Obesity

I lost over 20 kilograms and thanks to Hemalatha, I am on my way to a healthy weight. Here is my story… until now...

My History:
I have been overweight and obese (I hate to admit that) for the past 20 years. I started to gain weight immediately after leaving college eating my way happily into obesity. I was on and off into gyms, running, walking and everything that one may try. We are a health conscious family and try to eat organic and healthy foods as much as we can. I am not a gym type of person. However, over the years, I have spent a lot on the unused gym membership. 
I am an unapologetic foodie and over time I could not get myself to eat in the right amounts and at right time. Our South-Indian diet is heavily rice based and one cannot eat any meal without copious amounts of grains. I would always be hungry and would return home from office famished, only to eat whatever edible within my reach - often junk snacks. I used to get headaches if I skipped a meal and sometimes even if I delayed a meal. 
With a family history of diabetes and my weight, I was always on high risk for diabetes. After seeing high blood glucose measurements, I had more than enough reasons to act immediately. Hema, our friend for many years, a qualified nutritionist started her practice after leaving a high-paying software job. I had to look no further. 

The process:
It was my son’s birthday in May 2018 when I started my enrolment meeting with Hema. She had a systematic plan. She eased me into the plan step by step. She started with a detox process with lukewarm lemon juice and then with vegetable “green” juice replacing breakfast. Slowly, she “weaned” me off carbs and put me on salads, stirred vegetables and fats with some protein. Soon, I was ready for one meal a day. I had never fasted - not even for a meal. Now, I am coasting the day, full of energy without having to eat “on-time”. Along the way, she would explain the “why” and the “how” and not just the “what”. 
I was steadily losing weight and was not crash dieting. I was energetic and felt revitalised. I biked to work often and went to the gym a few times a week but exercised lightly. She advised core strengthening exercises. There were ups and downs and she kept me reassured when I was reporting not so “good” progress.
Finally, I was ready for liquid fast for a few days. She guided me through the process and I finished my first 7-day fast. This is by someone who could not delay or skip a meal. I was not hungry but rather full of energy. I even exercised while fasting. She guided me on how to break the fast. 

The results:
I lost 20.4 kilograms in less than 16 weeks including a relatively care-free holiday for 3 weeks! My waist size reduced from 38 to 34 and my shirt size reduced from XL to L and even M in some brands. I am happy about ill-fitting clothes and now I am ready for a new wardrobe! I am more than happy that I took Hema’s help in this life-changing experience. This would not have been possible without her guidance, support and knowledge.