Filling the Empty Cup!

I am an Indian woman in my 30’s, an IT engineer by profession, and a mom. I was at 90kgs after the birth of my kid, the heaviest I have ever been. I was raising my kid, handling a job, and running the house, leaving no time for myself. It left me exhausted by the end of the day.

Then came a point in my life, where I lost my job, husband (divorced), and parents within a few months. I was at my lowest point in life. I went into therapy because I needed help. My son was my only motivation to get up and get going! 

One day I took him to the park, so he could play with other kids. His friends were accompanied by their dads. Those dads were carrying the kids on shoulders, lifting them, turning them and my kid kept looking. That day I decided to get fit. Fit enough to run, play, lift and trek with my kid. I prayed to God to give me the strength for my kid!

I started at 90 kgs, started lifting weights, and doing Zumba. I consumed salads for dinner, cut down on rice, potato, sugars, and processed foods. I lost a few kgs. But my journey halted due to the lockdown. Around the same time, I came across Fittr and decided to give it a try. I lost close to 20 kgs in 2 years. 

My mental health issues, gut health issues, and overall quality of life improved. I got a community of like-minded individuals who are empathetic, supportive, and motivating. I found my purpose! 

I had resistance to making so many changes in my lifestyle. But over the period, I found a way to get over it. I am listing down challenges and my hacks to them-

1. I have to measure the food. 
   1. Plan for a week, what recipes, what time? I consume the same recipes on most days, as I am lazy in preparation. I get all-day meals made in 15 minutes.
   2. You can start by cutting down on processed foods, sugar and snacking for starters. Then you can add small portions of proteins and veggies, and reduce the carbohydrates to each meal.
2. I have to stop my favorite food. 
   1. I mentally shut my taste buds for a few weeks, when I had a goal to achieve, and told myself “everything after goals are achieved”.
   2. In long term, I learned recipes to include my favorite foods within the calories.
   3. Do not stop it entirely initially, but reduce the amount consumed. 
3. I don’t have the motivation to exercise. 
   1. Follow Fittr page and go through stories. Most days I get my motivation from them. Invest in fitted clothes, especially for the workout.
   2. Dress up and take a walk to the gym. It’s ok if I don’t exercise.
   3. Just do one exercise for 3 repetitions and leave.
   4. You will eventually finish the entire workout.
4. I don’t have time or support. 
   1. Take help from friends, family, or helpers so you can spend 30 minutes on yourself. 
   2. You can not pour from an empty cup, so fill that damn cup!
5. I can not sleep on time. 
   1. Get up at least 3 days at 5 a.m. and your body will force you to sleep by 9 p.m. the 4th day.
   2. Shut down your mobiles 1 hour before bedtime.
   3. If nothing works make sure to get 7 hours of sleep.
6. This is all overwhelming, I don’t know where to start. 
   1. Start small. 
   2. Drinking plenty of water, walking 10k steps, and reducing sugar/snacks/processed foods are easiest to start with.
   3. Measure weight/take measurements each week, to see progress. 

Some wise man said- “Either you make your health your priority or you will be forced to make it one day!”

Author: Aditi Tapi