Like other truths, it is perhaps a fact that a woman’s image of beauty in our societies has been conceptualised as well. Pakistani women are extremely looks- conscious and will go to various degrees to look fabulous. We have ingrained within us marketed ideas of beauty, and in the process have lost a certain sense of uniqueness that makes us individualistic. It is that certain essence that defines who we are as a person. We need not run after being someone that we are not. We need not run after someone who looks a certain way on a billboard. We should aim to look and feel the healthiest, best version of ourselves. That is being unique. Being fair skinned, tall and skinny, with long, silky, blonde streaked or jet-black hair is the norm one will generally find in magazines and adverts, where our female models are representing the desirable image. Slowly and gradually the boundaries of this norm are being tested, new looks are making way to acceptability, and young girls and women want to retain their identities. To be within your weight limit, to be fit in body and mind are considered being in good health.

According to an article in The Express Tribune by staff reporter Munnazzah Raza, research suggests that ‘31.17% of our female readers are overweight.’ A fitness survey result of 2,514 respondents gives an insight into the readers’ healthy lifestyles. This statistic holds valuable information for weight issues in women. Unhealthy weight range gives way to illnesses like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. And overweight or underweight body image hurts self esteem.

It is also an established truth that food is of cultural significance to our nation. Pakistan offers exquisite cuisine, which is both spicy and rich in calories. Lahore is especially revered for its fine delicacies, which are calorie concentrated consequently enabling weight gain. Our foods are generally prepared in a lot of oil and Pakistanis tend to enjoy consuming meat preparations such as nihari (beef stew), organ meats like gurday (kidneys), magaz (brain), and kaleygi (liver), which are considered a delicacy. People who watch their diets tend to avoid these rich delicacies and opt for healthier choices, such as grilled meats, BBQ and stir fry vegetables. Indulging in parathas cooked in desi ghee, achaar or pickles high in salts and oil as a preservative, is an all time favourite and so are the sweetmeats like laddoos and ghulab jamuns. In moderation, everything is consumable every now and then. However, food and weight are mutually interconnected and not necessarily the best of friends.

Many of us are consistently on a ‘diet,’ and exercising day in and day out. Today, for me, a diet is not what it used to mean five years ago. One type of diet plan and one type of workout everyday does not get you results. Ideally, there has to be variation and long-term planning – a goal.

Who doesn’t want to look skinny? And true is the fact that clothes are carried better by slimmer physiques. However if we don’t have those prototypes, what and how do we get them? Women are genetically predisposed to carrying fat around their abdominal areas in preparation for later life events. But excess fat in the abdominal area, called visceral fat, can be dangerous. Over the years, awareness seems to be setting in, and fitness maintenance has found itself into women’s daily schedules.

I hope to help women who have and are going through a similar thought process, by sharing with them my own experiences and knowledge gained over time through trial and error. Through this informative book, diet and exercise will help women find their way to fitness.

In our culture we have a lot of social engagements, even during the week. A variegated diet and exercise lifestyle is a mood elevator, fun and an antidote for depression. Trends travel globally; such as in the West where fitness is a major industry, the Lahore culture is fast adopting fitness as a lifestyle as well. Gyms have varying packages to offer, and there are beautiful serene parks which carry much history with them and are a sheer delight to visit. When no gyms were present, the park was your public gym, accessible to all for recreation, relaxation and well being. One can enjoy food, you just have to make smart choices. Some people are lucky that they can eat tons and remain slim, some however are not as lucky.