Nonhlanhla has lost 42kgs and changed her mindset!

Name:
Nonhlanhla Nkosi

Age:
35

Location:
Cape Town

What do you do? [Job]
Technical support. 

What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
I love watching the sunrise and sunset (funny I know I just love it).

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
4 years.

How did you find Sleekgeek?
A friend couldn’t make it to a Sleekgeek Dinner in Cape Town and offered me her ticket for free. I started following the community from then on.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The support and that you can see that change is doable.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION 

Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I always thought I was born fat so I could not lose weight or change my life. Basically I was lazy and had many excuses.

What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I wanted to see if is it really possible to change and then I did. 

What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I jog or go to the gym at 6am using public transport even in rainy Cape Town weather.

What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I struggle with a sweet tooth. My body can’t handle sweet stuff ( I get a headache). I guess it’s a good thing.

If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Perception of what healthy looks like to me versus everyone else.

Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Yes, life happens and I lost hope.

What is better since you got healthy? 
My skin is glowing which I love!

TRAINING 

What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Spinning/Running 

How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I wanted to run. I was just scared as I did not know how to start. A friend explained to me how to get started and I took it from there.

What does your typical workout look like?

• Monday – 10km run
• Tuesday – Spinning
• Wednesday – 10km run
• Thursday – Shape/step class 
• Friday – Rest
• Saturday / Sunday – 10km run or hiking

Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Weightlifting. 

Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
21km run.

How does exercise make you feel? 
Happy and give me a “superwoman” kind of feeling.

Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Alone, I don’t like talking in the morning and I do my training then. Running is where I get to solve / think about my problems. 

Most embarrassing training moment?
I was unable to use certain machine at gym correctly.

Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?

• Extra pair of socks 
• Earphones  
• Water bottle

Your next training goal?
42.km run. 

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Anything upbeat, mostly Rihanna (I have a crush on her).

How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
I am no longer taking pain medication for my knees.

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?
Chicken salad

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Chicken salad still lol!

Favourite protein?
Eggs

Favourite fat?
Avo

Favourite carbohydrate?
Beetroot 

What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
It might look harder now but don’t give in, tomorrow will be much better.

How many meals a day do you eat?
2 – 3 meals a day. I have started intermittent fasting depending on my mood. If I do then I use the 16/8 protocol.

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
No, but I sometimes eat my feelings (especially when I am have PMS).

MINDSET

Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
I never thought I would be able to run in my life. It always looked impossible. 

Favorite quote?
“Sometimes we hate ourselves for the feelings we ignore,
Maybe that’s the problem,
We don’t listen to ourselves until it’s too late”
-R.M drake

Favourite book? 
Women, Food and God : An unexpected Path to almost everything – Geneen Roth 

What inspires and motivates you?
To be better, healthier and beautiful.

For what are you most grateful? 
Gift of life – I am grateful that I didn’t wait until it’s too late to change my life.

What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Never give up and remember to enjoy the journey. You didn’t gain the weight in one day, you won’t lose the weight in one day. Read about the lifestyle you are starting, and love yourself enough to forgive your past mistakes.

What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?

1. Be honest with yourself with the reason that makes you want to change.
2. Research about the new lifestyle.
3. When it gets too much just breathe and don’t give up. 
4. Live and love.
5. Smile life is too short.