Real-life weight loss stories often have a direct connection to people. Having a tough time starting your weight loss regime? Here is Ameya Bhagwat’s inspiring journey to help you develop a healthy lifestyle.
Real-Life Weight Loss Story: Everybody’s weight loss journey is different. Every person has a unique reason for starting this new chapter that calls for both physical and mental engagement, along with an inspiring story to tell. Ameya Bhagwat has a similar story, a story that many people might relate to. He revealed that Sachin Tendulkar inspired him to lose those extra inches. “I was fortunate enough to meet Him a few times when I was morbidly obese and in a very, very subtle manner, he mentioned I should get fitter, not obviously to look better, but for better health. I have considered him god and that just drove me to achieve what I have. He even tweeted about me from his official handle.” So, India.com got into an exclusive conversation with Ameya Bhagwat to track his fitness journey.
Here is an inspiring story of Ameya Bhagwat’s weight loss and how he lost 60 kgs in 9 months by including eggs and chicken in his diet
How Much Did You Lose in How Many Days?
I weighed 131 kg at first and then in just nine months, I dropped 60 kg to weight 71 kg now. Since then, I have made a continual effort to improve my body composition since it is what promotes longevity, mental and physical well-being, and an overall improved quality of life through increased strength, endurance, and general cognitive function.
What Was Your Weight Loss Diet And Routine?
I started blindly, falling prey to myths and fad diets. I quit all carbs, stopped eating fruits, nuts and seeds and everything. After having dropped 45 kgs with this approach, I realised that there was something I wasn’t doing right since my body composition (muscle-to-fat ratio) wasn’t the way it should have been. By that time, though, I had developed a keen interest in the field of nutrition and exercise. I followed Fittr, formally completing INFS through Fittr’s Basic + Advanced Course.
Since then, my diet has been a lot more balanced and gets me all the Nutrition I need for my training and physical, and mental health in general.
My diet has plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein from a variety of sources like eggs, chicken, soya chunks, paneer, whey and even vegan powders. I eat plenty of carbs and a balanced amount of fats. Both my carbs and fats come from healthy, naturally occurring sources like chapati, bakhri, rice, oats, legumes, nuts, egg yellows, seeds, ghee and milk products.
I usually count calories, since my energy balance is unbeatable and I make sure I eat for my Gut Health and Microbiome too.
Did You Completely Cut Down on Sugar?
I stopped it completely for two years just because I simply wanted to test my body. During these two years, I did not eat any forms of sugar, including jaggery and honey. This is, however, unnecessary. You can eat around 25 to 30 grams of sugar, jaggery and honey throughout the day and still be extremely healthy and fit. Do not be scared of fruits or berries since the fructose in them comes with fibre and they are also extremely rich in micronutrients and antioxidants. AVOID packed and ultraprocessed foods.
Did You Have Cheat Meals?
As a nutritionist, Ameya prefers calling them ‘treat meals’ instead of cheat meals. “They are generally well controlled as far as calories are concerned. This helps you attain the right balance and thus, makes the complete plan sustainable.”
What is One Rule That You Abide by For Losing Weight?
I make sure I sleep well and try my best to manage it better. Eat a balanced diet which is rich in protein and fiber. One can complete other deficiencies through supplements (5%). Lastly, I follow ‘Control the controllable!’ I believe it is the best possible way to lose extra body weight.
What Was One Thing That Worked Best For You?
Devising my diet and workouts around factors like my food choices, environment, availability, convenience, family and social life. This has helped me apply behavioural changes easily and in the process, I have built good habits and thus, I can now adhere to my plan effortlessly.
One Challenge That You Faced And How Did You Overcome it?
Putting an end to my favorite ‘junk foods,’ which I used to consume often. That’s what caused me to reach 131 kg. I overcame this with a great lot of aid from mindfulness. In the beginning, when I would crave, I would consciously remind myself that it was only a craving and that giving in would essentially mean wasting three days of laborious effort! Such desires would then pass within five or ten minutes, and these days I seldom ever crave.
Is There a Weight Loss Myth That You Got to Know About During Your Journey?
During his journey, Ameya discovered not one but two myths. One – Cardio is important for fat loss, which it isn’t. Strength training is the key to losing extra pounds. Second – Carbs and fats are bad but they aren’t. It is the refined, ultra-processed carbs and hydrogenated rats that are the problem.
India.com decided to bring Real-Life Weight Loss stories for our readers which will inspire you to finally sign up for that gym membership or start making yoga an active part of your lifestyle. If you have an incredible weight loss story that inspires people to stay healthy, drop a mail at – tanya.garg@zeemedia.com