror, the person that I saw was not me. Unable to do basic activity with efficiency definitely took a toll on my mental health as well.