From Moti to Me: My Journey to Overcoming Weight and Health Challenges

Many of us carry with us the memories of those who shaped us. A nickname, a gesture, or a comment can leave a lasting impact, whether it is positive or negative. For me, it was the nickname 'Moti' given by my friends, a term that originally might have been meant lovingly, but over time, it hurt. This nickname, combined with a lack of confidence in my appearance, pushed me to embark on a journey towards self-improvement.

The Spur to Change

March 2020 was a significant turning point for me. I returned home from college just in time for Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. With the arrival of the festive season, came the lockdown. This unexpected change provided me with the perfect opportunity to evaluate my health and make a promise to myself: to take control of my life and my weight.

The Early Struggles

I started with running, a simple and natural exercise that does not require external equipment. However, I soon realized that this alone was insufficient. The results took time, and I became demotivated. Despite the challenges, I kept going, supplemented by some home workouts. Coupled with this change in routine, I discreetly altered my diet, switching from unhealthy snacks to healthier food options. This shift showed no immediate results, making it even harder to stay motivated.

A New Approach and its Impact

One day, I discovered a new activity: skipping rope. Initially, my skills were far from impressive. I couldn't even jump five times in a row. However, I persisted and before long, my skills improved dramatically. Within a week, I was skipping a remarkable 50 times. I continued to increase the number of skips every week until I could perform 1500 skips a day. This newfound joy in the activity was a turning point; I stopped worrying about losing weight and instead enjoyed the process.

As a result, I lost between 7 and 8 kilograms. This was the magic of hard work and perseverance. The changes in my lifestyle not only improved my physical health but also boosted my mental well-being.

A Healthier Lifestyle

However, my journey was far from over. I soon faced a significant health challenge. Dealing with a digestive autoimmune disease, inherited in my family, forced me to adopt a bland high-fiber diet permanently. The first 2 months were the hardest, as I lost around 25% of my body weight. I had to avoid sugar, salt, red meat, dairy, chocolate, and carbonated drinks, and I made an effort to only consume non-processed or minimally processed foods. I settled into a routine of eating six small meals a day and my body adapted to this new lifestyle.

Insights and Advice for Others

Based on my experiences, I have some valuable advice for anyone who feels like they are struggling with their weight or health. Start small, commit to regular exercises, and make dietary changes. My personal strategy includes leg lifts and other simple exercises that can be done even while seated. For example, you can stand up and hold onto something like a desk or chair to straighten one leg while tightening your knee. You can also move your leg behind you and in front of you, always with a focus on tightening your knees.

Remember, every small step counts. Even if you can only sit in a chair, make an effort to perform exercises that strengthen your core and various muscle groups. Consistency is key. By following these steps, you can regain control over your health and boost your confidence.

Here's hoping these tips can be the start of a happier, healthier you. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Every small change can make a big difference in your overall well-being!