I Stopped Chasing Scale
Dr Siri Yerubandi, consultant obstetrician at Fernandez Hospital, says that transformation wasn’t built on shortcuts or crash diets but on structure, community, and consistent daily effort
Discipline begins at dawn. Dr Siri Yerubandi starts her day at 5:30 am with strength training and stretches. Her 8–10 hour hospital shifts are demanding, yet she makes a conscious effort to keep moving throughout the day.
“All I needed was to train my mind, practise mindful eating, and cut back on screen time,” she says. By 10 pm, she winds down to ensure 7–8 hours of restorative sleep.
Diet & nutrition
Food is fuel. She consumes at least 40 grams of protein daily, mostly from lean meats and boiled eggs, while avoiding refined sugar.
“If I crave sweets, I turn to fruits,” she says. Lunch is her heaviest meal, dinner is kept deliberately light—often salads or fruit. Hydration is her go-to discipline: “Drinking water keeps me from unnecessary snacking, even during long shifts.”
Fitness & movement
Balance defines her fitness philosophy. She works out five days a week, combining strength training, HIIT, and cardio, with Sundays reserved for a jog or a 5 km walk.
“I focus on strengthening weaker muscles,” she explains. “Functional training works best for me—but rest days are just as important.”
Emotional well-being
Wellness, for Dr. Siri, extends beyond the gym. “Once I see my kids, the stress of the day melts away,” she smiles.
She chooses to respond rather than react and surrounds herself with positivity. A health-conscious circle of friends keeps her accountable: “We share our workouts on group chats. Healthy habits are contagious.”
Her journey began with inspiration from senior colleague Dr Anisha, whose discipline motivated her to take charge of her health. Support from her husband—whom she calls her “fitness competitor”—keeps her momentum strong.
Sleep & recovery
Healing is non-negotiable. She prioritises 7–8 hours of sleep, and when nights fall short, she compensates with hydration, stretching, and rest the following day. “Listening to my body helps me avoid burnout,” she says.