Q&A: Angelique Du Plessis

Here’s a quick Q&A with Angelique who came 5th in Women’s Weight Loss, losing 17.3kgs in Sleekgeek’s latest ULTIMATE YOU 8-Week Transformation Challenge (sign up for the new challenge now at www.ultimateyou.co.za)!

QUESTION 1: Give us a short history of your journey to health and fitness before the challenge.

A: Before this challenge I was already following a specific eating plan and working out. I have been on this journey for over a year now, prior to me starting on this journey I weighed 143 kg at my heaviest and it has been a quite a journey to where I am now. I love the challenges, for me they give that extra focus and being a part of something with like minded people gives me a boost.

QUESTION 2: What prompted you to join the ULTIMATE YOU Transformation Challenge?

A: I have done 2 previously and I know the benefits of doing a challenge, I had no doubt I wanted to do another challenge.

QUESTION 3: Give us a quick overview of the nutrition and eating plan that you followed during the challenge.

A: My eating plan was following the principles of Banting, although I do have my own variation and I find that works for me. Its actually something in between paleo and Banting.

QUESTION 4: Give us a quick overview of the training and exercise plan that you followed during the challenge.

A: During this challenge I definitely increased my training, I was doing a functional fitness class 3 times a week and running 3 times a week, with 1 rest day. I think it worked well for a short focused period.

QUESTION 5: Did you use any supplements or do anything else worth mentioning to help you get results?

A: I don’t really use any supplements except for pre-workout etc, but not anything that helped me lose weight faster. I think I used every opportunity to be more active and that makes a difference, I would go for a 20 minute walk in my lunch hour, or quickly walk up and down our stairs a few times.

QUESTION 6: If you could give 3 pieces of advice to future challengers, what would they be?

A: (1.) It is a marathon not a sprint. (2.) Weekends are tougher, and I think those that can stay consistent over weekends get better results. (3.) Join a team and be accountable. First time I joined a team I actually ended up being the group leader at the end but it really makes a huge difference being part of a team.

QUESTION 7: What did you find most valuable about your experience?

A: The people! Sharing the struggles the victories and bonding with people who are all on the same journey and making friends at the same time is very valuable to me, because it is something that lasts even once the challenge is over.