Diljot Singh Sachdeva
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Written By: Diljot Singh Sachdeva | Updated : February 2, 2016 11:55 AM IST
In the next part of our Amazing Transformations series, we will share the story of 25-year-old Diljot Singh Sachdeva who is currently doing his Masters in Clinical Psychology in the US. From being a 280-pound (127 kg) obese guy with a 44-inch waist, he went down to 188 pounds (85 kg) and 31 inch waist. Here's his tale:
I realised I was obese when I was around 16 and weighed a staggering 127 kg and had a waist of 44 inches. The first time I felt my weight was a problem was when I had to travel to Chandigarh just to buy oversized clothes! I suffered from health problems and my blood pressure was off the charts and all the data suggested that I was going to get diabetes soon. I realised things couldn't go on like this.
A complete lifestyle transformation
I realised early on that it's important to stay motivated and consistent with your training. Being healthy isn't about a 6-week diet or weight loss plan. It's a complete lifestyle change. You have to love what you eat or else you're just going to give up sooner or later. That's why most people who've lost weight end up gaining it back. A complete lifestyle overhaul isn't easy and takes time and hard work but trust me, it's worth it. (Read: True weight loss stories: 'I lost 61 kg in nine months without dieting')
Dietary amendments
I despise the very word diet or dieting. I absolutely love food and find it hard to restrict calories; in fact I hate calorie counting. I eat everything from time to time. Mexican food, pizza and chips, even butter chicken (you can take a Punjabi out of Punjab, but you can't take Punjab out of the Punjabi) but in moderation. Of course, you've to make sacrifices. The thing I completely gave up was soft drinks.
Realise that you know your body better than anyone else and there's no reason to follow anyone blindly. Of course when I was losing weight, I would eat five small meals which would comprise of things like oats, eggs, spinach, turkey, wheat wrap with grilled chicken or tuna, lettuce, onions and brown rice. I also have protein bars and shakes. I'd rather make a few sacrifices than living the rest of my life taking blood pressure pills. (Read: Fat to fit: Mega guide for losing weight the right way)
Typical training regime
For a while I was following the Wendler 5/3/1 regime. A typical week would be like this:
Monday- Bench Press Workout Day
Tuesday- Squat Workout Day
Wednesday Rest
Thursday Overhead Press Workout Day
Friday Deadlift Workout Day
Understand your body
I think it's important to understand how your body responds to different training regimes. What might work for me might not be effective for you. Whatever regime you follow make sure you incorporate compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, etc. Cardio is also important no matter what regime you follow. Currently, I don't really lift to 'build muscle' or 'get big' or 'get abs', I just train to live and stay healthy. (Read: What you can learn from Naini Setalvad's amazing weight loss story)
Patience is a virtue
Weight loss isn't a demon, it's just that we get accustomed to certain ways of living and eating before we realise that it's detrimental to our health. I want to let everyone know that they should be patient. Losing weight or getting in shape takes time; Hrithik Roshan didn't get that body in 6 weeks. It takes time to achieve your dream body and but it's feasible.
Listen to your body, take rest when you have to. You don't have to wrestle with the treadmill every day. Go for a walk with your significant other or play football with your kid(s). Set realistic goals. Be tenacious, be motivated and no matter what your goals are, you can accomplish them. Stay healthy everyone!
Disclaimer text TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any weight loss through this method as the results may vary from person to person. We recommend you consult your nutritionist and physician before following any of the tips suggested here.
