How a 22-Year-Old Psychologist Lost 15 kg and Unlocked Peak Fitness with FFD

Shalaka’s Inspiring 15 kg Weight Loss and Holistic Fitness Journey with FFD

Name - Ms. Shalaka Bangad
Age -25 Years Young
Profession - Counseling Psychologist / Psychotherapist
Place - Pune, Maharashtra

As a counseling psychologist, my daily work involves carrying heavy emotional loads and helping others navigate their stress. But behind the scenes, my own health was taking a backseat due to a sedentary lifestyle and unmanaged stress. Weighing 78 kg, I frequently experienced lethargy and fatigue that began affecting my day-to-day energy. Although my HbA1c was well within the normal range at 4.5, other metabolic markers indicated that I needed to pay closer attention to my health. Discovering Freedom from Diabetes (FFD) was a turning point that helped me improve my metabolic health, lose 15 kg, and build an athletic mindset!

Key Takeaways

Lost 15 kg (78 kg to 63 kg)
Fasting Insulin Dropped from 22 to 8.7
Maintained HbA1c at 4.5
Reduced Body Inflammation (hs-CRP)
Restored Liver Function (SGPT/SGOT ratios normalised)
Completed Multiple Fast for Freedom (FFF) Cycles
Embraced MMA and Pilates as part of an active lifestyle

My Health Struggle

As a psychotherapist, my days revolve around sitting for long hours, listening to people share heavy emotional stories, and holding space for them.

Without realizing it, this demanding schedule led to a very sedentary lifestyle. I didn't have diabetes.

My HbA1c was within the normal range at 4.5, but my weight crept up to 78 kg. I started experiencing bouts of lethargy and fatigue.

On paper, my blood sugar looked fine, but inside, my fasting insulin was sky-high at nearly 22,

my liver markers (SGPT/SGOT ratios) were elevated, and my body carried significant inflammation (hs-CRP) from holding on to daily stress.

How I Found FFD/How FFD Was Introduced

I was introduced to Freedom from Diabetes right at home! Both my mother and my father had previously enrolled in and successfully completed the FFD program.

Seeing their commitment and watching the remarkable transformation they underwent gave me complete trust in the protocol.

Knowing how scientifically grounded their approach was, I decided to join FFD specifically for weight loss and overall metabolic health.

Ms. Shalaka Bangad

My Reversal Journey

My journey with FFD was smooth, structured, and deeply empowering.

The medical guidance helped me understand how my body functions under the hood.

Doctors explained how my body didn't need constant food intake because it could tap into stored fat for energy once ketones kicked in.

Knowing that key support elements like green juices, smoothies, soups, and natural hunger suppressants were available made following the diet effortless.

Step by step, my internal parameters began shifting dramatically.

My fasting insulin dropped from a high 22 down to an optimal 8.7, my liver enzyme ratios normalised, and my systemic inflammation markers (hs-CRP) improved.

Best of all, my weight dropped steadily from 78 kg to 63 kg—a total weight loss of 15 kg!

My HbA1c remained rock-solid at 4.5. The physical change brought back immense energy, lightness, and confidence in my daily life.

Athletic Identity

Joining FFD didn't just help me shed weight; it completely transformed my self-image and built my athletic identity!

After six months into the program, I felt incredibly fit and decided to push my boundaries by taking up Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about whether I would be "gym fit" or able to keep up with regular members.

To my surprise, the endurance and stamina built through FFD allowed me to match everyone at the MMA gym seamlessly!

Today, alongside MMA, I also practice Pilates regularly at home to stay flexible and strong.

Fast For Freedom Experience

I participated in three Fast for Freedom (FFF) cycles during my program.

The protocol was designed so thoughtfully that we built up gradually, starting with a 24-hour fast, then progressing to 48 hours, 72 hours, and eventually completing a full 5-day fast!

Because of this step-by-step progression, fasting was surprisingly smooth and easy for me.

During my first fasting period alone, I lost 3 kg. In the second fast, I dropped another 1.5 to 2 kg, and during the third fast, I shed another 2.5 to 3 kg.

Fasting cleared my body's sluggishness, boosted my metabolic flexibility, and left me feeling incredibly light and energized.

Inner Transformation

Given my profession, ethical standards require me to undergo regular therapy myself to manage work-induced stress.

Additionally, FFD strongly reinforced my existing mindfulness habits. Back in June 2024, I had completed the intensive 10-day Vipassana meditation course.

Sitting for long hours during Vipassana was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I remember crying on the first few days because my back hurt so much!

But persevering through it gave me deep mental resilience.

FFD reinforced this habit, encouraging me to take out dedicated time every single day after my workouts to meditate, reset my nervous system, and manage daily emotional stress effectively.

Current Lifestyle & Reflection

Today, at 63 kg, I feel lighter, healthier, and more confident than ever before.

My routine blends structured physical training, MMA and home Pilates, with daily post-workout meditation to keep my mind and body in perfect sync.

My stamina levels are at an all-time high, allowing me to show up fully both for my therapy clients and for myself.

I am filled with immense gratitude for the FFD team and protocol for giving me the tools to achieve peak metabolic health!