When you think of losing weight, the first thought that often comes to mind is a strict diet. However, what if real transformation stems not from restriction, deprivation, or punishing yourself with bland meals? What if the secret to shedding pounds lies not in what you add to your life, but in what you remove? Mallika Fatehpuria, a Mumbai resident, revealed the four things she deliberately avoided to lose weight. In a viral video with over 1.7 million views, she discusses losing 35 kilograms by 'not doing' certain things.
From 90 kg to 55 kg: The Journey
“I went from 90 kg to losing 35 kg, and the biggest lesson I learned is that weight loss does not mean giving up good food or making yourself miserable,” she stated. Her transformation boils down to four simple practices she stopped following.
1. No Fancy Diets
The woman did not resort to trendy diets for weight loss. In fact, she observed that unsustainable diets caused her to regain weight. “Every time I went on a diet, I would lose a little weight and gain it right back. The real shift happened when I stopped treating weight loss like a short-term project and started focusing on habits I could actually live with,” she explained.
2. Not Cutting Carbs Completely
The first step many people take on a weight-loss journey is eliminating carbohydrates from their diet. But this often backfires, leading to overeating 'healthy foods' that still cause weight gain. “Bread, rice, pasta… I love them, and they were never the problem. Learning how to eat them in the right portions made a much bigger difference than trying to eliminate them completely,” she revealed.
3. Avoiding Boring Food
Eating healthily does not mean consuming only bland, unappetizing meals. Healthy food can be delicious. More importantly, sticking to a diet you cannot sustain for long periods will lead to burnout. Instead, adopt a well-balanced and healthy diet—and that’s exactly what she did. “If the food I was eating felt like punishment, it was never going to last. I started finding ways to make meals that were lighter, balanced, and still something I genuinely enjoyed eating,” she said.
4. Not Over-Exercising
Many people make the common mistake of working out until exhaustion, but this can backfire. In a weight-loss journey, consistency matters more than intensity. “I used to think I needed intense workouts every single day. It turns out consistency mattered a lot more than intensity. Walking, strength training, and staying active regularly worked far better for me,” she revealed.
The Takeaway
This woman’s 35-kilogram weight-loss transformation proves that weight loss does not require deprivation, elimination, or suffering. Instead, focusing on a realistic lifestyle that includes foods you love, exercise you enjoy, and habits you can maintain is key for long-term success.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is based on personal experience and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Weight loss results vary from person to person. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, fitness, or lifestyle routines.
About the Author: TOI Lifestyle Desk — The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who, with unwavering passion and commitment, sift through the pulse of the nation to curate a vibrant tapestry of lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. At the TOI Lifestyle Desk, we go beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary. Consider us your lifestyle companion, providing a daily dose of inspiration and information. Whether you're seeking the latest fashion trends, travel escapades, culinary delights, or wellness tips, the TOI Lifestyle Desk is your one-stop destination for an enriching lifestyle experience.
