Real-life weight loss stories often have a direct connect to people. Having a tough time starting your weight loss regime? Here is Akansha Lal’s inspiring journey and how she sustainably lost weight postpartum.
Real-Life Weight Loss Story: Weight loss is a journeys subjective. It requires an emotional, mental and physical investment of different levels. The route, time and destination can be different for different people. Everyone has their own story to glory. Everyone comes with their own sets of reasons for how, when and why they embarked on this mission. For Akansha Lal it was to find her favourite cute dresses in her size.
“I love buying dresses and there came a point in time when I couldn’t find the cutest outfits in my size. I was eating all junk food. My major weight gain was 3 years postpartum and it actually sneaks up on you and you don’t even realize how much you have changed and then I woke up one day and decided that enough is enough. I immediately stopped all Junk foods and started running on a daily basis. I started carrying my own meals whenever we would go out and wouldn’t even take a bite out of the burger or pizza or anything. I actually went cold turkey against all the unhealthy food choices in life and I believe that was the best way for me. I then got a new pair of Nikes for running and that kept me motivated to continue my journey and as soon as I started seeing results and my jeans started to fit better there was no looking back,” says Akansha speaking exclusively with India.com.
Akansha Lal lost 32 kgs, from 89 to 57, in nearly in 8 months postpartum by adhering to a very simple dedicated diet and exercise routine. Here is her inspiring journey of embarking on a happier and healthier life and how!
What Was Your Weight Loss Diet And Routine?
- Upon waking up – luke warm water with honey and lemon or chia seeds soaked in water with honey
- My breakfast: 2 egg whites with one glass of milk or oats with dry fruits and honey or vegetable poha with one multivitamin.
- Mid day snack – 1 glass of vegetable juice.
- My lunch: Any home made sabji + 1 roti or Dal/Chawal or peanut butter and 1 roti
- My dinner: any home made sabji with 1 piece paneer plus 1.5 roti or 1 piece chicken with 1.5 roti or chickpeas salad with paneer.
- Pre-workout meal: coffeee only (Love coffee!)
- Post- workout meal: I would directly have dinner post workout.
- Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Vegetable Poha
- No supplements at all of any kind.
Did You Completely Cut Down on Sugar?
Yes completely, even now I just take jaggery powder in tea.
Did You Have Cheat Meals?
My cheat meal days were just weekends. I ate well and still do on weekends and I believe life must be enjoyed however a balance is must. My go to cheat meal is a KFC Zinger or a Chicken spicy wrap by Mcdonalds. I definitely enjoy chips and chocolates on Saturday nights with my 10 year old son.
Akansha Lal, a teacher, cut out sugar but not on jaggery.
What is One Rule That You Abide by For Losing Weight?
Consistency is the key that people forget. They lose hope after a month or two or even less however the idea is to stay consistent and stay positive. Keep at it, results will come.
What Was One Thing That Worked Best For You?
Cutting out on all junk food cold turkey, there is no other way and consistency. There is no 50% diet, 50% workouts, it’s 100% diet and 100% workouts, you have to give it your best, You have to be consistent, you have to be passionate and you have to absolutely love it, because it becomes a lifestyle. Imagine the change you wish to see and why. Keep a motivating factor for yourself and it must be long term like the dress you wanna fit into, the health you choose for a longer life, like to be fit to play with your kids and even grandkids, find your motivation and go for it.
One Challenge That You Faced And How Did You Overcome it?
As a homemaker and mother (then) and as a working professional and a mother (now) the only challenge I faced was managing time. With household chores, taking care of my child and family you sometimes forget about you. You have to remember that “YOU” matter and must take out time for yourself as well. It doesn’t have to be 2 hours in the gym. You may start with 15 mins of walks in the morning. The idea is to make time for yourself and stay consistent while doing that. That’s the challenge I faced and overcame.
Is There a Weight Loss Myth That You Got to Know About During Your Journey?
I heard many times that you have to stop eating roti to lose weight, it’s not true, you must have a balanced diet and all food items are important(until you may be allergic to some). Experiment a bit, see what works for your body. Your body is your temple, take care of it.
Akansha’s Weight Loss Challenges Postpartum
The main problem with postpartum and weaning is the immediate weight gains in the body that I was unaware of and had to work hard to lose the same. You may have to deal with loose skin but that’s ok. The final results matter. I wish to tell any homemaker or a working professional out there who is juggling with work and home and family that yes it’s possible, yes you can do it and yes you matter. Take some time out for you. Stay healthy, stay happy.
Towards the end, the 34-year-old teacher emphasised the fact that the “views and story mentioned above is mine and mine only. The diet and exercise worked for me and may not work for all. I do not claim to be a trainer or an influencer however my story may be used to motivate others to follow a fit and healthy lifestyle. I do not support the use of supplements or any brands however I do not condone them as well.”
It’s been seven years that Akansha has maintained her weight and now it has become her lifestyle. She has also incorporated karate in her routine now!
India.com runs a special series and brings forth Real-Life Weight Loss stories for our readers to people them take that first step towards themselves. If you have or know someone who might have an incredible weight loss journey to share, write to us on our social media handles or drop a mail at – [email protected].