Weight loss story: “I lost 20 kilos by giving up dairy, adding salads to my diet and walking 7-10k steps daily” | The Times of India

My breakfast: Based on a diet recommended to me, I have only hot water in the morning with some fruits like banana and papaya. This is followed by some sprouts and juices. Basically, I don’t eat any cooked food till lunch time. However, on some cheat days I have dosas etc. Since I start the day early I have fruits at around 7 am or so.

My lunch: Rice and dal with a dry sabji (it could be anything really – veg or non-veg). However, I exercise portion control and add salads to make the meal fulfilling.

My dinner: Typically it’s either dosas or chillas made with batter of some dals. Again, this is supplemented with salad so that the meal looks fulfilling. Also, I prefer to have dinner by about 7.30 pm and then give it atleast two to three hours of gap before sleeping.

Pre-workout meal: I prefer doing walks and yoga very early in the morning and typically don’t have anything pre-workout.

Post- workout meal: Again, I stick to some fruits and juices in line with my natural diet pattern for mornings.

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): I do eat aloo parathas, samosas and pizzas, burgers etc. but the idea again is portion control and ensure that I get my daily exercise. I also eat dark chocolate sometimes.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Has to be the chillas. It’s low in calories, easy to digest and good with proteins. It can be made by soaking some three to four types of dals like Moong, Masoor, Arhar and Chana for 4 to 5 hours. Also, ragi flour can be added along with pieces of mirchi, adrak, grated carrot and beetroot. Prepare a batter and it can be directly prepared without any need of fermentation. It can be had with some freshly made chutneys.