weight loss:
article
Before: 230 lbs
After: 135 lbs
Growing up, Sweta Srivastava always wanted to participate in team sports, but her weight kept her stuck on the sidelines. Thanks to a friend's support and a newfound passion for martial arts, the 23-year-old benefits administrator from Toronto took 95 pounds off her 5'5 1/2" frame.
The Gain
As a teen, Sweta regularly indulged in late-night "snacks" of Chinese takeout. By high school, she was 200 pounds; in college, 24-hour buffet-style dining halls tacked on 30 more.
The Change
After she graduated in May 2007, a pre-med pal warned Sweta that her weight put her at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and possibly an early death. It shocked her into action.
The Lifestyle
Eating small, healthy meals throughout the day curbed Sweta's urge to snack at night. Suddenly, she had more energy. "Big meals made me feel lethargic," she says. Spinning and kickboxing classes helped her shed 50 pounds. Then she took up Muay Thai, a form of martial arts, and dropped 20 more. In January 2009, she began working with a personal trainer, and she reached her goal weight of 135 pounds seven months later.
The Reward
Sweta scored her first pair of jeans—she'd always been too heavy for them—and tons of confidence. "Now I'm looking forward to the next challenge," she says.
Sweta's Tips
Read labels. "I don't buy any food that has 15 grams of fat or more."
Keep gym clothes in your car. "I never have an excuse not to exercise."
Try a class. "Instructors will push you harder than you might push yourself."
See more inspiring weight-loss stories.
More from WH:
Avoid the 20 Worst Foods at Your Supermarket!
Get a leaner, stronger body with Women's Health Fit Coach
Want More? Subscribe Today and Save 80% Off the Cover Price!
Last updated: November 24, 2009 Issue date: December 2009
WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS STORY
Weight-Loss Stories: Sweta Srivastava
How one woman achieved weight-loss success
Before: 230 lbs
After: 135 lbs
Growing up, Sweta Srivastava always wanted to participate in team sports, but her weight kept her stuck on the sidelines. Thanks to a friend's support and a newfound passion for martial arts, the 23-year-old benefits administrator from Toronto took 95 pounds off her 5'5 1/2" frame.
The Gain
As a teen, Sweta regularly indulged in late-night "snacks" of Chinese takeout. By high school, she was 200 pounds; in college, 24-hour buffet-style dining halls tacked on 30 more.
The Change
After she graduated in May 2007, a pre-med pal warned Sweta that her weight put her at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and possibly an early death. It shocked her into action.
The Lifestyle
Eating small, healthy meals throughout the day curbed Sweta's urge to snack at night. Suddenly, she had more energy. "Big meals made me feel lethargic," she says. Spinning and kickboxing classes helped her shed 50 pounds. Then she took up Muay Thai, a form of martial arts, and dropped 20 more. In January 2009, she began working with a personal trainer, and she reached her goal weight of 135 pounds seven months later.
The Reward
Sweta scored her first pair of jeans—she'd always been too heavy for them—and tons of confidence. "Now I'm looking forward to the next challenge," she says.
Sweta's Tips
Read labels. "I don't buy any food that has 15 grams of fat or more."
Keep gym clothes in your car. "I never have an excuse not to exercise."
Try a class. "Instructors will push you harder than you might push yourself."
See more inspiring weight-loss stories.
More from WH:
Avoid the 20 Worst Foods at Your Supermarket!
Get a leaner, stronger body with Women's Health Fit Coach
Want More? Subscribe Today and Save 80% Off the Cover Price!
Last updated: November 24, 2009 Issue date: December 2009
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That's a good idea to keep gym clothes in the car. I'm going to start doing that from now on.
Reading these stories makes me excited about looking into taking my own classes at the gym.
Awesome! I take Everlast Shadow boxing and I LOVE IT! Classes like the ones mentioned in the article are high energy and a great way to work out the day's aggression!!!
omgosh, you are my hero! you have inspired me to work off my weight too now! keep it up!
Awesome story! Muay thai is absolutely amazing! I lost 60 pounds doing that, boxing, running, and lifting. Once my doctor gave me the ok to get back into exercise after the birth of my son, I started it again and have lost most of the baby weight. Muay thai does so much for your body, mind, spirit and soul!
I find that kickboxing has also helped me develop a leaner body and keeps me in top shape after having 3 kids and as I approach 40 yrs old. Kickboxing & Muay Thai are perfect for women because it not only gets you in the best shape of you life but it allows you to feel empowered.
She looks amazing CONGRATS! What issue is this story on?
What a great story! Keep it up! I feel so motivated!!!