Suffering from post-natal depression, unbeknown to Meena Bhoyrub at the time, food provided a solace that eventually took its toll on her health.
Meena told Express.co.uk: “I was comfort eating and I would be eating nonstop all day, big meals and snacking. When I was putting on weight, I remember I was on a video call with my family, and one of my family members told me that I was starting to look like a huge fat cow. I was so upset for days.”
In her late 30s, weighing 80kg (12st 6lb), Meena suffered from aches and pains in her knees and feet, causing her to lose her mobility and be signed off from work as a healthcare assistant in Dublin, Ireland.
“It had a huge impact on my mental health,” Meena shared. “My mobility wasn’t good and I have two small children; I was scared.”
Reaching out to her neighbour, Nancy, for support, Meena confided that she “really needed to lose weight and wanted to go to the gym, but had no clue at all about the gym and what to do”.
Meena said: “Even to go to a gym alone… it’s awkward… I didn’t feel comfortable or have any confidence, so I asked if Nancy could help me or give me some information, as I knew she went to the gym. Nancy said she goes to F45 Grangegorman and she will get me in, and that’s how it’s all started.”
Beginning the F45 45-Day Challenge in March 2022, Meena felt supported by the F45 coaches, and especially Nancy, who would go to the gym with her every single day.
“I was motivated by Nancy,” Meena said. “I wasn’t on my own and working out with her in the gym built up my confidence.”
Meena turned away from rice curries and pastries and turned towards wholemeal alternatives and eating more fruits and vegetables.
“Nancy helped me a lot to understand nutrition; what is good and what is the best diet to stick to, as she was already doing sessions with nutritionists.”
While adjusting her diet was more of a challenge than incorporating more exercise into her routine, Meena achieved her weight loss goals.
At 39, adhering to F45’s comprehensive fitness and nutrition programme, Meena shed 14kg (2st 2lb) and proudly showed off the results on Instagram.
“My family was amazed,” beamed Meena. “And the same family member (the one who called me a fat cow) was shocked and told me what an amazing transformation I’ve had.”
Meena said: “After all that, and the experience I went through, I will say to any woman or man out there who suffers from depression, comfort eating and social anxiety, please just make that one step and join F45 or any gym, or any exercise class, where you can meet people.
“It would be the best decision you will ever make and life will change just like that.” Meena advised: “Have patience with yourself and trust yourself.
“Doing exercises is not only to lose weight, it’s to build yourself from scratch to make you a wonderful, strong, confident and beautiful person inside, which will reflect on your outside naturally.”
