Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Inspiring Weight-Loss Journey!

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is probably one of the most fashionable actresses in the film industry today. The talented Mrs. Ahuja always stands up for what she believes in. Outspoken and a feminist at heart, Sonam’s movie ‘Veere Di Wedding’ proved that a movie with four female lead actors can also enter the much-coveted Rs.100 crore-club of Bollywood.

Like all other teenagers, Sonam also had her share of weight management issues. Sonam confessed to this at an event where she said that ever since she was 12 years old, she has battled being overweight. By the time the actress turned 19, she weighed 86 kgs and suffered from a host of weight-related disorders such as PCOS and borderline diabetes.

Though she had started to lose weight, Sonam started to follow a strict diet and workout regime only after she was cast opposite Ranbir Kapoor in her debut film ‘Saawariya’ in 2007.

With the encouragement and support of her director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sonam managed to lose an astounding 35 kgs within two years! Yasmin Karachiwala helped Sonam strengthen her core with pilates, Monisha and Shervir helped the actress with weight-training and Zarine Watson helped Sonam with her overall fitness.  

Sonam’s Diet Plan

In 2014, Sonam met her current nutritionist and trainer Radhika Karle. Initially, Sonam was a non-vegetarian but, owing to various food allergies, the actress recently turned vegan. Radhika has created a customized diet plan/meal plan for Sonam in order to boost the actress’ immunity and stamina. Sonam follows a diet that is rich in antioxidants. Here is the actress’ everyday meal plan:

Sonam’s Workout Routine

A Combination of Weight Training and Pilates everyday

Weight training is divided according to the different muscles that have to be targeted everyday. Weight training has helped Sonam increase her strength. Pilates has improved Sonam’s flexibility, concentration and balance. Pilates has also helped the actress become lean. The combination of these two forms of exercise have greatly helped Sonam lose weight.

Regular Cardio Exercise

Sonam spends 60-75 minutes doing cardio exercises thrice a week. These exercises have helped the actress build and maintain her stamina. Sonam also swims as a part of her cardio routine in order to burn calories and to keep her body well-toned.

Dancing, Meditation and Yoga

Sonam loves to dance and she does Kathak twice a week. Meditation and yoga are also an essential part of the actress’ workout regimen.

Sonam’s inspirational weight-loss journey has taught the actress a lot. Here are a few tips, given by Sonam herself, for weight-loss:

• Eat nutritious and low-calorie foods.
• Keep yourself well-hydrated and do not buy packaged juices.
• Avoid excessive consumption of salt and sugar.
• Make it a point to work out regularly, even if it is something as simple as walking, jogging or running.
• Have one cheat day every week.
• Satisfy your sweet cravings with a piece of dark chocolate.
• Always buy fresh vegetables, nuts, fruits, meat etc.
• Avoid nighttime/late night snacking.   
• Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day.
• Keep a track of your progress by recording everything in a weight-loss journal.

Radhika’s Weight-Loss tip: Try a new fitness routine every week. Not only will this help you break the monotony of your usual routine but it will also help you understand what works best for you and your body.

Take a page from Sonam’s inspirational weight-loss journey and try to incorporate it into your life as well! However, before doing so, spend some time understanding your body. Every woman’s body is different. What works for one woman, may not work for someone else. So, understand what works for your body and what will help your body become and stay fit in the long run.

Sources: Stylecraze, NDTV Food, Bollyworm, The Indian Express, IB Times India, Pinkvilla, India.com, Harpers Bazaar Singapore, WorkoutInfoGuru, YouTube, Instagram account of Sonam Kapoor Ahuja

Riya Aggarwal