Name:
Lizelle Theron
Age:
26
Location:
West Beach, Western Cape
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far? Please provide start and current weight.
- Starting weight: 97kg
- Current weight: 77kg
- Weight loss: 20kg
What do you do? [Job]
I am a teacher at Table View Primary School
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
I love to play sports, play netball, run, enter races over weekends anything from 5km to 21km.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I have been subscribed to sleekgeek for almost two years now, I have joined a “challenge” last year.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
Through friends.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
I love how everyone is supportive of each other. No matter who you are or what you look like.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I started picking up weight during my first year of University. There is no routine after school. You can eat what or when you want, you don’t play sports, you can got to sleep late and you are able to stay out late eating an drinking. I always knew I was gaining weight, but I never knew it was that much. I felt ashamed, started shutting out my school friends because I felt embarrassed. On top of that I had no motivation or energy.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I always knew I was gaining weight, but I never knew it was that much. I remember looking in the mirror one day and suddenly saw how much weight I had picked up. It was like I was in denial for a whole year, not realizing how bad it really was. It felt like I went from 72kg to 97kg overnight. Seeing how much I’ve gained I decided that it was enough. I went to the shops and bought a Women’s Health magazine, sitting on my couch paging through the magazine, looking at healthy recipes, exercises and tips I came across ABC- Adventure Bootcamp For Women. I knew I had to do something and entered the next camp straight away.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I am no longer seeing exercise and eating healthy as a punishment. It is a mind thing. My mindset towards a healthy life is definitely different and I am more open minded.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I have a sweet tooth. Saying no to chocolate can still be difficult.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
It is okay to fail or to eat a piece of chocolate, it is not the end of the world. Just remember, everything in moderation.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
I started my journey in 2013 after I gained 25kg, I lost 20kg by 2015. Towards the end of 2015 I started gaining weight again sliding back into bad habits, gaining almost all the weight back weighing 93kg.
What is better since you got healthy?
I am happier than ever before, I am healthier and have more energy to do things with my family and friends. I am not embarrassed of myself anymore.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
I love sports. In 2018 I joined an action netball team and I love it. We play every Monday and some weekends we will play in tournaments. I love it. Other than Netball I love running.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I’ve started back in 2013 with ABC- Adventure Bootcamp for Women. 1 Hour sessions, 5 days a week. I absolutely loved it. I have been training ever since. My training styles changed along the way.
What does your typical workout look like?
I am currently focused on Running. I’ve been training for the Two Oceans Half Marathon. I will run anything from 5km to 10km at least 5 times a week. I also love attending kick boxing classes at Virgin Active.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
I love doing a 5km during the week, it is quick and easy.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
My least favorite distance currently must be between the 15km and 21km mark.
How does exercise make you feel?
Running helps me to stay sane and feel free. When I am running my focus is on me. For +- 30min I am my own priority.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I love training with friends, family or my husband. I am an extrovert and love interacting with people, talking and just having fun. Other people also keep me accountable.
Most embarrassing training moment?
Most embarrassing training moment? Can’t really think of one.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Definitely a pretty water bottle, my iPod (for when I am training alone) And can I put my friends in my gym bag? I definitely need them with me!!
Your next training goal?
I want to complete the Bay to Bay 30km race next year. Definitely my next goal.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
My training playlist is quite embarrassing. I don’t have fast paced music on there, I love listening to country music and golden oldies.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
Exercise more so sport, Netball really made my life better. It taught me that being active or exercising can be fun and it is fun. You can burn calories without even knowing it. It also taught me discipline.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
My favourite meal currently is a nice chicken wrap.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Hmmmm, I love chicken and veggies. To spice things up I’ll make it in a cook in bag every now and then.
Favourite protein?
Chicken breasts cooked on the braai.
Favourite fat?
Peanut butter?
Favourite carbohydrate?
Sourdough bread
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Be open minded, give everything a chance. And most important FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.
How many meals a day do you eat?
I am a teacher so I don’t have a lot of time to eat during the day. I would like to eat 5 times a day but in reality I am only eating 3-4 times.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
I don’t like to restrict myself to much. I do enjoy a slab of chocolate weekly.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Completing a 21km race. I’ve completed one in 2016 and then again this year 2020.
Favorite quote?
“Everything happens for a reason.”
AND
”Fall down 7 get up 8.” – Japanese Proverb
Favourite book?
None at the moment.
What inspires and motivates you?
My family is my biggest inspiration and motivates me to be the best I can be.
For what are you most grateful?
I am most grateful for the opportunity to change my life and my family being by my side every step of the way.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
When you start a journey the possibility of failing will be present and you probably will fail, you probably will fail more than once. Despite all the setbacks, don’t ever give up! Find what works for you and do that. Listen to other people’s advice and opinions but in the end you need to do what makes you happy and work for you.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Find a type of exercise you love.
- Be open minded.
- Do what works for you.
- Create habits.
- Never give up. When you fail, find something else that works for you.
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