When Dr. Osman Ali made the last career leap from corporate strategy to medicine, his health took an unexpected turn.
“That’s when I lost my gym habit. I was busy doing night shifts and my relationship with my long-term partner was deteriorating,” he told the Telegraph this week.
“I’m not in the best frame of mind mentally,” he continued. “I work long hours and don’t take care of my health.”
The typical medical school meals from McDonald’s, sweet cereals, kebabs and sodas began to take their toll, “I have a similar face and moobs, and I will put on a lot of weight around my middle. The weight gain affects my confidence, but also I know that I am more at risk of certain health conditions, especially with visceral fat in the middle.
A routine health check-up led to the dreaded diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or does not use insulin well, which hinders the body’s ability to use sugar for fuel.
There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but there are many recommended lifestyle changes to help manage the condition, such as losing weight, exercising and eating well.
The diagnosis was a wake-up call for Ali, who is in his 50s. “I know that if I don’t take care of myself, the situation will get worse, I know fully what the complications of diabetes are – such as cardiovascular problems, eye problems and kidney problems. I want to live a full, happy and healthy life, so something has to change,” he said. told The Telegraph.
With a group of friends, Ali joined a local gym. He began swimming and working out with weights, eventually joining a personal trainer who helped him become more consistent and disciplined with his diet and exercise regimen.
“Having a personal trainer is good because he pushes me and keeps an eye on my technique,” Ali said. “Training is not easy to miss when I know I have an order with him in the morning. You make the best of it.
To balance his body, Ali dramatically reduced sugar and increased his protein intake.
“My main meal is usually in the evening, and I try to eat as much protein as I can, usually chicken or fish,” Ali told the Telegraph. “I will always have one protein shake a day and creatine powder in my drink before I go out to boost performance and increase strength.”
In addition to losing weight and increasing stamina, Ali’s improved health has drastically reduced his blood sugar levels, and he is classified as borderline diabetic.
While the physical improvements have been substantial, she admits the biggest change has been her self-esteem. “The main thing is that I feel better about myself. I’m fit, healthy, and my energy is back,” he told The Telegraph.
Ali shared the holy trinity of tips for starting and maintaining a healthy eating and fitness plan, after losing 20 pounds and dropping three pant sizes.
Choose a sustainable strategy
For Ali, sustainable strategy is the foundation for success. “Try to start with what you can sustain. People come in with good intentions with strong programs but fall off the wagon because they’re not sustainable,” he advises.
Make an easy sacrifice
Ali suggests making less of a deficiency.
“Cut out the easy stuff – stop having biscuits with your tea and cut down on dessert to twice a week,” says The Telegraph. “Everything you do has to be sustainable.”
Practice with friends
Ali expressed the group dynamic by keeping him with a fitness regimen, “Training with friends. I became friendly with my neighbors, and I started training together. Having a social aspect will keep you going.
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