Real-life weight loss stories often have a direct connect to people. Having a tough time starting your weight loss regime? Here is Debangana Banerjee’s inspiring journey to help you propel towards a healthy lifestyle.
Real-Life Weight Loss Story: Weight loss is a journey that requires an emotional, mental and physical investment of different levels. A subjective journey, the route, time and destination can be different for different people. Everyone has their reason for how, when and why they embarked on this mission.
“This society is obsessed with quick fixes and extreme dieting, I embarked on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle where I was determined to shed excess weight without succumbing to starvation or drastic measures. Throughout one year, I embraced sustainable practices that not only transformed my body but also nourished my mind and soul,” says Debangana Banerjee speaking exclusively with India.com
Adding about her inspiring weight loss journey, she says, “To be honest, at the beginning of my journey, I found myself carrying 100 kg of weight, which made me feel lazy and discontent with my physical well-being. Recognising the need for change, I committed myself to a balanced approach to weight loss, one that prioritised health over rapid results.”
From brisk walks to invigorating workouts, I discovered the joy of movement and its transformative impact on both my physical and mental well-being. Exercise not only helped me burn calories but also boosted my mood and energy levels, empowering me to stay committed to my goals. Exercises like Zumba, and aerobics that even increased my metabolism rate.
Debangana lost 50 kgs in over an year by adhering to a dedicated diet and exercise routine. Here is her inspiring journey of embarking on a happier and healthier life and how!
What Was Your Weight Loss Diet And Routine?
Here is a detailed diet plan of Debangana.
Breakfast:
I started the day with a nutritious breakfast consisting of whole grains, such as oatmeal or whole wheat toast. Have even incorporated protein sources like eggs or Greek yogurt to keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the morning. Then I hydrated myself with a glass of water or herbal tea to kickstart my metabolism and promote hydration.
Lunch:
I opt for a balanced lunch featuring lean protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, paired with plenty of colorful vegetables and a serving of complex carbohydrates, like quinoa brown rice or red rice. I even enjoy salads with a variety of veggies and then I add some flax, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds to that mixture of veggies. Always remember to stay hydrated by sipping on water
Dinner:
I always keep my dinner light and wholesome with a lean protein source, such as fish or beans, accompanied by a huge portion of non-starchy vegetables, like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. And then I incorporate healthy fats too like roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash soup, black bean omelet, and chickpea salad. Always remember to limit processed foods and focus on preparing homemade meals using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Snacks:
Whenever I choose snacks I keep a few things in mind like gluten-free, low-calorie, no trans fat, snacks are best if I get keto-friendly snacks. Enjoy nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day to curb hunger and maintain energy levels. Choose options like fresh fruit, raw vegetables with hummus, a small handful of nuts and seeds, or puffed rice or roasted poha without oil. Again, we need to Stay hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea between meals to promote hydration and prevent mindless snacking.
Drinks:
Firstly, I always keep myself hydrated with water throughout the day to support overall health and hydration. Then I Incorporate herbal teas like chamomile, hibiscus tea, ginger tea, Tulsi tea, etc. Always remember to Limit sugary beverages and alcoholic drinks, opting for healthier alternatives like unsweetened herbal tea or infused water.
Did You Completely Cut Down on Sugar?
During my weight loss I significantly reduced consumption of white sugar. . By cutting down on sugar, I was able to reduce my overall calorie intake, creating a calorie deficit essential for weight loss. Sugar substitute I used were – coconut sugar, jaggery powder, date powder, authentic stevia.
Did You Have Cheat Meals?
Yes, I have cheat meals. The addition of taking in cheat meals in my weight loss journey was instrumental in promoting balance, sustainability, and overall success. I also explored healthier alternatives that satisfied my cravings without compromising my progress. This included options like homemade baked goods made with whole grain flour and natural sweeteners, or indulgent smoothie bowls packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits, nuts, and seeds. When indulging in a cheat meal, my go-to choice was often a homemade pizza loaded with fresh toppings.
How Fennel Seeds Help in Weight Loss
Fennel Seed Water (Saunf Water)
- Digestive Aid: Fennel seeds are often used to aid digestion and relieve bloating and constipation, which can indirectly support weight loss by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing water retention.
- Appetite Control: Some people believe that fennel seed water can help suppress appetite, which may aid in calorie control and weight management.
- Antioxidant Properties: Fennel seeds are rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially supporting overall health.
What Was Your Weight Loss Motivation?
Entailing health issues like obesity, heart disease, PCOS etc prompted me to embark on weight loss. Personal confidence is another key point in my case. I desired or wanted to feel more confident and comfortable in my skin. Struggling with self-image issues and feeling dissatisfied with my appearance motivated me to embark on a journey toward achieving a healthier weight and cultivating a positive body image.
I made self-care a priority, recognising that true wellness extends beyond just physical health. Itcan be either practicing mindfulness, indulging in a relaxing meditation or bath, or enjoying mother nature Even
Debangana shares, “While my journey may have had its challenges, it has ultimately led me to a place of greater health, happiness, and holistic well-being.from 100 to 50 kg was tough but portion control, a healthy lifestyle, and mindful eating helped me a lot.”
India.com runs a special series and brings forth Real-Life Weight Loss stories for our readers to people them take that first step towards themselves. If you have or know someone who might have an incredible weight loss journey to share, write to us on our social media handles or drop a mail at – jigyasa.sahay@zeemedia.com