Savoring Every Bite, But Also Shedding Every Pound

I love food. I mean, really, really love food. Who doesn’t, right? But for me, it’s not just about eating since I appreciate food. The flavors, the textures, the way a dish can transport you to a different place, a different culture. I love trying new recipes, exploring new restaurants, and diving headfirst into whatever new culinary adventure awaits me.

The best part? In Malaysia, halal food is never boring. Some people hear “halal” and think it’s limited to Malay food, but oh, how wrong they are! We have halal Indian food with its bold spices, halal Chinese dishes that are rich and flavorful, halal Western meals that bring comfort, and let’s not forget the amazing halal Japanese and Korean cuisine. And of course, Middle Eastern food, which is a feast on its own. There’s just so much to explore, and I’ve never been one to say no.

But let’s be real, loving food comes with consequences. My body is proof of that. You don’t get to enjoy all these amazing meals without paying the price. It’s simple math: eat more than you burn, and boom you gain weight. And that’s exactly what happened to me. At some point, I had to stop and face reality: I needed to lose weight.

Now, working out is great. I’ve been sweating buckets, lifting weights, and pushing my limits. But here’s the hard truth: fitness alone isn’t enough. You can’t out-train a bad diet. And for someone like me, who adores food, controlling what I eat is just as tough as a hardcore gym session, if not harder!

I’m not following any strict diet. No Atkins, no Keto, no fancy meal plans. I’m keeping it simple: watch my calorie intake, cut out sugar, and avoid processed foods. That means saying goodbye to sweet drinks, desserts, and anything that’s packed with unnecessary sugar. That alone feels like a heartbreak. No more iced Milo? No more cakes? Huhu.

Carbs? Oh, that’s another battle. I try to minimize rice, which, let’s be honest, is like trying to live without air in Malaysia. But instead of cutting carbs completely, I’m choosing better options such as potatoes, vegetables, complex carbs. White flour is my enemy now, so no more bread, pastries, or kuih. Do you hear that? No. More. Pastries. That’s pain. But I keep reminding myself: it’s for a better, healthier me.

This journey is about balance. The more I push myself in the gym, the more I feel the impact of what I eat. Every drop of sweat, every lift, every push-up makes me appreciate not overloading on unnecessary calories. I don’t want my hard work to go to waste.

And let’s not forget age isn’t on my side anymore. My metabolism isn’t what it used to be. Back then, I could devour 2,500 calories like it was nothing. Now? I struggle to burn even 2,000. That means I have to be smarter with my food choices. More protein, more vegetables, and controlled portions. Rice? Just one or two spoons per meal, enough to survive but not enough to ruin my progress.

And now, the real test is coming. Ramadhan is just around the corner. Fasting during the day, eating only at night and it changes everything. Based on past experience, Ramadhan makes everything harder. Hunger and cravings hit differently. But I’m determined to stay disciplined. I still plan to hit the gym, still plan to control my food intake, and most importantly, not let fasting become an excuse to overeat when I break fast.

So here I am, pushing forward, determined to see the results by the end of this month. This is my sacrifice, not just for weight loss, but for my health, my energy, and my future. Pray for me. I’m going to need all the strength I can get.