-Emon Sarkar

Let me begin by jotting down some of the benefits of a fit lifestyle: It helps in weight loss, it’s good for your muscles and bones, it can boost your energy, it helps in combating health conditions and so on! But I really didn’t need to point out the benefits, did I?!

In today’s age and time, with so much of awareness about leading a healthy and activity oriented life, and so much information available a click away, we all are fitness gurus in our own way! We are aware of all the diets that are doing the rounds – Ketogenic diet, Vegan diet, Raw food diet, Atkins diet etc,;  we are aware of the different types of workout we can incorporate in our routines; and we have also invested in that yearly gym membership! But why is it that, despite being equipped with the latest of knowledge and committing to a fit life in our minds, it doesn’t really transcend into day to day actions?!

Maybe coz, after clocking in 8 (theoretically) – 12 (practically) hours at work, and hopping over two to three states to reach your workplace, who has the time, energy or the inclination to sweat it out at the gym? Or kill a 3km run?  
Or maybe coz, after working out for a week straight or so, you find the entire task pointless. Like, why should you put your body through such misery, after all? Those extra minutes of sleep are much more beckoning, you say?

So hear me when I say, Been there! Done that! And learnt a thing or two!

It requires very little to get into the groove. Start small, but make a determined start.

Get up 30 minutes early than your regular wake up time and go for a walk. Carry your own food to work. Pack in nuts and berries to snack on.  Control your portions. Eat small meals, don’t starve! Avoid the cafeteria food. Take the stairs when you can. And limit the days when you eat out.
Also, you don’t need to visit a super market to stock on quinoa and granola bars and the likes! Don’t treat this journey as a fad, but a lifestyle change. Eat simple home cooked meals; and avoid anything that can be had directly out of the box, for example, Granola! They are often very calorie dense and most of the time made with refined sugar and vegetable oil, making it a not so healthy choice after all. Rather, soak your oats overnight in yogurt and top it with fruits which will act as natural sweetener.
These are small things that will bring in some discipline and a feel good factor to your day. And give you the much needed nudge in the right direction.

However, to get noticeable results, I firmly believe in putting in an hour of hard core workout and seasoning it with a healthy mix of cardio, strength and functional training. And remember, losing weight involves basic science – You need to be in calorie deficit. Burn more calories than you intake.

Pack in nuts and berries to snack on.  Control your portions. Eat small meals, don’t starve! Avoid the cafeteria food. Take the stairs when you can. And limit the days when you eat out.
Also, you don’t need to visit a super market to stock on quinoa and granola bars and the likes! Don’t treat this journey as a fad, but a lifestyle change. Eat simple home cooked meals; and avoid anything that can be had directly out of the box, for example, Granola! They are often very calorie dense and most of the time made with refined sugar and vegetable oil, making it a not so healthy choice after all. Rather, soak your oats overnight in yogurt and top it with fruits which will act as natural sweetener.
These are small things that will bring in some discipline and a feel good factor to your day. And give you the much needed nudge in the right direction.
However, to get noticeable results, I firmly believe in putting in an hour of hard core workout and seasoning it with a healthy mix of cardio, strength and functional training. And remember, losing weight involves basic science – You need to be in calorie deficit. Burn more calories than you intake!

At the end of the day, nobody can tell you to look a certain way. Nobody can tell you to set an early alarm. Nobody should tell you what you can eat, and what you can’t! It has to be YOU all along. And it’s all in the mind. If you think you can do it, you will do it. That simple!

I won’t tell you how fitness has changed my life. Go through the process yourself and feel the difference!

About Emon Sarkar

Emon Sarkar, a fitness freak and a perfectionist by nature, has bestowed our blog with some practical fitness tips. A CPA certified, she is an US financial planner. She’s also a certified trainer. An ex-student of Carmel, she currently resides in Bombay with her hubby and cute son. Her work-out videos are not only a treat for us but also an inspiration for all.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of www.kolkatafusion.wordpress.com. Any omissions or errors are the author’s and KolkataFusion does not assume any liability or responsibility for them.