We'd asked you, dear readers to share your inspiring weight loss stories with us.
Here, Sugandha, 39 from Austin, Texas shares her experience.
Growing up in India and for the majority of my married life, I was blessed with a beautiful body.
I gained 23 kg when I first got pregnant in 2007. In 2014, I further gained 30 kg with my second pregnancy.
I weighed 95 kg in July 2014, when my son was born.
Breastfeeding my babies did not make me lose weight; in fact, the weight just seemed to be permanently glued to me, even after my younger baby was a year-and-a-half.
I lost most of my pregnancy weight, largely in April and May 2016 because of my inspired enthusiasm over the summer plan of visiting my parents in India.
I listened to hypnosis tapes by authors Roy Martina and Paul McKenna, that trained my subconscious mind to eat what I really liked, to be satisfied with small portion sizes and to listen to my body.
Mentally, I believed that weight loss would be the easiest thing in the world for me.
Every night, before I slept, I visualised in my mind's eye a 2013 picture of myself when I weighed about 59 kg.
I saw, felt and sensed myself elongating and becoming very very thin as I passed through the needle's eye.
When I was heavy, there were days when I could not stand to get my picture taken, even in a group.
I felt torn to shreds by the words in my head. I was mean and vicious to myself.
I thought my husband and children were embarrassed to be seen with me. The sharp tongue of my inner voice insidiously bit through the fabric of my self-image.
I followed weight loss coach Jessica Ortner's suggestions for tapping to lose weight.
At first, I harshly judged my image in the mirror. Soon, I grew to love and accept myself.
I stared at the feelings of shame, guilt, fear and inadequacy straight in their eyes.
I was forced to come face-to-face with the emotions inside of me that I was long trying to suppress.
I slowly realised that unless I loved myself when I was "fat and ugly", I would never understand the true meaning of unconditional self-acceptance.
Physically, I started to spend more and more time outdoors with my children.
I ran when the slightest opportunity presented itself to me. I'd jog while chasing my toddler, supervising him at the play-scape or when singing him to sleep.
Inspired by my will-power, my neighbours joined me in my evening workouts. My husband never complained when I left to jog, leaving my children with him.
Even though he lives thousands of miles away, my father is my role-model.
I recount my childhood days hiking with him to the mountains.
He taught me to treat my body like a temple. I worshipped the respect and love he showered on his strong body.
My father's picture reminded me of his unconditional love for me. Whenever I felt scared as a mouse, I always thought, "What would my father think and do, if he were in my position?"
As I trained my mind to let go off its fear, the excess pounds simply melted off my body.
As I understood more deeply the roots of my weaknesses, I began to live a life of courage and love.
In front of my eyes, I saw the subtlest changes in my thought-forms radically transform the shape of my body.
I weigh 63 kg now.
Learning to embrace my imperfections, even, when I was out of shape helped me with weight loss.
I learned an important life lesson through the entire experience -- love yourself the way you are.
Have you recently lost weight? We want you to share your weight loss story with us.
Write in to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'Fat to Fit'), with a before and after photograph, if possible, and we'll feature the best entries right here on Rediff.com!
