This is what Thrissur-based Divya did to shed 13 kilos in six months

Divya has heard comments like “Are you the one who eats all the sweets in this bakery”? quite often in her life. However, reducing 13 kilos and 21 centimetres of belly fat was indeed a ‘sweet’ revenge for Divya, a native of Veloor, Thrissur. Divya started putting on weight since she was diagnosed with thyroid problems at the age of 12. She didn’t mind her weight then. Divya says, with a smile, that the decision to reduce body weight was taken quite impulsively.

From 56 to 78
“I was a bit chubby as a kid. I was diagnosed with thyroid issues when I was 12. It only helped in putting on more weight. I had tried to reduce weight and maintain my body shape then. Rice and sweets were my favourite items. Even though my weight was going up, I didn’t care to cut down these. My weight didn’t go up beyond 56 kilos even after child birth in 2006. However, I don’t know when it had suddenly reached 78 kilos. It was I who used to eat all the leftover food in the house. My diet and food control went for a toss during the lockdown period. I didn’t care about the weight as I was worried about the allergies and other health problems that began bothering me,” says Divya.

In August 2021, Divya had to wear a saree for her brother’s engagement. It was almost after four years that she had worn the traditional outfit. Divya confesses she was shocked seeing herself in the wedding pictures.It was on that day that Divya vowed to shed weight. Her husband too encouraged her to reach 56 kilos again.

It was really difficult reducing body weight as Divya has health problems related to thyroid and PCOD. One or two kilos would be reduced when she works out or controls her diet. However, that would swiftly come back as soon as she eats a bit more. Divya loves cooking and enjoys watching culinary videos on Youtube. Trying those recipes in her kitchen has been her favourite hobby. Divya confesses that she wasn’t ready to give up rice even then.

Reducing 13 kilos
Divya joined an online fitness and fat loss group to shed weight. She was 78 kilos at that time. Besides, her tummy circumference was 106 centimetres. She was able to reduce 6 kilos in just three months with strict work out and diet. Divya says she felt confident when she realised that her hard work was paying off. In six months, she lost 13 kilos and 21 centimetres tummy circumference. Now, she is 65 kilos; however, Divya is determined to reach 56 kilos

Divya began taking her diet and work out seriously when she realised that she was losing significant amount of weight. Now, she counts calories and is conscious about the nutritional benefits of the food that she eats. Divya says she feels extremely happy and proud when people appreciate her and comments that she looks young and energetic.

Weight loss journey
Initially, Divya had the misconception that she could easily reduce weight by giving up food. She skipped breakfast and dinner and had just one heavy meal in a day. She found that her weight was going down; however, it swiftly came back the moment she ate more food. After joining the fit and fat loss group, Divya understood that going hungry is not the right way to shed weight. Instead of three meals, Divya started eating five healthy meals. But she would eat only after measuring the calories and understanding its nutritional qualities. She finally said ‘bye’ to her favourite rice and other food items made with rice. Similarly, sweets had no place in her new diet. She ate fruits and veggies as a meal. She replaced her favourite chocolate and coffee with fruits, dates and green tea. She strictly included vegetable salad, chicken, fish and egg in her regular diet. She also makes sure to hydrate her body by drinking at least 3 litres water. No matter how busy she is, she does HIIT and resistance training every day.

“My confidence sky rocketed when my weight reduced. I had always wished to wear t shirts, capri and short tops. Now, I can wear them all with confidence. My dress size got reduced to medium from XL. My aim is to reach the small size. Now, I feel happy when I have to take out a few inches from my XL sized dresses,” smiles Divya.

No to body shaming
Divya had always been a victim of body shaming and nasty comments. There had been times when she was insulted publicly for her body weight. Some people mocked her whether she could eat all the snacks in a bakery. There were people who discouraged her when she decided to reduce weight. Divya says that those who had mocked her never bothered to appreciate when she became trimmer. But she is happy that her family and friends have been supportive.

Divya doesn’t shy away from explaining her diet and work outs to those who seek advise from her. Moreover, she makes sure to encourage and motivate them.

“It was really difficult to walk and stand when I was 78 kilos. I couldn’t climb stairs as I would struggle for breath. My thyroid levels too kept fluctuating. Now, I walk for half an hour every morning without feeling any discomfort. Besides, I can easily climb the stairs. Earlier, I used to send my daughter every time I had to get something from the upper floor. Now, I can easily climb the stairs. But what excites me the most is that my thyroid levels have been normal,” Divya signs off.