My weight journey
Journalist Billie Bhatia shares her real weight journey—breaking free from diet culture with mindful movement, protein-rich nutrition, and self-love
By BILLIE BHATIA, fashion, beauty & lifestyle journalist
The first thing I did on my weight management journey was to voice my intention into existence. I lived by a rhetoric that I was constantly trying to lose weight, but through shame and embarrassment, I didn’t share it with many, except those nearest and dearest. The loudest conversations were between me, myself and I.
I decided to change the narrative. I voiced things I’d been thinking most of my life - the way weight impacted my mind, body, life, goals, and dreams. It felt jarring (and terrifying), particularly in the new era of self-love, when making yourself smaller seems like turning your back on it. I wasn’t turning my back; I was choosing myself.
To me, self-love was putting myself, my weight, and my goal front and centre. The next step was to do something about it. To switch my mindset, not to be perfect, but to be more mindful. More mindful in movement, nutrition, the way I spoke to myself, and the way I invited others to treat me.
The word ‘diet’ was triggering; instead, I opted for a high-protein calorie deficit. I walked and pursued the gym, yoga, swimming and squash. It was impossibly hard, but it taught me mental resilience and discipline.
Walking became my outlet - whatever my mood. It’s the habit that’s stuck, and I’m grateful for it.
Mastering nutrition has been harder, and truthfully, still ongoing. I tried to meal prep to stop reaching for snacks or foods with low nutritional value. I followed experts and spent time with dedicated hormonal nutritionists to better understand why my body, cravings, and attitude towards food were the way they were.
There are still days, even weeks, when I falter, but I strive to be kinder to my body. Kinder by moving it and doing what brings me immense joy.
Walking, playing sports with friends, cooking food that makes me feel good, and ensuring my body is rested, where possible, as much as it is active. I’m learning that life isn’t about restriction and punishment - it’s about living with a goal in mind, always.
