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Weight Lost: A New Friend And An Amazing Boot Camp Helped Sindhu Lose 51 Pounds

A New Friend And An Amazing Boot Camp Helped Sindhu Lose Over 50 Pounds
Sindhu Suppiah

Who: Sindhu Suppiah, financial analyst

Age: 26

City: Markham, Ont.

Heaviest weight: 210 pounds

Current weight: 159 pounds

Total weight lost: 51 pounds

What was your weight like growing up as a kid?

Usually on the heavier side

When and how did the weight gain start?

I have always been "curvy", but not necessarily overweight per se. After my first year of university, the stress set in and I gained close to 40 pounds within four years. Although I was active, my activity was never goal-oriented.

Did you try any diets at that point?

As I was gaining the weight, I did not realize the detriment it was doing to my body. I was not dieting or concerned about my physical health.

THE FINAL STRAW

Do you have any anecdotes or stories when you knew you had to change your life around?

I met someone about a year ago who really lit a fire within me to become the best version of myself. He was motivating and supportive, and I wanted to prove to both him and myself that I was capable of being that person he saw within me. In January 2014 we both decided to start a weight loss plan. We used the app "My Fitness Pal" and tracked our caloric intake together. We worked out together and decided we would run a 10k together in April 2014.

When was the 'final straw'?

I decided in August 2013 that I needed to be living life for me. Be it with my weight, personal goals, or relationships, the only person who really mattered was ME. While I was looking to change numerous areas in my life, changing my body had been a lifelong struggle, and I was sick and tired of being unsuccessful.

Why did you decide to drop the weight?

I wanted to be the best version of myself. I wanted to be in a meaningful relationship, and I realized you can't expect someone else to love you, if you don't love yourself. I needed to feel pride and confidence in myself so I should I meet that special person, I could offer myself completely to them without regard of my personal insecurities.

Story Continues Below. Check out more of our inspiring weight loss stories:

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Lost It: Weight Loss Success Stories

Plan of Attack: I began going to a generic 24-hour gym in October 2013. For about five months I was working out on my own and lost about 10 pounds. In February 2014 I went for a trial class at Go Girl Bootcamps. It was intense and a little intimidating. I was back in school and thought making a commitment to Go Girl was not realistic. For about two months, I could not stop thinking about how amazing the workout with Go Girl was. In April 2014 I came back and joined a six-week challenge. Within my first six-week program I lost 15 pounds, Go Girl set me up with all the proper tools to be successful. The change in eating was intense, but realistic. The workouts are no joke. I've been with them for almost eight months now, going four times a week, and we have never repeated a workout.

How long did it take and how much weight did you lose in the first year?

In the past eight months I have lost 24 pounds.

FOOD ELEMENT

What did you start eating?

I started eating more whole foods. Mostly high-fibre vegetables, lean meats and very few complex carbohydrates. Homemade marinades, dressings and seasonings. Lots and lots of water!

What did you give up?

I gave up most sweets while on all challenges. During these times, I was very strict with the meal plan given to me from Go Girl. While off the challenges, I did eat sweets and carbs, but all in moderation and only on days I worked out.

What was the hardest adjustment?

On this program we changed the times at which we ate. I found this difficult at first, as having my first meal at 12 p.m. left me very hungry in the mornings, but once I started seeing results I realized that it was working and had no intentions of turning back.

Initially I did not focus on calories, I was losing the weight quite rapidly and just stuck to eating pretty much the same sorts of foods. Once I hit a plateau, losing weight, but not inches, I started to track my calories to see if I needed to adjust my food intake to continue seeing results. Now, as my goals have changed from simply losing weight to accompanying that with toning and strength, I focus on calories to account for those changes.

Did you focus on calories?

Initially I did not focus on calories, I was losing the weight quite rapidly and just stuck to eating pretty much the same sorts of foods. Once I hit a plateau, losing weight, but not inches, I started to track my calories to see if I needed to adjust my food intake to continue seeing results. Now, as my goals have changed from simply losing weight to accompanying that with toning and strength, I focus on calories to account for those changes.

Did you cut out foods completely?

No. I still eat most foods, simply in moderation or on certain days in which I can make up for any increase in my caloric intake.

Did you diet (food wise)?

Yes. I had to change my eating habits to reach my goals.

EXERCISE

Did you join a gym or hire a trainer?

I joined Go Girl Bootcamps.

What was your fitness like?

With Go Girl, workouts are very intense. The trainers make sure everyone, regardless of size, age, or ability, works to their full potential. The trainers are extremely invested in the success of their clients and this attitude of accountability allows us girls to feel important. They celebrate all our successes, big or small, which motivates us to continue to work harder and create bigger goals.

Did you have fitness goals (how much weight did you want to lose?)

Initially I wanted to lose 20 pounds in six weeks. I lost 15.

What do you do currently in terms of fitness?

I continue to go to Go Girl Boot Camps. Without a doubt, it is the best workout you will ever get in one hour.

CURRENT

What are your days like today?

I drink water upon waking to clear my system. My days at work are quite busy, but without fail I will eat my first meal at 12 p.m.. My second meal is at 4:30 p.m. usually. I will work out three to four times a week in the evenings and dinner is after 9 p.m.. I will indulge sometimes on the weekends, but I am sure to work out on those days.

How do you maintain the weight?

I am still in the process of losing weight. I have another nine pounds to achieve my weight loss goals. By continuing to work out and eat healthy I am able to continue lose weight, and hopefully maintain it.

Looking back now, what are you most proud of?

I am proud of sticking through with this program, while they have made it extremely easy to be successful, you need to have the willpower and determination to use the tools you are given. Apart from my weight loss, I am so much stronger mentally and emotionally. I know that any goal I set my mind to is achievable.

Do you have any regrets?

I regret not joining the first time I went for a trail class. I wasted two months just thinking about it! I don't think about things any more, I just do them...especially when it comes to working out!

What's your advice for people struggling with weight?

I think that a decision like this is something you need to want for yourself. You need a "WHY?" It also needs to be a decision made completely on your own. The only person you will ever disappoint is yourself when it comes to weight, so you need to find something that works for you, and set goals which are meant only for you. While, your intentions for losing weight may be geared towards wanting to look good, you will most definitely see changes in mood, health, confidence and strength! I think that these are the most important gains I have witnessed. The change in attitude is really what will keep me on the right path towards reaching my goals. Finally, surround yourself with like-minded people. Put yourself in an environment which is geared towards success and will help you achieve your goals. The women and trainers at Go Girl Bootcamps are credited for my success, they are supportive, motivating, and goal-oriented. We work together as a team, and everyone's successes are celebrated. It's inspiring to be around so many strong women, both mentally and physically!

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