“Confidence doesn’t come from reaching the finish line—it’s built every day through small victories. Just show up, take one step forward, and trust that progress will follow.”
– Hassan Moaminah
Transformation is never easy, but for Hassan Moaminah, it was a necessity. At over 300 pounds, he struggled with obesity, self-doubt, and the mental and physical toll of an unhealthy lifestyle. But after experiencing deep personal loss and facing the reality of his son’s health challenges, he knew he had to take control of his own well-being. Through sheer determination, he lost 155 pounds naturally—without surgery—completely reshaping his body, mind, and future. Now, as a fitness coach, voice actor, and author, Hassan is using his journey to inspire others to take that first step toward change.
In this interview, Hassan shares the highs and lows of his transformation, the strategies that helped him push through, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference. From battling self-doubt and breaking free from emotional eating to the importance of mental health and building a support system, he offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to improve their health. His story proves that change isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about showing up every day and committing to progress, one step at a time.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me! My name is Hassan Moaminah, but many people know me as Captain Garuda. My journey has been one of resilience, transformation, and self-discovery. I struggled with obesity for years, hitting my heaviest weight of over 300 pounds. I was trapped in a cycle of emotional eating, self-doubt, and a sedentary lifestyle. But one day, I made the decision to change my life. I lost 155 pounds naturally—without surgery—through fitness, mindset shifts, and discipline. This journey didn’t just change my body; it changed my entire perspective on life. Today, I am a fitness coach, voice actor, and author, helping others take control of their health and find the confidence to transform their own lives.
That’s amazing! Have you struggled with weight all your life, or was there a turning point?
I wasn’t always overweight, but my struggles became more serious after I got married. My lifestyle changed—I became less active, my eating habits worsened, and I gained a significant amount of weight. My wife had given up a lot to be with me, and deep down, I felt like I needed to be better for her. But I kept putting off making changes, thinking I had more time. Then, in 2018, my father passed away, and that loss hit me hard. I had always relied on him for guidance, and suddenly, I felt lost. It sent me into an emotional spiral, and food became my coping mechanism. But the biggest turning point came in 2020, when my son was born. He was diagnosed with hemophilia, and later, he developed cancer. That was the wake-up call I needed. I realized that if I didn’t take control of my health, I wouldn’t be there for him. I wanted to be strong, both physically and mentally, for my family, and that’s when I knew I had to change.
What was your first step in turning your life around?
The first step was simply showing up. I didn’t start with extreme diets or crazy workout routines—I just made a commitment to do something every day. I started going to the gym, even if it was just for a short session. I began making small, healthier food choices instead of overwhelming myself with strict meal plans. At first, it was difficult. There were days when I wanted to quit, days when I felt like my progress was too slow. But I kept reminding myself that any progress was better than none. The key was building consistency and discipline, and over time, those small daily efforts turned into real, visible change.
What was the biggest challenge in losing weight?
The biggest challenge was believing in myself. Confidence doesn’t come after you achieve your goal—it’s built along the way. In the past, I set huge weight loss goals, and when I didn’t see immediate results, I felt discouraged. I had to change my mindset and start focusing on small, daily wins. Instead of thinking, I need to lose 155 pounds, I told myself, I just need to get through today’s workout. I also had to break the habit of emotional eating. I used to turn to food for comfort whenever I felt stressed, sad, or anxious. Learning to deal with emotions in a healthier way—through fitness, meditation, and journaling—was a game-changer for me.
A lot of people struggle with staying motivated. How did you stay consistent?
Motivation is fleeting—you can’t depend on it. Some days, I woke up feeling excited to work out, but other days, I wanted to stay in bed and eat junk food. What kept me going was discipline and having a strong “why.” My son was my biggest motivation. I knew I had to be healthy for him, and every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of why I started. I also changed my environment. I surrounded myself with positive influences—people who encouraged me rather than doubted me. I joined support groups, found gym buddies, and immersed myself in a mindset of growth. Instead of relying on motivation, I focused on creating habits. I told myself, Just show up, even if I wasn’t feeling 100%. Over time, consistency became my greatest tool for success.
How did mental health play a role in your transformation?
Mental health is everything. You can’t sustain a physical transformation without addressing the mental and emotional aspects. For years, I struggled with anxiety and depression. I was on medication that wasn’t really helping me, and I felt trapped. But once I started exercising, I noticed a shift in my mood and mindset. The gym became my therapy—it was the one place where I felt in control. Lifting weights, swimming, and training helped me release stress and build confidence. I also started journaling and practicing gratitude, which helped me change my perspective on life. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength, and once I focused on improving my mindset, everything else started falling into place.
What was your go-to workout when you first started?
Swimming! A lot of overweight people avoid exercise because of joint pain, and I was no different. I knew that if I tried to start with intense cardio or heavy weightlifting, I would burn out quickly. Swimming was a game-changer. It’s low-impact, which made it easier on my joints, but it also provided an intense full-body workout. Plus, being in the water gave me a sense of freedom—it was the one place where I didn’t feel weighed down by my body. It helped me build endurance, boosted my confidence, and set the foundation for my fitness journey.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying to lose weight?
The biggest mistake is thinking they have to be perfect. People believe they need to follow extreme diets, cut out all carbs, and work out every single day. That’s not sustainable! Life happens. You’re going to have days where you eat something unhealthy, and that’s okay. The key is balance. Another mistake is focusing too much on the scale. Weight fluctuates daily based on water retention, muscle gain, and digestion. If you let the number on the scale define your progress, you’ll get discouraged. Instead, focus on how you feel, how your clothes fit, and your energy levels.
What role does nutrition play in your program?
Nutrition is everything. You can work out as much as you want, but if your diet isn’t right, you won’t see results. That’s why I studied nutrition and even earned a diploma in it—I wanted to fully understand how food fuels the body. I learned that losing weight isn’t about starving yourself; it’s about making smarter choices. You don’t have to cut out carbs—you just need to eat the right ones at the right time. You don’t have to eliminate fat—you just need to choose healthy sources. Understanding food and how it affects the body was one of the most powerful tools in my transformation.
If you could give just one piece of advice to someone struggling with weight loss, what would it be?
Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, don’t wait to feel ready—just take that first step. It doesn’t have to be big. Walk for 10 minutes. Swap one unhealthy meal for a healthy one. Drink more water. Every small action adds up over time. You don’t have to do everything at once. The most important thing is to build consistency. If you keep showing up for yourself every day, the results will come.
Where can people find you and follow your journey?
You can find me on YouTube and Instagram—just search for Captain Garuda. I answer all my messages, so feel free to reach out!
This has been such an inspiring conversation! Thank you, Hassan, for sharing your journey with us.
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
Hassan Moaminah’s journey proves that transformation is possible with the right mindset, discipline, and support system. If you’re looking for motivation to start your own journey, take his advice: Start today!
Discover the inspiring story of Captain Garuda: A Tale of Bravery, Kindness, and a Big Heart—a powerful comic that teaches the true meaning of heroism through small acts of courage and compassion. Get your copy today on Amazon: Purchase Here.
