Jasmine Harris is a Sleekgeek Inspirer. She is a Facebook Group moderator on the Sleekgeek team who volunteers her time to help make sure that our code of “Respect, Uplift, Inspire” is upheld.
What has made Jasmine stand out in the Sleekgeek community is that she has the accolade of owning the most Sleekgeek merchandise in the community and has earned her reputation as a Sleekgeek Super fan! Always at the ready to show up, lead and participate.
We are very grateful for her contribution and today we chat to her to find out more about the lady behind the posts.
Name: Jasmine Harris
Age: 40
Location: Cape Town
What do you do?
I am a finance clerk at a Geotechnical Engineering company.
What else do you do?
Besides working on people’s nerves LOL? I love to read, spend time with loved ones, watching movies and series, listening to old school (90’s) music and making soap.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I joined end November 2016
How did you find Sleekgeek?
It was one of the suggested groups on my FB feed. I joined and was immediately hooked.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The support of complete strangers, as well as the no-nonsense, saying-it-like-it-is approach from Elan’s live videos.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I was always a skinny person, even after having my daughter. I only started piling on the weight when my marriage was falling apart. I found comfort by eating away my feelings of hurt and failure.
My life consisted of going to work and going home. Most weekends I’d spend the entire time in bed. It took me a long time to forgive myself for the emotional and physical abuse I allowed to happen in my marriage.
I’ve always been an introvert, finding it difficult to allow people to get to know me. To an extent, this still rings true.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I was obese, miserable, uncomfortable and suffering from depression. I had to hold my breath while clipping my toenails. When I smiled, my eyes were hidden behind my fat cheeks. I looked and felt older than I was. Basically I was living on autopilot.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
Thanks to Sleekgeek Coaching, I eat slowly until 80% full. Running makes me happier than I ever thought would be possible, seeing I used to be a professional couch potato. I don’t avoid the camera anymore. Pic, or it didn’t happen, right?
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
Being consistent with a workout plan. I can be 100% with my food choices, but I still have to talk myself into putting on my workout clothes and getting started.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
I deserve better, so I should do better to be better.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Yes, I didn’t even want to participate in this interview because I felt like a failure. I haven’t reached my body goals yet, but giving up is NOT an option. I recently discovered photos of exactly 20 years ago where I was fit and healthy.
This year I will strive for that consistency again so that hopefully 20 years from now when I look at my photos, I’d be proud of 2019 me like I am of 1999 me. My comeback will be greater than my setback.
What is better since you got healthy?
I’ve met some amazing people since joining Sleekgeek and participating in social events like running races and “Sleekends”.
They’ve improved the quality of my life as I am a lot happier. I now have FOMO for races I cannot attend. In a nutshell, Sleekgeek has helped me see that I am worthy of being loved by myself and others. I no longer feel trapped and isolated by my depression.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise?
Running and weights
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I started running beginning of 2018 only. Mid last year I started incorporating weights in my workouts as well.
What does your typical workout look like?
When I’m following my training plan for my half marathon, it includes running, cycling and strength training.
Favorite exercise?
When I run, I feel alive and free.
Least favorite exercise?
Burpees! I hate them, but I still attempt it every now and then.
How does exercise make you feel?
It’s a progression from “I don’t want to do this”, to “OK, this isn’t so bad” to “I deserve a gold medal” when I’m done ☺
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I prefer training alone as it gives me time to clear my thoughts.
Most embarrassing training moment?
My first cardio induced orgasm at gym, in full view of my trainer.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Water bottle plus my Sleekgeek towel and cap, because I have to #represent.
Your next training goal?
To improve my 5km, 10km and half marathon times.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
90’s rap from Tupac, Eminem, DMX, Heavy D and Snoop.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life?
I can clip my toenails without fear of fainting! It’s a good stress reliever. I am a lot happier in all aspects of my life. I’ve conquered a literal and figurative mountain. Simply put, it’s given me a new lease on life.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
All of them ☺
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Chicken and veggies.
Favourite protein? Chicken
Favourite fat? Avocado
Favourite carbohydrate? Sweet potatoes
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach?
Keep it simple. I hate doing dishes so I cook an entire meal in one pan.
How many meals a day do you eat?
Mostly 2, sometimes 3.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Weekends I do intermittent fasting and usually have my first meal about 5pm.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
I never imagined I’d be running at all, so all my races last year have been phenomenal memories to me, especially the two half marathons. I climbed Lion’s Head twice and hope to conquer Table Mountain this year.
Favorite quote?
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” by Theodore Roosevelt
Favourite book?
I recently received a copy of Robin Sharma’s The Greatness Guide and it’s something I will treasure forever.
What inspires and motivates you?
To make beautiful memories with my loved ones.
For what are you most grateful?
The love and support of my better half, my best friend and my running partner, and most of all, for Sleekgeek Founders Elan and Eric’s encouragement.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Sleekgeek encourages you to live your best life, so why would you not want to do that?
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Start with small, doable changes.
- Focus on winning one day at a time.
- You don’t have to be perfect, because perfect is unattainable.
- Change doesn’t happen overnight, so practice having patience.
- When you feel overwhelmed, reach out on Sleekgeek, there’s always someone online and willing to help.
It is never too late to start. Don’t be afraid of sharing your journey. You never know who you may inspire.
I think I am the Sleekgeek with the most SG merchandise. I #represent whenever I can. Elan and Eric invest so much of their time into free content for everyone, so my way of thanking them is by supporting their online store.
People would always ask me what Sleekgeek is about when I wear one of my Tees or caps, so I hope I’m doing my bit to contribute to the Sleekgeek mission to help 1 million people live a better life.
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