July was a blur. I knew I had to do so many things; my to-do list was overflowing, the planner was jampacked and yet these saw more red crosses than in the last six months put together.
For the most part of the month, the soldier was out on duty because guess what? Hills and rains don’t go hand in hand. If it was an impromptu rescue operation the last year, this time it was rebuilding a bridge which was washed off due to landslides. And oh, the monsoon had just started in this part of the world. So, with hardly any phone calls from him and a worrisome heart, July strutted in slow-mo.
But instead of brooding over things I couldn’t change, I decided to get myself busy.
Depression
If you follow my Insta stories, you’d know that I had just come home from my folks in Kerala. While I enjoy spending time with them, a Kerala trip means visiting my relatives and so-called near and dear ones. This comes with the whole shady package of questions about why I’m not having a baby and why I am fat. I do not want to list down the unbelievably snarky comments with respect to these two topics that I have to endure every single time I go home. But you get the idea, right?
So when I get back from the trip, I am depressed. I am not someone who uses the word depression lightly. And I absolutely detest people who confuse between sadness and depression. So, I know what I am saying here. Sulking and tears followed after the ‘homecoming’ and there were days when I just didn’t come out of the bed.
However, thanks to my sister-in-law, I had a new gadget which gave me a push to put on my walking shoes. I am a big goal digger and I cannot imagine not meeting a deadline. So, setting a goal for the number of steps to be covered in a day was a good start to do something other than eating my heart out.
The Keto Diet
Not having the husband around had one benefit! I didn’t have to cook and this was the best time to start a diet. Believe me when I say I love cooking and trying out new dishes, but I took a decision to give my food blogging a break. Thus, the last week of June went into diet research which would suit me. I was looking for something that is long term, that doesn’t restrict me from the foods I love eating, and that which wouldn’t be an issue with my health disorders – to put it subtly.
I came across the Keto Diet and decided to give it a go. I tried for three days initially to get the body accustomed to the major change. For those of you who don’t know, Keto Diet is when you stop feeding your body with carbs and focus on eating fats and proteins. So, the body is forced to burn fats for energy because it is deprived of carbs. This is a huge change because for the last thirty years I had subjected my body to do the reverse process.
Anyway, after three days, I was convinced that I would be able to do it. I started off the Keto Diet with a bang and lost 4.9kgs in ten days. I know it is just water weight that I lost, but this was motivation enough. I didn’t do much of exercise, except maybe a bit of walking, cycling, and dancing. Did I cheat? Ah well, only that one time when I drooled seeing my husband’s lunch and stole a mouthful of rice.
Today, after a month of Keto Diet, I am gobbling chicken and cheese, green teas and coffee, lost 4.9kgs (yeah, not much after the first weightloss) and a few inches here and there, but I am much energetic, and I don’t pant like a dog after walking a few steps.
Mum
Mum was suddenly sick and it scared the wits out of me. After a week of sleepless nights, we got the news that her ultrasound came clean and what a huge relief it was! Oh, Mum!
Blogging Friends
That brings to my blogging friends. If not for them, I wouldn’t have even gotten up from bed most of the days. It’s always great to have someone to hold on to when you’re a little unsteady, to say anything under the sun and simply have that 4 am chat. To those of you who say that blogging friends aren’t real, believe me. I have made at least three super close friends through blogging. You know who you are 🙂
Muffy
For the first half of the month, the furball and I were sick. Blame it on the weather! However, I was pretty scared of what was happening to Muffy. The husband was also away and there is hardly a good veterinarian in the vicinity and don’t get me started with pet medicines. Majority of them aren’t available. Thank God for I listened to Dad and bought few basic meds for the pup which came handy when he was wounded.
Books and Instagram
I came out of the reading rut by finishing five books this month. Children of Blood and Bone was a disappointment. I re-read the first two books from the Harry Potter series and started off with the third one.
Meanwhile, I was also kinda fed up with the way my Instagram feed looked like and was pulling my hair apart thinking of what change I should bring about. Research (for the most part, it was asking my friends’ for suggestions) followed and one fine night, I had the lightbulb moment. Yes. Muffy has started reading books now. You must head over and check out his bookstagram account because the very first week saw Bloomsbury India and Westland Books reposting his pictures. Good start, don’t you think?
That’s all folks.
