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Harshi

Feb 11 2016.

Harshi Suraweera and her fitness journey

“People who love to eat are always the best people!”

“In a relationship with food”

“I’m a foodie and love food too much to lose weight!”

Such are some of the most common excuses some overweight people give when asked why they can’t commit to a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy and exercising is not everyone’s cup of tea. True. But when your weight becomes a serious health concern, rather than just a slogan to wear proudly, wouldn’t you want to think otherwise? (I’m not referring to those who have rare health conditions that prevent them from effectively losing weight.)

Scrolling down my Instagram feed one evening, I saw some inspirational posts by strong.lk, an online fitness community. One such post was of 27 year old Harshi Suraweera, a nurse by profession, living in Australia, who has come a long way from a childhood plagued by self-image issues.

Her remarkable transformation is nothing short of inspirational. We caught up with Harshi to know more about her commitment to become healthier and how it has affected her life.

When and why did you first realise you wanted to lose weight?

I have always struggled with my weight, ever since I can remember, but was really conscious during my days in university (Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University in Melbourne), as I struggled with my self-image. But the trigger point was a group photo on Facebook. I was shocked at my figure and there onwards decided to really commit to losing the weight.

What was the biggest challenge in your fitness journey?

Motivation. I had less or no motivation to actually take the steps to lose the weight.

How did you overcome this challenge?

As I started training on a regular basis I saw my progress. It was a slow at start but the results I saw were my motivation, which pushed me even more to train harder and keep going towards my goals.

What’s an average day like for you?

Getting up pretty early for work, finishing up by 4 in the afternoon and hitting the gym around 6pm. After gym, I would do my shopping and prepare my food for the next day and try and get at least 8 hours of sleep.

What kind of training do you do? Weights? Pilates?

I started my weight loss journey by doing cardio, then started doing weights to get a more defined and toned body and also increase my strength.

What’s your most favourite exercise? Why?

My favourite exercise is heavy squats. Because it works my glutes and it increases my core strength.

Do you have a trainer?

I currently have a trainer. His name is Nass Sena. He runs his own PT business called Sweat Nation Australia @sweatnation.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

I am a caring, selfless and pretty quiet person. I love animals and I consider the gym to be my second home.

In Sri Lanka, lots of women who want to lose weight, most often say they can’t give up their brownies and junk food. What advice can you give such women?

Losing weight takes dedication and sacrifice. If these women are serious about their weight loss certain sacrifices have to be made, like not eating brownies and junk food.

How important is fitness to you?

Fitness has become my life. It has made me a new person. It has given me confidence and keeps me pushing through life's problems. It has given me new friends and better friendships. Most importantly it has made me passionate about something I love to do.

How important is diet to you?

Dieting is key in any fitness journey. Without the right foods, the hard work at the gym won't get you any results.

Future goals?

My future goal is to enter a figure competition and also to do online coaching and personal training. Currently I am training towards that. And I would also like to design my own fitness wear.

The single most important lesson you’ve learn through all of this?

Never give up, no matter what, and hard work and dedication pays off.

Do you think it’s important for people to take care of their bodies in order to love themselves?

Your body is a reflection of you as a person. It's important to take care of it as it shows that you love yourself. It's just not only love but a health issue as well. It's important to take care of your body to avoid health problems later in life.

By Jennifer Rodrigo