Conquering Gut Issues and Embracing a Healthy Weight Loss Journey: Shafaani's Story

Living in Dubai, Shafaani’s days were packed with work, family commitments, and a lot of social gatherings. After 20 years in a demanding HR career, she found herself too busy to prioritize her health, often relying on quick fixes to get through her days. The relentless pace began to take a toll—her gut health spiralled out of control. Shafaani battled daily bloating, discomfort after meals, and digestion that seemed to have hit a wall. And like many of us, she coped with this through unhealthy eating habits and emotional snacking.

This new normal in Shafaani’s life hit a point where nothing seemed to digest properly, and when her physical discomfort started interfering with her daily routine, she knew she needed a change. Fed up with popping antacids and relying on short-term solutions, Shafaani realized she needed a deeper, long-lasting change that would heal her from within.

That’s when she found One Health by Dr. Shikha Sharma and embarked on a journey that would not only transform her gut health but also her entire approach to nutrition, weight loss, and well-being.

Seeking a Solution for Unhealthy Gut Symptoms

For more than a year, Shafaani struggled with unhealthy gut symptoms—constant bloating, indigestion, and an inability to digest even simple foods like dals and lentils. She tried various over-the-counter medications, but the issues still persisted.

When Shafaani discovered One Health by Dr. Shikha Sharma, she finally felt hopeful. The team didn’t just hand her a generic plan; they took the time to analyze her health holistically keeping in mind all aspects like blood tests, lifestyle habits, food preferences—all of it. For the first time, Shafaani felt like someone was listening to her unique challenges and crafting a plan specifically for her.

Gluten-Free Living and Better Digestion

Shafaani had always been mindful of her dietary restrictions as a pescatarian with lactose and gluten intolerance. But she hadn’t realized how much these foods were contributing to her gut issues. With guidance from her nutritionist, Dr. Anjali, Shafaani adopted a meal plan that focused on easy-to-digest, nourishing foods. Dr. Anjali, her nutritionist, helped Shafaani design a meal plan tailored to her lactose intolerance. They focused on easy-to-digest, wholesome meals that avoided gluten while keeping her energized and satisfied.

Shafaani remembers how skeptical she was about giving up gluten entirely. But with alternatives like millets, jowar, and oats, she realised that gluten-free options are delicious and satisfying as well. “I never liked oats before, but now I can’t get enough of them. I even missed them during my vacation!” Shafaani laughs.

The key to her success wasn't just the food—it was also the integration of natural herbs and digestive aids. For example, simple tweaks, like sipping on ajwain and fennel-infused detox water, quickly eased her bloating and helped her gut feel lighter after meals. She also turned to natural Ayurvedic herbs like neem for clearer skin and better blood sugar levels and brahmi to help her stay mentally sharp. These small additions, paired with a fiber-rich diet, worked wonders for her overall health.

The Joy of Mindful Eating and Weight Loss without Starvation

Unlike traditional weight-loss plans that often feel like starving yourself, Shafaani’s journey was about balance and mindfulness. She didn’t have to give up her favorite foods entirely—her beloved Saturday dosa stayed on the menu. Instead, she learned how to enjoy these treats in moderation, pairing them with nutrient-packed meals that supported her goals.

Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day on Shafaani’s plan looked like:

Breakfast: A refreshing apple and strawberry smoothie made with almond milk, a filling, gluten-free, and lactose-free start to the day.

Mid-morning snack: Fresh fruits paired with flaxseeds for added fiber.

Lunch: A quick, nutritious dish of vegetable oats, sautéed vegetables and a side of cucumber salad.

Evening snack: Roasted chana with jasmine tea.

Dinner: A detox smoothie to wind down the day, focusing on light, easy-to-digest ingredients.

The meals were simple and didn’t feel like “diet food,” which made it easy for Shafaani to stick to the plan. Over three months, she shed 12 kilograms. But more than the numbers on the scale, it was the way she felt—energized, lighter, and in control—that made all the difference.

Rebuilding Willpower and Confidence

Throughout her journey, Shafaani faced moments of temptation. Being in a family with different eating habits, Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. “There were moments I really wanted to give in, but I reminded myself why I started and how much better I felt.”

Over time, those mindful decisions became second nature. Whether it was eating out with friends or navigating a work lunch, Shafaani learned to listen to her body and make choices that aligned with her goals.

“I’m still enjoying my life, but I’m more conscious of what I put in my body,” Shafaani shares. "It's about being mindful and listening to my body, not just eating for the sake of it."

The most rewarding part of her journey was the shift in her mindset. Shafaani no longer felt trapped by cravings or the fear of gaining back the weight she had worked hard to lose. She found strength in her willpower and embraced a more positive, empowered relationship with food. She noticed a sharp improvement in her focus, energy, and self-confidence

The Power of Proper Guidance and Support

One of the things Shafaani appreciated most about the program was the ongoing support she received from her nutritionist and the One Health team. “It’s not just about following a strict meal plan,It’s about having a conversation, making adjustments when needed, and working together as a team.”

Shafaani felt truly supported throughout her journey, whether it was a quick check-in during the week or simply using the app to ask questions when something came up. This approachable and tailored support made the process feel less like following a strict diet and more like adopting a sustainable, healthy way of living.

The Results: A Healthier Gut, Body, and Mind

As Shafaani continues her health journey, she is excited about her future. Not only have her gut issues improved dramatically, but her overall health is better than ever. Her blood work finally came back normal, and her iron levels—which had been a constant issue—were now in a healthy range. And as for weight loss? She’s just halfway to her goal, and she’s already seeing results.

“I’m doing this for myself,” Shafaani reflects. “I’ve learned that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and I’m enjoying life more because of it. My energy levels are higher, and I feel better every single day.”

Shafaani’s journey shows that improving your gut health and losing weight doesn’t mean giving up the things you love or taking drastic steps. It shows that real change comes from making small, meaningful adjustments. Eating foods that work for your body and finding balance, rather than restriction, can lead to long-term results and a healthier you. If you’re ready to take charge of your health and start a journey like Shafaani’s, keep in mind—it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding balance, staying consistent, and giving your body the nourishment it needs.

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Conquering Gut Issues and Embracing a Healthy Weight Loss Journey: Shafaani's Story

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