Overcoming Court Struggles: How Nutrition Helped Me Reclaim My Strength

Hello! My name is Vandit, I’m 25. I’m a nutritionist and personal fitness trainer. My journey has been a little wild, full of ups and downs, a lot of learning, and some really important realizations. It hasn’t been a straight line, but it’s been worth it. So, I thought I’d share my story with you. Maybe you’ll relate, or maybe it’ll help you in some way.

It all started back in my school days. I was one of those kids who always had an interest in sports. You know, always running around, playing, and just full of energy. The thing that stuck out the most was my love for tennis. I started playing tennis when I was around 8. I started it just as a hobby but soon tennis became my world. I didn’t just want to play for fun — I wanted to be the best. I practiced for hours every day, went to matches, and did everything you’re supposed to do if you want to get good at something. But no matter how much I tried, something wasn’t right.

The Struggle: Why Couldn’t I Keep Up?

I had the willpower. I was giving it my all. But I still felt like I was always a step behind. My stamina was a mess, and I just couldn’t keep up physically. I was very skinny and did not have any physical strength. It was frustrating. I remember being on the court, pushing myself so hard, and then watching my teammates performing a lot better but I could not figure it how! It really started to affect my confidence. I started questioning myself — why couldn’t I perform better? What was I doing wrong?

I spent months just grinding, trying to get stronger, trying to be better, but nothing seemed to change. I couldn’t figure it out. Then one day, during a conversation with a coach, something clicked. We were talking about all sorts of things, and I casually mentioned how exhausted I felt during matches. He turned to me and said, “It’s not just about your workouts — it’s about what you put into your body.”

That was the moment when everything started to make sense.

The Game Changer: Nutrition

I remember thinking, “Wait, is that it? Is it really just about food?” It wasn’t something I had really considered before. I had always thought of fitness and nutrition as two separate things — either you work out hard or you eat healthy, but never really both together. But that conversation opened my eyes. I started researching like crazy. I read books, watched videos, and talked to anyone who knew about how nutrition impacts performance.

Turns out, all that hard work I was putting into practice wasn’t enough if I wasn’t giving my body the fuel it needed. It was like I had been trying to run a car on empty — no wonder I was stalling!

I dove into learning about what to eat before and after workouts, how different nutrients help with recovery, which foods boost energy and endurance, and how important the most neglected part of nutrition- micronutrients. I made some major changes to my diet — no more junk food. Instead, I focused on whole foods: lean proteins, healthy fats, lots of fruits and veggies, and plenty of water. After understanding the importance of nutrition and the basics of it I decided to work with a Professional who designed my diet plans from then.

The Results: My Transformation

And let me tell you — the difference was night and day. Within just a few weeks of eating properly, I felt stronger, and more energized, and my endurance was off the charts. I actually looked forward to playing now. I wasn’t gasping for air in the middle of a game. I could push through matches with ease. My performance on the court improved, but what was even more amazing was the way I felt — like I was in control for the first time.

This was the turning point for me. I realized that nutrition wasn’t just something to think about if you want to lose weight or build muscle (although it will automatically happen on the way). It’s the foundation for everything. That’s when I knew — I had to make this my life. I wanted to help others experience this kind of transformation.

From Tennis Court to Classroom: A New Passion

This is when I decided to pursue a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I enrolled in a bachelor’s program and dove into the science behind what we eat and how it affects our bodies. Honestly, it wasn’t all easy. There were days when I felt completely overwhelmed by all the scientific terms and complex processes. But every new piece of knowledge felt like a lightbulb moment. I saw the power in this information, and I couldn’t wait to share it with others.

While I was studying, I also became an ACE (American Council on Exercise, USA) certified advanced personal trainer. I knew that fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, and I wanted to be able to offer guidance to anyone who needed it. As a personal trainer and nutritionist, I had the chance to work one-on-one with clients. This was where the magic truly started to happen. I got to see firsthand how the right combination of fitness and nutrition could transform lives. I watched clients lose weight, gain strength, and most importantly, grow more confident in themselves. And that, to me, was the most rewarding part of it all. I wanted to help them understand how nutrition and fitness both are equally important and that focusing on just one aspect won’t give you the desired results. Combining the two, It was just a perfect fit!

The Real Magic: Seeing People Change

As I started working with clients, I began to witness real transformations. It wasn’t just about weight loss or muscle gain — it was about confidence. Starting from myself, from a very skinny boy as a teenager weighing around 40 kgs to a healthier, muscular, and more confident guy in my twenties. About people walking into a session, unsure of themselves, and walking out with a newfound belief in their strength. That was the most rewarding part of my journey.

I remember one client who came to me feeling completely defeated by his fitness journey. He’d been struggling with weight loss for years and was ready to give up. After making some simple changes to his diet, he started feeling more energized. We worked together on a fitness plan, but it was the nutrition that really made the difference. Slowly, he lost weight, built strength, and, most importantly, started to believe in himself. It was life-changing for him — and honestly, for me too.

The Struggles Along the Way

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. There were days when I felt like I wasn’t making enough of a difference, or when I doubted whether I was truly helping people. Balancing studying, working as a trainer, and building my own knowledge was exhausting. Some days, I wanted to quit. But then I would remember why I started this journey — to help others find their strength, just like I had.

That kept me going. I realized that this wasn’t just about teaching people how to eat right or exercise. It was about helping them build a mindset that values their body, their health, and their well-being.

What I’ve Learned and Where I Am Now

Looking back, it’s incredible how far I’ve come. From the frustrated teenager on the tennis court to a certified nutritionist and personal trainer, it’s been a ride of self-discovery. I’ve learned so much about perseverance, belief in yourself, and the true power of nutrition. And the best part? I’ve seen how my client’s lives have changed too. That’s what keeps me excited about what I do every single day.

I’m not done yet. I have a big vision for the future — one where more people understand that nutrition isn’t just a tool for weight loss, but for overall well-being. I want to continue helping others create healthy, balanced lifestyles that support not only their bodies but also their minds and souls.

What you eat does not only make a difference in physical appearance but very much at the level of mind. Many scientists have found in the research that nutrition has a direct impact on our mental health. If you are keen to know more about how important is nutrition for your mental well being I already have a detailed article on the same, do check it out by clicking on the link- https://medium.com/@vanditkkashik/the-connection-between-nutrition-and-mental-well-being-nourish-your-mind-604b970ac4fb

A Little Advice for You

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck in your own fitness journey, just know — it’s never too late to make a change. Whether you’re trying to build strength, improve your performance, or just feel better overall, it all starts with small steps. Don’t get discouraged by the big picture. Just take it one step at a time, and remember: what you eat is what you become. Treat your body like the amazing thing it is, and watch the magic unfold.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I really hope it resonates with you and helps you on your own journey. Remember, I’m here to help guide you if you need it. Together, we can achieve your goals and turn your dreams into reality.

With love and dedication,
Vandit Kkashik (Nutritionist, Dietician, and advanced Personal Trainer)