Page 69 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 2 October - November 2017

Pooja: It’s defi nitely a process. You can’t just get up one day and
decide to start losing weight. Instead, you have to really commit to a
lifestyle change. For me, I started eating in proportions. I wanted to
ensure that I was getting enough protein, because as a vegetarian,
it can be tough to get the right amounts. I started calculating my
macronutrients through the MyFitnessPal app and I made sure that I
was consuming 40 percent protein, 30 percent carbs and 30 percent
fat. After a while, I stopped using the app because I knew what I was
eating and how much I needed to eat without having to track it.

Nandita: I completely cut out sugar! For about four months, I did
not have any sweet drinks or sugary snacks. I also cut out fried and
greasy foods, and I would eat many small meals in a day.

How often do you work out in a regular week?

Jessica: I go to the gym three times a week. I do circuit training and
weight training. So my gym sessions vary every time.

Pooja: I workout six times a week. I always ensure that Sunday is my
rest day. At the gym, I do cardio one day and weight lifting the next.
After eight weeks, I change my workout routine by switching between
chest, back and leg days — the “push and pull” approach.

So what was more eff ective for you – gym or diet changes?

Jessica: For me, it’s 30 percent exercise and 70 percent diet. But
diet, to me, doesn’t mean to stop eating and starve. Instead, I chose
the right things to eat and said no to temptations.

Sanjeevni: Both! I lost weight by making diet changes, while the
gym made me fi rmer and more confi dent. And after I lost the extra
weight, working out helped me maintain it. Now, I have cheat days
where I eat chocolate or cake and I don’t feel guilty.

Nandita: It goes together! If you only fi x your diet, you’re not going
to be fi t and fi rm. The gym tones you! It brings the body in shape.

Pooja: I think it’s 70 percent diet and 30 percent gym. As they say,
abs are made in the kitchen!

When did you start to see results?

Jessica: After I gained weight, I didn’t want to weigh myself. I
realised I had changed after a month when I saw myself in the mirror
and noticed that I was looking smaller. I weigh myself every week
now, even if it’s just to see minor changes.

Nandita: The fi rst two months were quite slow, but then I saw the
changes gradually. Overall, it took me six months to shed those
extra kilos.

Pooja

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