Transformation Duration:
More Than 1 Year
Who Is Mona Jaswani?
I am currently working as a PR manager. I am an independent girl and come from a regular family and the best part is, wherever I am today, I have made it on my own and my family is proud of me. On any given day I would be rubbing shoulders with some of the most influential and successful people in Bollywood and the best part of what I do is, it allows me to meet new people, travel, explore and experience new avenues. My work demands most of my time, and that my day is filled with madness but I make sure to accompany it with a smile.
Why did you decide to transform your body?
I should thank my cousin for it! I was studying in Kolkata and had to visit my hometown Lucknow for his engagement. During the function I was standing with a few people. My cousin started taking blessings from everyone by touching their feet and I was shocked when he touched mine too, thinking that I was an elderly lady.
Although it was a happy occasion, it turned out to be a sad one for me. I realized that I looked way older than my age just because I was overweight. I was physically not fit and would get tired easily. I was a state level dancer but I had to quit dancing because I would get tired easily. This also started affecting my mind. That day I decided to do something about it. More than losing weight, it was about getting healthier.
How your journey began?
Frankly I started to do everything wrong. From setting long term goals to doing crash diets it was all going against what I wanted to achieve. It was also because I had no guidance as I didn’t consult any dietician or fitness trainer due to financial constraints. Slowly, I started researching by watching videos and reading online. I learnt about the type of exercises, the type of food that I had to eat and that I had to avoid and even the supplements required for my body. I started setting small and achievable goals for myself. I remember the first goal was to lose 5 kgs in 2 months and I was able to achieve it.
What dietary changes did you make? What was your typical diet in a day?
Right from the start I had decided not to take any artificial substitutes which in the long run would be harmful for the body. Initially it was easy and I lost weight quickly but as we all know after a point of time you stop losing weight and start losing muscle. To avoid that I took help from a nutritionist and the results were amazing. She always guided me to have proper diet in the most natural way without putting any restriction on food.
After Her Weight Loss Journey
My diet typically would consist of mix of carbs, good fat, lot of proteins, natural sugar and lots and lots of fibre.
Early Morning : 1 tablespoon of Flax seeds .
Before workout : 1 black coffee shot (without sugar/honey).
In between workout : 1 glass electrol. (To be taken in sips between exercise )
Post workout : 3 egg whites .
Breakfast : Oats + plain muesli in 250ml of milk with some almonds/ walnuts
Mid -snacks : 1 whole fruit
Before Lunch : 1 plate salad + 1 bowl Curd .
Lunch : 1 bowl dal/ rajma / chole + 2 dry rotis + 1 small portion cooked vegetables .
Mid -evening Snack: Green tea + sprouts / Soya beans
Dinner : 250grams chicken / tofu + Soup / dal.
Before sleep : 1 cup warm skim milk .
Role of Fitness & Exercise in your lifestyle
Initially when I started, like I mentioned I had financial constraints, I decided to start with a brisk walk, and luckily I was staying near marine drive which made my walks even more fascinating and fresh. I dropped a few kilos in the beginning, but post that I wasn’t getting anywhere close to my goal. I also realized my arms and my lower body needed more attention than my upper body. It was time I join a gym and focus more on the parts I thought it was difficult for me to loose fat. So I joined a gym and it did not take me very long to realize that I needed constant guidance of someone experienced on daily basis. So I took help from Mr. Yogesh Bhateja who trains me and the best part about training with him is, he always switches my exercises. He makes me do freestyle exercises and interval workout which combines high intensity cardiovascular and functional conditioning exercises to work every major muscle.
Did you take any supplements?
Yes, it’s essential since we don’t get all the necessary vitamins from our food, multivitamins play an important role in overall fitness regime. Apart from multivitamin tablets, I have not taken any other supplement.
How do you feel now about your self?
Fitness has become a part of my life. Like I said earlier its not only about losing weight but about staying fit. I feel so much more confident than before. Being a girl, clothes are ofcourse my weakness and I can feel the happiness while I say this, that I don’t really have to think twice before I pick up any dress. I know it has to fit well and wouldn’t embarrass me. And not to forget, I come back from parties and events getting so many compliments, that it becomes my source of motivation to perform better in the gym the next day.