“The lowest point for me was in 2019 when in Kodaikanal I was unable to walk even 1 km without pain in my legs and back,” shares Vaishali Dhanda, a 44 years old model and jewelry designer from Chennai.
“The year 2020 was the turning point where I felt that I needed to change as the excess weight was getting in my way of leading my life fully and confidently. I had very low self esteem and had no energy to enjoy life with my daughter,” she explains. After following a dedicated workout routine and a disciplined diet, she lost a whopping 15 kilos in just 8 months.
“With my confidence I participated and won in Mrs. India (3rd runner up) and got selected for Mrs. Universe. Now I actively do modeling and collabs with brands. This keeps me motivated and keeps me going,” she adds. Read on to learn more about how she lost all that weight and what keeps her going.
Name: Vaishali DhandaOccupation: Jewelry Designer / ModelAge: 44 YearsHeight: 5.0City: ChennaiHighest weight recorded: 71 KgWeight lost:15 KgDuration it took me to lose weight: 8 Months
Well-planned and balanced meals
Dhanda shares that she has no restrictions in terms of foods she consumes. She also keeps a check on portions and doesn't over eat. “Understand that food is a fuel and know how much your body requires,” she explains. Here is here diet plan:
My breakfast: Coffee (milk and no sugar), 5 almonds, fruitsMy lunch: Oats idlis with veggies, brown rice, seviyan with veggies, any cooked vegetable, and sometimes chickenMy dinner: Same as lunch or sometimes grilled chicken with grilled sweet potatoPre-workout meal: Walnuts, guava with black saltPost- workout meal: Coffee with 2 biscuits, makhanaWhat I eat on cheat days: Dark chocolates and chocolate ice creamLow-calorie recipes I swear by: Oats idlis, Grilled chicken, grilled sweet potato with coriander and black pepper
Workout routine
My workout: 5 Km run, 6 days a week with strength training on alternate days. “Enjoy your workouts, keep changing it if you get bored with the routine. I love adding new music to my runs which lets me enjoy them,” she shares.
What are the lifestyle changes you made?
“I have included exercise as a non-negotiable part of my day and I focus on healthy sustainable meals without starving myself,” she reveals her mantra.
Lessons learnt from weight loss
“Make sure that you change not only for a few months but for a lifetime. Weight loss is such an empowering journey if done correctly and when you are willing to make changes . Sky's the limit once you start to get fit,” she signs off.
