Question: Why were you overweight? Had a stressful situation led to overeating? Was it genetic? What factors led to the fact that you were a weight at which you didn't feel comfortable?
I was overweight due to bad eating habit and absolutely no form of exercise or activity. I was a lazy couch potato and had no inclination towards any form of sports either. I liked my books, television, and writing neither of which required to move my a$! However, when I moved out of home and went to college I relied mostly on snacks instead of real food and eventually when I started working I relied on quick & easy food instead of cooking.
I had a very supportive circle of friends and family who never made me feel 'fat' but I did feel uncomfortable when I went shopping and had to try all the 'big/large' sizes or when I saw skinnier/fitter girls and felt terrible about myself. I never felt confident in public and was always over-concious of my existence altogether on this planet!
Question: What made you decide you wanted to lose weight? Did you just want to be slim? Was it a health issue?
I have answered this question in numerous posts. I wouldn't mind repeating it again but wouldn't it just be easier for me to direct you to those posts? [Lazy, eh? I know, thats me!]
1. My Fat to Fit Journey
2. My Fit to Staying Fit Journey
3. My Happily Ever After
P.S. I do not have a problem with the word 'fat'. I never did. It is hurtful, but so is overweight/healthy/chubby and all the other synonyms. However, people who have excess fat stored in their body which makes them overweight are called FAT! And I WAS FAT. Period!
Question: How do you manage to stay motivated?
I don't have an accurate answer for that except, "If you are too lazy to workout, then you do not want it bad enough." And I want it really badly. I like how I feel after I work out. I like being strong. I like being able to do everything on my own. I do not want to be ill, or dependent, or weak (You can read remaining of the list here.) And strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. Will-power is like a muscle, the more you train it, the stronger it gets.
Question: HOW did you do it? How long did it take? What habits did you have to change?
This question is also answered on the above mentioned links but to summarize it I HAD TO CHANGE MY LIFE! I started with working out 7 days a week and eating only salads & vegetables ... and slowly I reduced the workout to 4 to 5 times a week and increased the food to everything in moderation. I am still not my perfect self [I would want to be and stay at 18% Body Fat!] but travel and life keeps coming in the way of me and my abs! *sob.sob*
Question: Can you suggest some exercises?
I cannot suggest anyone anything, because I am not an expert. I do not want to give you any wrong information or cause you an injury. However, I have time and again shared my workouts on the blog. You can find them all here. What I can say is that start with small goals. Start with something you enjoy (walking, dancing, sports) and then when you reach a point when you feel you are ready to challenge yourself try doing workouts which is out of your comfort zone. Always consult a trainer/doctor if you have any other physical/health issues.
If you have a fitness related question, you can ask it via the form here. Do take a moment and read the below posts to make sure I haven't already answered it. Have a good weekend!
Reader's Questions Part 1
Reader's Questions Part