By the time you finish reading this, I will be on my way to Kerala, for my sister’s wedding. It falls on September but the Indian wedding preparations are never-ending. You know that! Follow my Instagram stories if you’d love to be a part of my happiness and celebrations. And fingers crossed, I don’t have to bawl my eyes out or better yet, bite someone’s head off this time who asks me to reduce my weight or have a baby. Seriously? Seriously!
Linking this post to Vidya’s Gratitude Circle for this month.
Lata Sunil says
Enjoy your time in Kerala. Ignore all people who put you down outside the circle of your immediate family. But, this keto diet is sounding tempting to me as I would be happy to go down by 5 -20 kgs 😉 wishful thinking. I love Muffy with his books. Its a good idea.
Vishal Bheeroo says
A cool post on what you’re into, travel and food. It’s good to have a cheat day to indulge. Have fun.
Harini says
I just saw Muffy’s insta account and it’s the best account ever. I understand what fat shamming does to mental health of a person. I have been going through it for years too. And the kids thing has been plaguing me for 2 years now. The simple – ‘ I will have kids when we are ready’ doesn’t seem to get through many heads. One person even suggested that I visit a doctor. I need to get to a diet and lose some weight too.
Shalzmojo says
Hey haters are gonna hate…… get over it!
You have so much going for you – you are such a gorgeous vivacious person with so much to give. I am sure your partner is very loving and supporting, based on all your comments about him and that adorable bundle of mush to cuddle whenever you feel like some love. Top it with living in a cool and lush green environ of the hills plus the fantastic cook that you are- your home must be filled with abundance and love. Never ever forget this and just believe that people will always NOT mind their business , especially true of those dreaded relatives, who just can’t stop envying and decide to pull you down to make themselves feel better. I am sure you have good enough reason for not having one and that’s the whole deal. There is no point justifying it to the whole world. Big hug from me to you Shalzz – I can’t imagine your smiling face can ever look sad. Cheer up and chin up
Fantastic of you to turn things around with such aplomb. The insta account is fabulous and that’s a marvellous idea. Let me connect you with this editor/publisher who is reviving her book handle on insta and looking for some reviewers.
Way to go on the keto diet and all the best for your sisters wedding. Hope it’s a blissful and loving affair. Do share your pics in all that gorgeous finery, I am a sucker for those sarees and jewellery. Love and hugs babes.
Shilpa Gupte says
I hear you, Shalini!! “When will you put on weight” and “when will you have a baby”, were questions that plagued me for so many years. Now, after 21 years of marriage, no one bothers me. Phew! Finally! It’s sure a big relief! So, don’t worry. People will stop asking. With time, they will find others to bother with their never ending queries on extremely personal matters. Wonder when people will learn to mind their own business!!
Good for you following a new diet. And, one that takes care of your health! Also hugs to my Muffy darling. On days I don’t see his pic first thing when I visit instagram, I feel I have missed something important!
I hope you have a great time at your sister’s wedding.
Take care.
Mahati Ramya adivishnu says
I can understand how it feels when relatives ask these kinds of questions fully aware that they cannot help and just hurting our feelings. Enjoy your sister’s wedding. So more joy and family time soon.
Parul Thakur says
I am sorry to hear about the not-so-good-things. Well babies and weight gain have been the story here as well. I feel bad at times but I have learnt to deal with it. With time, things get ‘slightly’ better 😛
Hugs to Muffy and you. I can imagine the heavy rains and the worries they bring. I read your IG account on the Keto diet and after reading that I googled a bit. But I wan’t sure on how to cut down on milk. 😦 And plus VT, he is a hard nut to crack. He wants his roti after even a pizza. I am glad it worked for you. 4.9kgs is amazing.
I am going to follow the wedding stories. I am sure they will leave you happy. And yes, if you are on Fitbit – let’s walk together!
Happy August to you!
Nima says
Hope the keto diet is still working and muffy is up and about. Take all those comments from relatives with a pinch of salt. Good you have made friends with bloggers. Keep posting. Really enjoyed reading this honest and frank write.
anupriya says
Hope you’re doing fine now. Please do not let what people (how so ever special they may be) get on to your mind. I know so many of them who just speak things for lack of anything better to say.
It would have been a mixed feeling to not have the husband around, and as a result going easy on your day schedule. Make hay while the sun shines.
All the best!