Name: 

Janice Cameron 

Age: 

28

Location: 

Cape Town

How much weight have you lost on your journey so far? Please provide start and current weight thanks.

I started out at 74.80 kg and my current weight is at 55.50 kg. 

What do you do? [Job] 

I am a Compliance specialist. 

What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc] 

Hiking and running. 

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek? 

I joined Sleekgeek about seven months ago. 

How did you find Sleekgeek? 

I followed Amanda Carpede @Cape Town Curly and I came across her amazing transformation in the group. Looking at her post really inspired me to kick start my own journey. 

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community? 

I love the support and kindness in this group. I like how honest and real people are about their journeys. Being part of a group of like minded people makes things a bit easier. 

YOUR TRANSFORMATION 

Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like? 

Old me has been unhappy with my body for years. Old me would always look for the easy way out. I’ve been on countless diets and have never been active, yet still expected results. I ended up disappointing myself each time. 

What ignited your initial motivation to change? 

I started a new job and the gym was literally just a stone throw away yet it took months of convincing before I joined the gym. I think the hesitation stems from the many failed attempts of weight loss I had gone through before. With my job being extremely stressful, I needed to find a balance or some sort of outlet. I however knew that I needed some help so I signed up at the gym, booked one on one sessions with a personal trainer and had one visit to a dietician. Although a bit costly, this was the best investment in my health and well being. 

What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?

I am now able to deal with negative feelings in a positive manner. I used to be an emotional eater but I’ve learned to handle my feelings better. Instead of relying on food to get me through a stressful or difficult time, I now find other ways of coping such as going for a run, or doing a simple Sunday morning hike with friends. 

I am very conscious of what I put into my body. One very important question that I ask myself before consuming something unfamiliar is ‘what nutritional value does this hold? ‘. If I don’t know the answer to that question I go on to Google and research the food. 

What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?

I have always been my own biggest critic. I am impatient and perhaps too focused. 

If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?

Relax. Take a deep breath. ‘You did not gain all your weight in one day. You cannot expect to lose it in one day’. 

Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?

No. I suppose I am lucky in this regard. Lucky and strong willed. 

What is better since you got healthy? 

My confidence, sleep, energy levels, physical strength.

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TRAINING 

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

Cardio and weightlifting. 

How long have you been training and how did you get started? I started about seven months ago. 

When I started I could barely run on the treadmill. Just to get going I would go to HIIT classes at the gym on the days when I did not train with my trainer. 

What does your typical workout look like? 

Because I work out 6-7 days a week I prefer keeping my sessions at 45 minutes. My workout consists of endurance and strength training. 

Favorite exercise?

Squats and lunges. 

Least favorite exercise?

High plank. 

How does exercise make you feel?

Happy, energized, fulfilled. 

Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why? 

Before, when I lacked confidence and did not know what I was doing I loved training with others because I learned a lot from them. Now, because I realise that people have different fitness and body goals which they want to achieve, I prefer training on my own. 

Most embarrassing training moment? 

Not being able to run on the treadmill seven months ago. I am glad I can smile about it now. 

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

Shower gel, hair product, roll on. 

Your next training goal?

Focusing more on toning. 

Top 5 songs on your training Playlist? 

• DJ Snake – Taki Taki 
• Dua Lipa – Don’t start now
• Jojo – When love hurts
• Avicii – Lonely together
• Dj Snake – Let me love you

How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]

Training gives me confidence. It challenges me. It’s a perfect way to release stress and other negative emotions. 

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NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal? 

Whole wheat chicken pasta. 

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal? 

An ostrich burger without the bun and a side salad. 

Favourite protein? 

Chicken breast.

Favourite fat?

Avocado.

Favourite carbohydrate? 

Seed loaf. 

What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one] 

I do not have one. 

How many meals a day do you eat?

3.

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy? 

I don’t know about a strategy but I believe in treating myself now and again. I love sweet things so for a treat on a Sunday afternoon I might have some chocolate biscuits or a slice of home made cake. Balance is everything. 

MINDSET

Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do? 

Hiking up Lions head. My fear of heights has always been crippling and being heavier did not exactly make it easier. I conquered this fear this year. 

Favorite quote?

“Comparison is the thief of all joy”. – Theodore Roosevelt

Favourite book? 

Waiting and dating by Myles Munroe

What inspires and motivates you? 

Being able to do things now which I could not do before, like running and hiking. I am motivated by how far I have come. My health has become a priority. I hope it remains that way because there is so much more to experience in life! 

For what are you most grateful? 

My health. Not everyone is this blessed.

What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start? 

Be kind to yourself. Take care of your body. Most things that are new seems daunting in the beginning. What matters is that you stay strong and see it through. Positive results are a reflection of the hard work that you put in. 

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

1. Be consistent 
2. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. 
3. Be aware of what you consume. 
4. Drink your water. 
5. Be patient with yourself.