Introduction

May 5, 2025

When I set out to reach sub-10% body fat, I had no idea how deeply the pursuit would challenge me - physically, mentally, and emotionally. This has been one of the most intense goals I have ever chased.

My DEXA scan report. DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is considered the gold standard for body composition measurement.

Jan 30, 2024

Apr 4, 2025

It demanded months of relentless execution and unwavering discipline. Training, nutrition, sleep, NEAT and stress management - every aspect had to be dialed in, almost every single day.

I'm a Senior Software Engineer at Google, and this transformation happened alongside a demanding full-time job - every step had to coexist with the pace and pressure of that role. I trained while low on energy, planned meals in advance, scheduled workouts around meetings, and had to make social tradeoffs to stay on track.

Despite the grind, I loved pushing my body. There were hard days, but I've never felt healthier or more focused. Even when physically tired, I felt mentally sharper than I had in years. The rewards went beyond aesthetics - better metabolism and cardiovascular health, improved sleep, and a stronger connection to my body being some of them.

As a Software Engineer, I've always had a habit of documenting things [1, 2]. This project is no different.

Most fitness content tells you what to do. I want to share not just the practical strategies, but also the mindset that helped me consistently stick with it. From mental models to concrete tips, I'll break down what actually worked. I wish something like this had existed when I started - something that explained how to think about fitness, discipline, tradeoffs, and identity.

What to Expect Here

Each week, I'll share my candid thoughts on a topic that played a critical role in this journey - be it nutrition, training, or mindset.

If you're trying to get leaner, stronger, or simply more in control, read along. And if something here helps you stay the course on a hard day, then this project has already done its job.

The Case for Investing in Your Body

May 10, 2025

Before we get into the specifics of my fitness journey, there's something I want to pause and reflect on:

Why invest in your health at all?

It's the kind of question that's easy to brush off as obvious. But honestly, this idea has kept me anchored throughout the journey - and still does.

Your body is the closest thing to you.

If you had to pick one thing to invest in - where you're the only stakeholder and the returns directly impact your quality of life - it's your body. And yet, it's often the most overlooked

Unlike your job, where outcomes are influenced by company politics, your manager, or market cycles...
Unlike your relationships, where there's always another person involved…

Your body is one area where consistent effort leads to guaranteed returns - you're the only stakeholder. That one hour in the gym - that's totally yours, and nobody can take that from you, no matter how messed up the rest of your day was.

If you follow a few key rules - eat right, train consistently, sleep well - your body will respond. Always. The transformation takes time - but the effort is never wasted.

A moment from my photoshoot, capturing the results of consistent effort and dedication.

Seeing your body change because of decisions you made is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have - at least, that's been true in my experience.
No middlemen. No gatekeepers. Just action and outcome.

And because your body is the foundation for everything else you do, the impact shows up everywhere:

• • You feel more focused and productive at work, with better mental clarity throughout the day
• • You show up with more energy in relationships and social settings, making interactions more enjoyable
• • You recover faster from stress, both physical and mental, building better resilience
• • You carry yourself with more confidence, which positively affects how others perceive and interact with you

And it's one you control entirely, in most cases.

Now that we've explored why investing in health matters, in the next post I'll share what health really means to me.