Santanu’s Success Story

4

When I turned 34, I realized my lifestyle was taking a toll. With a simple, sustainable plan from FreakToFit, I dropped 9 kg and feel like myself again.

Santanu, 34

Goal: Lose Weight

Before 78kg
After 69kg
Height 5 ft 6in
Overview.

what motivated you to want to lose your weight?

Being straight, I cannot say that my wake-up call came overnight. Small things began to irritate me, playing with my nephew (easy to get tired in a short period of time) and not able to button my favorite shirt, feeling uncomfortable after a short walk. One day when I went up the few stairs and felt out of breath I thought that something had to change. I weighed myself and my weight was 78 kg. The figure remained in my head throughout the day. I was 34 and I knew that I needed to do something now or it would only get harder in the future. I vowed to myself that night that I was going to work on being healthier, lighter, and stronger not only physically but psychologically too.

It is not on Monday where change begins. It begins the moment you are willing to quit making excuses.

What were your goals?

The only thing I wanted was to feel good about myself once again. My goals were to gain stamina, be comfortable in the clothes I put on, and above all have confidence that I lost over the years. I was wearing XL shirts and 36-inch pants and I was dreaming to be in a good condition of 69kg weight that I would move freely, sleep well, and live daily life without much fatigue.

How did you manage to achieve your goals?

It was not a crash diet but my journey was based on gradual, attainable changes. I began to pay attention to habitual, straightforward things that I could continue to do over a long period of time.

  • I started to eat the food cooked at home most of the time and limited fried and processed foods.
  • I would take daily walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps, either in the morning or after dinner.
  • I decided to have a rule no heavy meals after 8 p. m.
  • I maintained hydration during the day.
  • I did breathing exercises and light yoga during the weekends to cope with stress.

With time, the scale started going, – steadily, steadily. My life became more energetic, my clothes became less tight, and I began to be proud of any minor success.

  • Stay hydrated. You should take a lot of water during the day to ensure that you are metabolically active.
  • Don’t ban your favorite foods. Eat them once in a while, in moderation.
  • Track your meals. Being mindful of your food even by writing down on a piece of paper can make you remain mindful.
  • Keep moving. You do not necessarily have to go to a gym you can take walks and stretch.
  • Be patient. There is no magic to weight loss, it is a slow build.
  • Follow the 80/20 rule. Dine in 80% of the time and have freebies in the remaining.

Favorite Recipes:

As a Bengali, I have always had a great deal to do with food. I did not abandon the flavors I love, but simply made them a little bit smarter:

  • Chicken Dak Bungalow (light version) – is also prepared with less oil and topped with red rice.
  • Fish Grilled Bhetki and Sautéed vegetables – delicious but low in fat.
  • Moong Dal Khichuri & Rosted Papad – a food that soothes on light days.
  • Sweet Potato and Sprout Chaat – this snack is a nice evening snack that is full of fiber.
  • Paneer Bhurji with roti and cucumber salad – fast, high in protein, satisfying, and delicious.

How did FreakToFit help?

Once I hit my plateau, I chose to seek professional advice that is when FreakToFit came into the scene. Their professional staff assisted me in:

  • An individualized diet program in accordance with my food and work schedule.
  • Uncomplicated exercises at home that did not need equipment.
  • A systematic nutrient and calorie reference to aid me in eating smart and not less.
  • Frequent encouragement and professional suggestions that held me responsible.

They helped me not only to know what to eat but also how to be regular. The most significant change was not only in my weight, but also in my attitude.

Did you encounter setbacks?

Naturally, of course, and I believe, everyone. Fests, night-outs, and anxiety put me off on several occasions. I had weeks when my weight was not going to reduce, and days when I felt like quitting. But I put it back in my mind, this was not a project that would last a few months. It was about health for life. I got myself back on my feet, continued with my plan, and remained patient.

“Setbacks aren’t failure. They are mere pauses – your tale has not been finished yet.

Advice for Others.

Never strive to be perfect; strive to be better. It is best to begin with something manageable, like taking a 15 minutes walk, or swapping out a cooked snack with a piece of fruit. Give yourself a pat on the back each and every minute. Easy diets and equipment are not required, consistency and proper direction will work. There is no reason why I can lose 9 kg in a natural and sustainable way and you cannot.

What are your future goals?

My second goal, now that I have attained 69 kg, is to maintain consistency and lean muscle mass as well as enhance my strength. I also desire to lead a balanced and an active life, not only in the present, but also in the years to come. And by my expedition, I will also uplift other people to have hope that change can always be within their reach.

The most important lesson?

The whole experience made me realize that being fit is not only losing weight but also discipline, mindset, and self-respect. Some days will be when you lack motivation but those are the days you have to work a little harder. Whatever your mind will say is heard by your body. Educate it to hope in advancement.

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