Despite multiple illnesses, this mother lost 16 kgs in 7 months!

You must balance your work and personal life for a healthier living. What’s important is support from your family and friends to do so. Latika was able to kick medical issues out of her life, only because she followed her husband’s guidance and got support not only from her family but also from her boss. Here’s her inspirational journey, from fat to fit.
Name: Latika S. Bagul

Occupation: Chartered Accountant

Age: 34 years

Highest weight recorded: 56 kilos

Weight lost: 16 kilos

Duration it took me to lose weight: Around 7 months

The turning point: Due to my short stature (my height is 142 cms or 4’7 ft), my BMI had always pointed towards obesity. Moreover, some medical tests revealed high cholesterol, thyroid and gall stones. Various doctors and specialists studied my reports and every one blamed my sedentary lifestyle, which was spending 8 to 9 hours sitting in front of the computer, coupled with lack of exercise and consumption of junk food.

At this juncture, my husband counseled me and advised (or forced) me to take time for myself and join the gym. Once I started following an exercise regime, I got addicted to gymming and it became a part of my daily routine.

So, my husband’s persistence was my turning point.

My breakfast: Protein cereal

My lunch and dinner: Chicken, paneer, brown rice and whey protein shakes

Consistency in food consumption helped me achieve this feat sooner. Though it was boring to eat almost the same thing every day, my trainer-cum-nutritionist explained that equilibrium in food while working towards the fat-loss goal is the key.

I also consume multi-vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acid and immunity-boosting capsules. This ensures that my body replenishes the essential micro-nutrients.

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): The kind of foodie I am, I indulge in varieties of chicken, fish and prawns. When allowed to cheat on sweets, I preferred Indian sweets such as Kaju Katli and Rosagullas. I firmly believe that cheat days should be well-planned. Regular work-out or sticking to nutrition plan for 5 days don’t give you a free pass to cheat on weekends.

My workout: My trainer designed my workout to ensure that my fat-loss goals are met. Workout pattern also changed, based on my weekly body composition results. Workout included strength training (with dumbbells, machines, barbells as well as body-weight), cardio, stretching, stability, some yoga poses, etc. Workout days comprised exercises for back, chest, arms, shoulders, legs and core.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: I don’t believe in calorie-counting, I rather prefer home-made Indian food, which is healthy.

Fitness secrets I unveiled: Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Nutrition and workout go hand in hand. Neither can be ignored nor compromised.

How do I stay motivated? I go to the gym with my husband and thus, it helps us meet our fitness as well as relationship goals. Besides, compliments from people about my transformation motivate me to work harder.

How do you ensure you don’t lose focus? I have a 5-year old daughter (born through C-section). The realization that she is going to emulate my eating and exercise habits, ensures that I stay focused and true to my nutrition and workout regime.

What’s the most difficult part of being overweight?

1. Being body-shamed
2. Not being able to wear good clothes
3. Adverse medical results

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? I see myself in the same transformed shape, looking younger than I am!

What are the lifestyle changes you made?

1. Cutting down sugary and bakery items
2. Change in cooking oil to coconut oil or ghee
3. Zero junk food.

There have been times when I have attended social functions with my ‘dabba’ in my hand or sipped on water instead of eating wrong.

What was the lowest point for you? The plateau! It went on for 3 weeks. It took me great mental strength to not give up. Of course, my trainer showed confidence in me during this difficult phase and just asked me to be patient.

Lessons learnt from weight loss: Personally, I learnt that given various food choices we always have, we end up abusing our body with extra food just to please our taste buds.

I also learnt how much my family loves me as have been supportive towards my mission of fat loss. My mother-in-law, husband and daughter adjusted their own meals and social habits to ensure that I stick to my nutrition and exercise routine. Special mention of my boss, himself an advocate of work-life balance, who ensures that his team gets time for their personal goals, which in turn motivates us to increase our efficiency during office hours.

Also, I feel that every woman should take care of herself considering the overwhelming responsibilities she shoulders at home, work and elsewhere. Exercise helps in mental and physical well-being as well as garnering self-confidence and look-good-feel-good effect. There are no short-cuts to long-term and healthy fat loss. One needs to put in immense efforts.

More than weight loss, one should resort to conversion of fat to muscle. Fat/weight loss is a product of discipline, consistency and focus on nutrition as well as exercise and good rest.

If you have a weight loss story that can inspire others, mail us at toi.health1@gmail.com.