Prajakta Koli, the popular YouTuber and actress, has recently shared her insights on achieving peak fitness. Contrary to popular belief, her journey wasn’t about restrictive dieting or chasing a number on the scale. Instead, Koli focused on a balanced approach that prioritized both her physical and mental well-being. She emphasized the importance of listening to her body, embracing strength training, and ditching strict diets that ultimately made her feel “clinically sick and sad.”
The Downside of Dieting: A Personal Revelation
In a recent appearance on Bharti Singh’s podcast, Koli opened up about her past experiences with extreme dieting. She revealed that she once attempted a strict diet, which had a detrimental impact on her health. “I cannot diet,” Koli confessed. “Food makes me too happy, I cannot leave it. I did try going on a strict diet once, I think I clinically got sick and was sad.” This experience led her to realize that restrictive eating wasn’t a sustainable or healthy approach for her.
Koli’s experience highlights a crucial point: strict diets can often lead to negative consequences. These diets can cause nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and a negative relationship with food. Moreover, the mental stress associated with constantly restricting oneself can be damaging to overall well-being.
The Shift to Strength Training and a Balanced Lifestyle
After realizing that strict dieting wasn’t the answer, Koli shifted her focus to a more balanced and sustainable approach to fitness. She incorporated regular exercise, particularly strength training, into her routine, alongside prioritizing home-cooked meals and mindful eating.
The Power of Strength Training
Strength training became a cornerstone of Koli’s fitness journey. Unlike restrictive diets that often lead to muscle loss, strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass. This, in turn, boosts metabolism, improves body composition, and increases overall strength and endurance.
Koli’s workout regime includes a dynamic mix of cardio, strength training, yoga, and weightlifting. This variety keeps her motivated while also preventing muscle fatigue and boredom. She often shares glimpses of her workouts on Instagram, inspiring her followers to “just show up” even on the busiest days.
Embracing Home-Cooked Meals
Another key element of Koli’s transformation was her reliance on home-cooked meals. Instead of following strict diet plans, she focuses on balanced nutrition that satisfies both her body and soul. Homemade meals are nutrient-rich and free from the hidden sugars and unhealthy fats often found in processed foods.
Koli’s daily diet includes a mix of nutritious and delicious options. She starts her day with a glass of warm water with lemon, followed by a breakfast of half-fried eggs and avocado toast with chilli oil. For lunch, she often enjoys fish and rice, a nod to her cultural background. In the evenings, she opts for ragi porridge, a fiber-rich snack that aids digestion. Dinner is similar to lunch, often consisting of rice bhakri (rice roti) paired with fish curry, dal khichdi with chicken, or bhindi (okra).
The Importance of Consistency
Koli emphasizes that consistency is key to achieving lasting results. She believes in maintaining a consistent workout routine, even on busy days. This doesn’t mean pushing oneself to the limit every day, but rather making a conscious effort to incorporate some form of physical activity into her daily life.
Koli’s approach aligns with the growing consensus among health experts that sustainable lifestyle changes are more effective than quick-fix diets. By focusing on consistency and balance, individuals can achieve their fitness goals without sacrificing their mental and emotional well-being.
The Results: A Healthier and Happier Prajakta
Koli’s transformation is a testament to the power of a balanced approach to fitness. She revealed that she actually gained weight but lost fat. “There was too much inflammation, bloating, and water retention in my body,” Koli explained. “My weight was actually less earlier, but because I have gained muscle, I am heavier now, but I am toned.”
This highlights a crucial point: the number on the scale isn’t the only indicator of health and fitness. Muscle weighs more than fat, so gaining muscle mass can lead to an increase in weight, even if body fat percentage decreases.
More importantly, Koli emphasized that her fitness journey has had a positive impact on her mental health. “With time, I released that more than my physical health, my mental health depended on fitness and exercise,” she shared.
Key Takeaways from Prajakta Koli’s Fitness Journey
Prajakta Koli’s fitness journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being:
- Ditch the strict diets: Restrictive eating can lead to negative consequences for both physical and mental health.
- Embrace strength training: Building muscle mass is crucial for boosting metabolism, improving body composition, and increasing overall strength.
- Focus on home-cooked meals: Preparing your own meals allows you to control ingredients and ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.
- Prioritize consistency: Making small, consistent efforts is more effective than striving for perfection.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your routine accordingly.
- Remember mental health: Fitness is not just about physical appearance; it’s also about improving mental and emotional well-being.
- Stay hydrated: Prajakta emphasizes the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain healthy skin.
Prajakta Koli’s story is a refreshing reminder that fitness is a journey, not a destination. By embracing a balanced and sustainable approach, individuals can achieve their goals and cultivate a healthier and happier lifestyle.
