“I lost 22 pounds in five months. For those around me, shedding the extra weight was the most noticeable part of my transformation. However, the real change was within me.” As we kick off the New Year with our new goals, today’s woman dreamer Aanch Jain shares actionable tips and advice on having a healthy lifestyle, that she learned from her weight loss and transformation journey. From mindfulness and yoga, to superfoods and healthy juices, she lists out key success secrets that all women can apply in their lives. Aanch reminds us, “And just remember: Yes! You can do this and get over the myths! You can get your desired new you at any age!” Enjoy!

I lost 22 pounds in five months and have been maintaining my weight for the past two years. For those around me, shedding the extra weight was the most noticeable part of my transformation. However, the real change was within me. I discovered myself and found true happiness by becoming balanced, grateful, and spiritually fulfilled. My healing journey led me to a disease-free life that leaves me calmer, more focused, and more energetic. Mindfulness taught me to control my thoughts and behavior by living in the moment. Mindfulness practices that had a significant impact on me are yoga and meditation. This furthered my journey for a healthier and happier lifestyle. My objective, overall, is to be more loving and caring to myself. I think back on the wasted time that I spent second-guessing myself, and appreciate that this time is taken up today by pampering and believing in myself. This brought a new joy and mental peace to my life, marking a transformation of a more youthful version of myself 

The biggest takeaway from my weight loss journey is a healthy lifestyle. The idea of a “healthy lifestyle” seems to be overrated these days, as we consume more and more information without understanding the narrative. All in all, a healthy lifestyle is mainly based on an absence of disease. Our bodies should not have to go through being overweight or sick for a large portion of our lives, and we have the power to heal in the event of diseases as such. 

With a healthy lifestyle, we can escape from sicknesses that can take over our life. A healthy lifestyle includes: eating healthy, being hygienic, practicing mindfulness techniques, discipline, and most importantly consistency. 

So here I am, sharing a few helpful tips that I followed during the first six months of my weight loss journey. 

First and foremost: do not wait until tomorrow - Start today! 

Starting Your Day Off Right

• I mean, right now! If it is 2 pm, then get a full glass of water, drink it and think about your afternoon snack and dinner; if it is 7 pm, drink a glass of water and eat a healthy dinner that doesn't include bread, chapati, pasta, or rice. If it is morning, then you are ½ pound down already (lol). 

• Start your day right: Wake up 20 minutes earlier than your regular time. 

• Start your day with a warm glass of water with a few drops of lime/lemon juice. Sit on your yoga mat and meditate for 5 minutes. 

• Do surya namaskar (you can start with one Surya namaskar) 

• Do a few stretches. Start with simple exercises (18 minutes on a yoga mat) Mental Preparation 

Healthy Eating: As we all know, nowadays, it is very common for people to gain and lose weight. Society as a whole contributes to the popularity of fad diets instead of focusing on the healthy consumption of food. We focus on fitting into the smallest pant size, or looking like someone else, when in reality we should understand that everyone has different body types and lifestyles. Losing weight just to lose weight is not a goal that is necessarily healthy or safe. Instead of focusing primarily on weight loss, it is crucial to feed your body nutrient-dense foods that will heal you. In the long run, this will lead to weight loss. 

Yoga : In order to stay healthy and keep track of your weight, consistent yoga practice is important. While I have had my fair share of cheat meals, and have gone days without going for a walk, I will never skip out on yoga and meditation. 

In the beginning, I started with five Surya Namaskar flows. Now, I am able to complete 25 flows as well as other Asanas consistently. It made my body look better inside and out. Overall, yoga has made me more energetic and a lot happier. 

Motivation : Every morning before doing yoga, I promised affirmations to be a better, happier, and healthier version of myself. It is a great start to my day, and allows me to carry that determination to complete my goals until the end of the day. 

Self Control : Self Control is key! This does not mean that I limit myself from eating delicious food, but it is about making a choice to eat healthier alternatives. While these foods may not seem as easily available at first, they will begin to taste better than a sugar-filled and processed dessert in no time! I replaced these desserts with homemade yogurt with fresh fruit and honey, and it is divine! 

Time management : Having a schedule is extremely necessary to achieve your desired results. All meals, snacks, tea/coffee, and exercises should follow a daily and weekly schedule. 

Eating Habits : Encourage yourself to eat vegetables, salads, soups, nuts, fruits, and other foods that will support your new body. There are tons of recipes to substitute bread, chapatis, portions of pasta, sweets, and desserts. Eat your last meal 4 hours before going to bed will do wonders for a healthier YOU. I started including chapati/rice in lunch during cheat days and reintroduced it after five months in portions. 

Here are some of my favorite diet foods:

• Riced cauliflower poha (poha substitute) 

• Homemade yogurt parfait (dessert substitute) 

• Lentil wraps (chapati substitute)

• Date and nuts rolls (pinni substitute) 

• Makhane, roasted nuts and seeds (chips and cookies substitute) 

• Apple and peanut butter (midday snack) 

• Paneer tikka masala 

• Cabbage wraps 

• Moonglets 

• Variety of salads with couscous, lentils soups, and/or stir fry vegetables You can find these recipes here

Drinks to heal your body: 

1. Immunity booster: Ginger shots - 1 part ginger juice, ¼ part lime juice, and ½ part honey 

2. Detox Drink: Jeera, ajwain and saunf -boil 1 ½ cups of water for 20 minutes and drink post meal. 

3. Balance the body’s ph and lose weight: a few drops of lime juice and apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water 

4. Thyroid: beets, carrots, apple, and pineapple juices 

5. Gastritis: Apple, celery, ginger, and turmeric 

6. Bronchitis: broccoli, cabbage, and green pepper 

Superfoods: Foods to heal your body 

1. blueberries : for sharp memory and keep you young 

2. red peppers : packed with vitamins and nutrients: to improve you mood walnuts: brain and heart health 

3. flax seeds: heart health 

4. edamame: plant-based protein 

5. avocado: healthy fats 

6. black chickpeas: packed with folate, magnesium, and iron 

7. spinach: reduce cholesterol 

8. figs: helps with sound sleep, blood flow, and muscle contractions 

9. lentils: plant-based protein

WALK: walking is a low intensity exercise that promotes weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, and improves muscle toning. (45 minute/2 mile walk daily) 

YOGA: meditate for five minutes, stretch, and start with one Surya Namaskar flow and increase based on your stamina 

And just remember: Yes! You can do this and get over the myths! You can lose weight after the age of 40! You can improve your hair and skin by focusing on healthy goals after 40. You can get your desired new you at any age.

Thank you Aanch for sharing your inspiring story with us. We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!