Real life weight loss stories often have a direct connection to people. Are you having difficulty starting your weight loss regimen? Here is the inspiring journey of Akansha Lal and how she lost weight sustainably after childbirth.
Real life weight loss story: Weight loss is a subjective journey. It requires an emotional, mental and physical investment of different levels. The route, time and destination may be different for different people. Each one has their own story towards glory. Each comes with their own reasons for how, when and why they embarked on this mission. For Akansha Lal it was finding her favorite cute dresses in her size.
“I love shopping for dresses and there came a time when I couldn’t find the cutest outfits in my size. I was eating all the junk food. My biggest weight gain was 3 years postpartum and it actually surprises you and you don’t even realize how much you’ve changed and then one day I woke up and decided enough was enough. I immediately stopped eating junk food and started running daily. I started bringing my own meals every time we went out and I wouldn’t even take a bite of burger, pizza or anything. In fact, I faced all the unhealthy food choices in life cold turkey and I think that was the best way for me. Then I bought 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 fitting better, there was no turning back,” says Akansha speaking exclusively to India.com.
Akansha Lal lost 32 kg, from 89 to 57, in almost 8 months after giving birth by following a very simple diet and exercise routine. Here’s your inspiring journey to embarking on a happier, healthier life, and how!
What was your diet and weight loss routine?
- When you wake up – warm water with honey and lemon or chia seeds soaked in water with honey
- My breakfast: 2 egg whites with a glass of milk or oatmeal with nuts and honey or vegetable poha with a multivitamin.
- Mid-day snack – 1 glass of vegetable juice.
- my lunch: Any homemade vegetables + 1 roti or Dal/Chawal or peanut butter and 1 roti
- my dinner: Any homemade sabji with 1 piece of paneer plus 1.5 roti or 1 piece of chicken with 1.5 roti or chickpea salad with paneer.
- Pre-workout meal: Just coffee (I love coffee!)
- Post-workout meal: I would have dinner directly after training.
- Low calorie recipes that I recommend: Vegetable poha
- No supplements of any kind.
Did you completely reduce your sugar consumption?
Yes completely, even now I only take powdered jaggery in tea.
Did you have cheat meals?
My cheat meal days were only on the weekends. I ate well and I continue to do so on the weekends and I believe that you have to enjoy life however you have to maintain a balance. My favorite food is a KFC Zinger or a spicy chicken wrap from McDonalds. I definitely enjoy chips and chocolates on Saturday nights with my 10 year old son.
Akansha Lal, a teacher, eliminated sugar but not jaggery.
What is one rule you should follow to lose weight?
Consistency is the key that people forget. They lose hope after a month or two or even less; However, the idea is to be constant and positive. Keep it up, the results will come.
What worked best for you?
Eliminate all junk food at once, there is no other way and consistency. There is no 50% diet, 50% training, it is 100% diet and 100% training, you have to give your best, you have to be constant, you have to be passionate and you have to absolutely love it, because it becomes a lifestyle. Imagine the change you want to see and why. Keep a motivating factor for yourself and it should be long term, like the dress you want to wear, the health you choose for a longer life, like being fit to play with your children and even your grandchildren, find your motivation and do it.
A challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
As a homemaker and mother (then) and as a working professional and mother (now), the only challenge I faced was time management. With household chores, taking care of my son and my family, sometimes you forget about yourself. You must remember that “YOU” matter and you must also take time for yourself. It doesn’t have to be 2 hours in the gym. You can start with 15 minutes of walks in the morning. The idea is to take time for yourself and be consistent while doing it. That is the challenge I faced and overcame.
Are there any weight loss myths you’ve come across during your journey?
I have heard many times that you have to stop eating roti to lose weight, it is not true, you must have a balanced diet and all foods are important (until you are allergic to one). Experiment a little, see what works for your body. Your body is your temple, take care of it.
Akansha’s Weight Loss Challenges After Childbirth
The main problem with postpartum and weaning is the immediate gain of weight on the body that I was not aware of and had to work hard to lose. You may have to deal with sagging skin, but that’s okay. The final results matter. I want to tell any stay at home mom or professional who is juggling work, home and family that yes, it is possible, yes, you can do it and yes, you matter. Take some time for yourself. Stay healthy, stay happy.
Towards the end, the 34-year-old professor emphasized the fact that “the opinions and history mentioned above are mine and mine alone. Diet and exercise worked for me and may not work for everyone. I do not claim to be a coach or influencer, however my story can be used to motivate others to follow a healthy and fit lifestyle. “I don’t support the use of supplements or any brand, but I don’t approve of them either.”
It has been seven years that Akansha has maintained her weight and it has now become her lifestyle. Now he has also incorporated karate into his routine!
India.com publishes a special series and features real-life weight loss stories for our readers to help them take the first step towards themselves. If you have or know someone who might have an amazing weight loss journey to share, please write to us on social media or email us at [email protected].
