The D Word

If you have been struggling with weight you already know what the “D” word is and dread it as much as I do…(rather did)…. For those who are not yet clued in to what I’m talking about, it’s not the company run by someone sitting in Dubai; it is in fact, Diets.

Now before you read ahead you must know that I haven’t completed a degree or diploma in the field of nutrition. Given my struggle with weight, I have been quite the lab rat where different diets are concerned. I’ve tried and tested quite a few and that qualifies me to share my “expert opinion”. So with the freedom of expression act to protect me from upsetting a few people, here I go……

Of course, I should start by listing the diets I’ve tried so far.
1.     Atkins diet
2.     General Motors diet
3.     Grapefruit diet
4.     Celebrity Slim
5.     Jenny Craig
6.     SlimEasy
7.     Lite n’Easy
8.     Weight Watchers
9.     Home developed diet advice from well wishers and;
10. Nutritionist at the gym

(I’m pretty sure there are more, but I can’t recall them at this stage)

Anyway, the point is, there is quite a variety in them. The common thing however was depriving your body of something or the other. Be it carbohydrates, proteins, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, etc. The D word came to become synonymous with deprivation for me. The exception to this may have been the Weight Watchers program. However, I feel it didn’t work for me because it was too general or maybe my lack of determination, for which I take full responsibility.

The effect these diets had on my body was varied. Stretch marks, acne (which I never had, ever), dark circles, low haemoglobin, lack of energy and terrible mood swings are just a few off the top of my head.

Since I had tried everything, there was no stopping me from trying yet another way to lose weight. So when a family friend suggested a nutritionist, I willingly made an appointment and went to see her. When I weighed myself and sat down I was already prepared to hear what I had to stop eating. Then she opened her mouth and nothing prepared me for what I was going to hear. “Beta (child), if you want to lose weight, you’re going to have to eat, and I’m going to teach you how”

EAT? Did I hear her right? I was shocked. Can’t blame me after all these years of “not eating”.

All my life I’ve been hearing, don’t eat that, avoid this, avoid that…. And here, there’s a lady telling me the only way to lose the extra weight was by eating.

Before she started to write down my diet plan, she asked me what my normal day looked like. What foods I liked, didn’t like (which is not much), what foods I crave for etc. She then took all of that into consideration and prepared a plan for me. And No, she didn’t exclude anything I liked out of the plan.

She did however tell me that my sugar cravings would vanish if I followed the plan. They actually did.

As a result, I have not developed any new stretch marks, my acne problem is under control, my haemoglobin level has been restored and I’m a blood donor again. Dark circles only reappear after a series of late nights…  I feel great and the weight loss is just a bonus.

The D word is no longer synonymous with deprivation. I no longer feel guilty of eating that red velvet cupcake because I know how to balance it out besides; I rarely crave for the same.

So my dear readers, if you’re struggling with weight like me, pick a nutritionist who knows their stuff and is ready to educate you on what’s right for your body type. Don’t follow the generic plans that deprive your body of food. If your nutritionist asks you to avoid the food you love, run…. And find a new nutritionist.

If you like reading,  I’d suggest you read this book “Don’t lose your mind Lose your weight” by Rujuta Diwekar who has very articulately explained the functions of different food categories and their importance. 

Lastly, through your journey always remember, just like music, food also crosses across cultures and borders. It’s one thing that unites us all ……. Anything that good cannot be bad….. J Love your food. Enjoy every bite, guilt free.