A new take on fitness and food – Salt Rock

The weight gradually crept on and before he knew it, he put on 30 kilograms over about four years – he was not only physically unwell, but mentally too.

Salt Rock dental therapist Roman Alexander Venkadu’s life revolved around food – a passion that was also his downfall.

“I love food – making it more than eating it to be honest. I used to cook up a big spread for my family every weekend after church,” said the 26-year-old Roman.

After going through a tough breakup, he knew it was time for change.

“I decided on Valentines Day last year that I was going to lose weight. I went to Dr Patel in Ballito the next day who helped me start Slender Wonder and I signed up with a personal trainer.”

From that moment on, Roman said there was no turning back. He weighed 111 kilograms and his goal was 80 kilograms.

Also read: Groutville man shares life changing weight loss journey

“I was hard core about the process. It was like I had blinkers on and only saw the end goal. I cut out everyone who discouraged me. I even stopped going to family gatherings because I knew the food would be too tempting and would set me back.”

The first few weeks were not easy and Roman said he only truly realised how unfit he was when he started exercising.

“I could barely manage two push ups and no longer than five minutes on the treadmill. I remember driving home the first day after gym, trembling, thinking I was going to die.”

He persevered and lost 29 kilograms in 17 weeks. He reached 80 kilograms by the end of May last year, but that was not enough.

“Once I reached my target, I had to start stabilising my weight and find my happy place. I loved how good I felt, how much energy I had and how much easier it was to do everything. I am now at 72 kilograms and while that is on the lower end of my body mass index, I feel it is right for me.”

The whole process fascinated Roman – so much so that he studied personal training and recently completed his national certificate in fitness.

“When I was overweight I loved the idea of fitness, I just couldn’t do it. Now, I train everyday.

Roman has not lost his love for cooking either and said he has a whole new relationship with food now.

“Since I cut out salt, spices and cream from my cooking, my taste buds have become more sensitive and I have discovered what food tastes like in its natural form. I find myself scolding people about what they eat and afterwards I look at myself and think – what have I become? What was a diet has become a new lifestyle which I feel has treated the cause of my weight gain at a cellular level.”

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