Scam or Truth: Lose Weight Without a Mile of Jog, Gym, or Fad Diets?

My Story

Around the birth of my first son, six months into COVID lockdown, I started noticing my clothes weren't fitting comfortably. Like many, over the next three years, I tried jogging, grueling gym routines, and joyless "healthy" meals. Each attempt lasted only days or weeks, leading to initial results, then a frustrating plateau, and eventual backslide. This cycle of weight loss and regain took its toll, physically and mentally. This despair continued until December 2023, when I finally decided to take action.

The Turning Point

I realized I needed a sustainable change—not another quick fix. I wanted something that fit into my life without sacrificing everything I loved. I started researching programs that didn't involve gyms, running, or special meals. I even saw recurring YouTube ads from a ripped dude, but it felt too good to be true.

Around this time, I was at an entrepreneur mastermind and heard Adam Kaan talk about his weight loss coaching business. Since I was ‘borderline overweight’ (not obese), I didn’t pay much attention at first.

Then, I attended Camp Sunnah (run by NYM Ink). The theme that year was a Surah from the Quran that warned about living life on autopilot, grazing like cattle. That hit me in the gut. It was the sign I needed.

After the camp, I decided to seek help—and Adam was the only coach I genuinely trusted. What struck me most: people like me would rather live in discomfort than pay someone who can actually help. I swallowed my pride, saved money, and signed up for Adam's program in December 2023.

Key Principles I Followed

📚 Coaching and Content

The monthly coaching calls and weekly diet reviews were game-changers for me. Generic advice like "walk more" didn't work, so I sat down with Karim (Adam's staff) to personalize a plan that actually fit my routine.

I knew I wouldn't stick to walking just for the sake of walking. So, we made simple rules: don't drive for errands under 20 minutes, always take the stairs (I live on the 9th floor), and use a cart to walk groceries home. These shifts alone bumped me from 4k–6k steps a day to a consistent 8k–10k.

On the food side, the program helped me shift from calorie counting to portion awareness. I still ate chips and ice cream—the difference was, I stayed in a calorie deficit. The focus wasn't about restriction, but sustainability and long-term health.

There was a lot more value in the content. I learned that weight loss is just the beginning—strength building should follow. Going back to hobbies keeps you active in a way exercise alone can't. And intermittent fasting? It's pointless if I'm ending it with a meal for two.

🥣 Portion Control and Mindful Eating

I started using smaller plates and bowls—sounds simple, but it really shifted my portion awareness. One of the harder parts was learning to not eat to the full. It took me a few days to get it. I remember attending a session at work where they explained what "gut feeling" literally means—the physical awareness of how full you are. That stuck with me.

I also began reframing social events. Instead of thinking of them as a time to overeat, I started focusing on the connection, play, and being present. It wasn't about restricting myself, just being mindful.

🧭 Accountability That Actually Worked

All I did was log my meals (take pictures and add a brief description) every day. I did miss a few meals, but I never went beyond a day or two of not logging food. I logged pictures of my progress every week. The pictures were reviewed and feedback was provided. The feedback that helped me included:

• Okay to have a small snack once or twice a day.

• Reduce portion of rice or bread gradually. Didn't have to give them up completely.

• Eat more protein or salad if still hungry.

• Give yourself 15-20 minutes after a meal to see if you are really hungry or craving.

Results

Over three months, I gradually lost 22 pounds. But more importantly, I felt energized, happier, and more confident. This wasn't a diet; it was a mindset shift. I learned to listen to my body and enjoy life without feeling deprived.

Conclusion

Sustainable weight loss is possible—without extreme diets, hardcore gym sessions, or food sacrifices. What worked for me may not work for you—but that's the point. You need something that fits your life. For me, that meant professional support. A few friends did weekly accountability calls with me but took little action. Sometimes, you need a spark from someone who does this for a living.

I clearly have a bias toward Adam. But honestly—work with any coach you can trust. You don't have to give up your favorite foods. You just need to start.