With her grounded honesty and evidence-based approach, Sonakshi Sharma, the certified health and wellness coach behind FitNaari India (@fitnaari.india), has become a voice modern women can truly relate to. Her journey—from a corporate professional to one of India’s most trusted wellness coaches—embodies courage, purpose, and transformation.
A Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
“Fitness was always a part of my life,” Sonakshi begins, “but somewhere between college and my IT career, I lost touch.” It took a sudden arthritis attack to jolt her back toward wellness. That moment of reckoning became the foundation of her mission.
Determined to understand health at its core, she pursued a diploma in nutrition and fitness. “I realized there was such a huge gap in nutritional knowledge around me,” she recalls. “So I began training people alongside my full-time job—until I knew this was my true calling.”
Witnessing the Power of Nutrition
When asked about the transformative potential of nutrition, Sonakshi smiles knowingly. “I’ve seen people reverse diabetes in six months, manage thyroid, and regulate blood pressure through simple, consistent changes,” she says.
One story stands out—a mother-daughter duo whose parallel journeys reaffirmed her purpose. “The daughter joined first, and her transformation inspired her mother, a doctor, to enroll too. At 56, she managed her IBS and began walking 10,000 steps a day. Watching them reclaim their health together was unforgettable.”
Healing Herself, Guiding Others
Sonakshi’s postpartum story is both relatable and inspiring. “I lost 17 kilos in six months and healed my diastasis recti naturally,” she says. That personal journey now fuels her work as a postpartum coach. “Having walked this path myself, I know the myths that surround postpartum health—and how achievable recovery truly is.”
She’s quick to add that women’s health is layered, especially for new mothers. “Hormones, physical recovery, multitasking—postpartum changes everything. But women’s resilience constantly amazes me. It’s their biggest challenge and their superpower.”
Redefining ‘Healthy Weight’
For Sonakshi, fitness is not defined by scales or measurements. “Healthy weight isn’t a number—it’s how you feel. If you have energy, strength, and no constant fatigue or aches, you’re in the right place,” she explains.
Her coaching philosophy centers on progress over perfection. “Life happens. Slip-ups happen. My role is to help clients move forward without guilt,” she shares. “Sometimes, especially for those with eating disorders, the goal isn’t fat loss—it’s peace with food.”
Nutrition Across Life Stages
Through her work, Sonakshi has seen how a woman’s nutritional needs evolve.
- Teens need protein, calcium, and iron to support growth.
- Pregnancy calls for nourishment for both mother and baby through balanced macros and folate.
- Menopause demands focus on bone and heart health as metabolism shifts.
“No matter the stage,” she says, “mindful, balanced eating is the thread that ties it all together.”
Building Strength the Smart Way
“Fat loss and muscle gain don’t usually happen at once,” Sonakshi explains. “If you’re lean and want to build muscle, focus on maintaining weight, eating enough protein, and strength training 3–5 times weekly.”
She emphasizes sustainability over shortcuts—a mindset that defines her FitNaari community.
Everyday Nourishment for New Moms
When asked for her go-to meals for busy mothers, Sonakshi shares her practical favorites:
- Roasted makhana in ghee for crunch and satiety.
- Banana pancakes with peanut butter for a quick energy fix.
- Dosa or idli with boiled eggs or cheese for a wholesome protein-carb balance.
“Simple, balanced, and doable,” she says. “That’s the key.”
Postpartum Wisdom for Mothers & Families
Her advice to new mothers is refreshingly compassionate: “Don’t chase perfection. Start with basics—home-cooked meals, hydration, walks with your baby, and rest. Consistency matters more than intensity.”
She also highlights the crucial role of families: “Support her emotionally, share responsibilities, and please, don’t confine her or dismiss her instincts. Postpartum blues are real. What she needs most is empathy and space to heal.”
A Day in the Life of FitNaari
Unlike most coaches, Sonakshi admits she’s not an early riser. “I wake up around 8–8:30 and start with a walk or scooter ride with my two-year-old. The morning sun is my caffeine,” she laughs.
Her mornings are spent balancing family and work, followed by a gym session once her daughter’s nanny arrives. “I used to stay up late doom-scrolling,” she admits, “but it wrecked my sleep. Now, prioritizing rest has made me sharper and calmer.”
Fitness, for her, begins in the kitchen. “We plan our meals every week—tracking protein, fiber, and portions. I aim for 7,000–8,000 steps daily and strength train five to six times a week. It took years of learning, failing, and recalibrating to reach this balance.”
Her 5 Power Foods
When it comes to nutrition staples, Sonakshi’s list is simple yet powerful:
- Eggs with yolk — “They’re nature’s multivitamin.”
- High-protein yogurt — A must-have for her toddler.
- Whey protein — To meet protein goals on vegetarian days.
- Fish — Once or twice a week for omega-3s.
- Colorful veggies & fruits — For fiber, nutrients, and exposure to variety for her child.
The FitNaari Philosophy
At the heart of Sonakshi’s work lies the belief that fitness is freedom—not punishment. “My mission is to help women see that wellness is achievable, sustainable, and deeply personal,” she says.
Through FitNaari India, she continues to guide women toward strength—inside and out—with science, empathy, and lived experience.
“Fitness,” she smiles, “isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about living fully.”