For 30-year-old Ema Goel, it was a nightmare that she did not look her age. To add salt to the injury, she was exhausted by the constant stream of counselling regarding her weight by people at social gatherings. Her weight loss journey is a living proof that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish if you are disciplined enough.

Name: Ema Goel Occupation: Software Engineer Age: 30 years Highest weight recorded: 88 kgs Weight lost: 24 kgs Duration it took me to lose weight: 8 months The turning point: When I weighed a massive 88 kgs, I had started looking like a 36-year-old woman instead of looking my age. All the excess kilos were literally weighing my life down, which is when I realised that enough was enough and I had to do something to look like a 29-year-old again. So, instead of cribbing, I started working towards a healthier self. My breakfast: For my first meal of the day, I choose anything from upma, uttapam, idli, poha, oats to muesli and fruits. My lunch: Daal, some vegetables, curd, salad, and 1 multigrain chapati. My dinner: Salad, some vegetables, daal or oats or besan cheela. I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): I love gorging on golgappe, pav bhaji, chole bhature and ice-cream. My workout: My workout consists of running, cardio, Zumba, squats, jumping jacks and burpees. Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Vegetable soup, uttapam and omelettes. Fitness secrets I unveiled: I always calculate my calorie intake before eating anything. On the days when I eat more than the required calorie intake, I balance my next meal by drinking sufficient warm water. How do I stay motivated? By looking at my old photographs from my pre-wedding days and targeting to wear those fancy outfits and dresses, I could not wear due to my excess weight. How do you ensure you don’t lose focus? I look at the mirror and realise how far I have come. I also know that I don’t want to go down that path again, which keeps me focused. What’s the most difficult part of being overweight? I had completely stopped believing in myself and my self-confidence was in shambles. My life became a constant struggle as it was really difficult to find clothes of my choice that would fit me.
The worst part was, whenever I used to go out to social gatherings, people would start advising and counselling me on ways I could lose weight. This whole experience was an absolute nightmare for me and I decided that I will attend social gatherings only after I have lost a considerable amount of weight.

I was tired of getting free weight loss advice from EVERYONE

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? Ten years down the line, I aim to see a fitter version of myself and want to run full marathons.

What are the lifestyle changes you made? I stopped eating junk food completely as it doesn't provide any nutrients. I also made it a point to follow my diet plan and workout regime strictly. I know what a disciplined life can give you as I have seen the results firsthand. Hence, I have completely turned my life around.

What was the lowest point for you? One night I broke down crying because of my weight and the issues I faced because of it. I decided that I needed to take charge of my life and losing weight was huge a part of that restructuring.

Lessons learnt from weight loss? Consistency is the key as nothing changes overnight. It is a long and difficult journey but the results are worthwhile. Also, you don’t have to punish yourself. Do different kinds of workouts that suit you and keep treating yourself. Fitness is not a goal that you have to achieve, it is a lifestyle.

If you have a weight loss story to share, send it to us at [email protected]

Source: indiatimes.com