Almost everyone has gained some weight during the constricting, debilitating, and frustrating pandemic months. And now it seems like a huge uphill task to even begin knocking all those kg’s off. How does one even begin?

Trust me on this!

What's Your Reason to Lose Weight?

Do you need to lose weight to score a bikini body well in time for summer (hoping that the pandemic will be history by then), or to get back into your pre-pandemic jeans? Is there a wedding coming up in the family? Or has your doctor simply issued an ultimatum? Or maybe you have finally understood the connection between overweight and poor immunity?

It is absolutely essential to know WHY you want to lose weight before you begin the journey. So, answer this question truthfully.

Do You Stress Over Your Weight… and Everything Else?

There are people who tend to lose their appetite when stressed. Unfortunately, their number is far too low. In fact, for most people, gaining pounds is often synonymous with stress. And the lockdown months have been extremely stressful (and frustrating) for everyone - no doubt about that! Still, almost single-mindedly (and rather shortsightedly) we target just the calorie math and overlook this very important factor.

Time to stop doing that! Give the stress in your life its due, and tackle it accordingly, on priority.

Do You Forget What You Eat?

We may think that we are extremely careful about what’s on our plate and that we are watching what goes in our mouths. But the fact is that "eating amnesia," or forgotten nibbling does happen – and it can mess up all our “watch-the-weight” steps, big time! Identify how bad the problem is with you and get to work to put a stop to it.

Do You Motivate Yourself Enough?

Agreed, staying motivated is a struggle, but it is enjoyable once you get the hang of it. When you are motivated, you are on a high and are happy – and that’s the same as having fun. Imagine having fun and also getting huge paybacks for it!

Beginning today associate weight loss goals with motivation; tie them up strong and you will succeed.

Have You Banned Some Foods From Your Diet?

Big mistake. No foods are off-limits. Giving up a particular food completely is the most difficult advice to follow and stick to – which is why I never suggest this. Instead of looking at foods as “good” or “bad”, take a non-diet approach. Don’t give up foods that are calorific – simply cut them to size.

Bad Day, So You Skip Dinner?

Picture this: you have had a bad calorie day, you still have to tackle dinner and of course you are very hungry! Now should you brace yourself (or even chain yourself) and skip the meal, or is there a less punishing way out? Of course there is a way – your body is not absolutely rigid or unforgiving.

Weekends Are a Food Frenzy?

Weekends are definitely tough! Too much free time, too much food and zero inclination to exercise! And this unfortunate trio of circum-stances translates into extra pounds for most of us. Consciously or simply by habit, we end up consuming around 400-500 calories extra per day (bhatura chola for Saturday brunch and what’s a kachori or two to celebrate a lazy Saturday evening!).

Now do the math for a year.

Every Evening You Crave for a Pakora

If only a fried pakora will do! It's a craving, not hunger. And let me tell you, if you can learn to ignore the urge, cravings typically last just ten minutes. Actually, it’s a vicious cycle. Have you ever had a hankering for cabbage or cauliflower? Ever heard your heart making noises like eat, eat, eat tinda? Definitely never! Yet, when you eat fried foods, you crave more; eat some sugar and you long for much more of it.

Your Favorite Activity Is Sitting?

Do you work out for half an hour every morning and then park yourself in a chair (office chair, dining chair, couch in front of the TV, etc.) for the next nine hours or so, most days of the week? If you said, ”Yes”, it’s time to remedy that ASAP!

You Haven’t Said Hello to the Sun in Ages?

Go on, spend time with the sun instead of hiding and groaning about the heat. It’ll warm both your body and your soul; and here’s the sunniest news of all – the divine rays of the sun will keep you thinner too!

(Kavita is a nutritionist, weight management consultant and health writer based in Delhi. She is the author of Don’t Diet! 50 Habits of Thin People (Jaico), Ultimate Grandmother Hacks: 50 Kickass Traditional Habits for a Fitter You (Rupa) and Fix it with foods.)