QA: Palesa lost 22.6kgs after being diagnosed with Hypertension

Name: 

Palesa Nkabinde

Age: 

32

Location: 

Soweto, Diepkloof

How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?

SW : 105.6kg

CW : 83Kg

What do you do? [Job] 

Admin Assistant

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

Hiking, and reading. 

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek? 

A year or two (I’m not sure)

How did you find Sleekgeek?

Referred by a friend.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?

Coaching, Community Support, the Challenges that they always have.

• 

YOUR TRANSFORMATION 

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

I was an emotional eater, I always had excuses to eat. When I’m sad I would stuff myself with junk food, when I’m happy I would eat junk. I never made time to cook. I always had takeaways and I gained a lot of weight. 

I was diagnosed with hypertension. I was always tired, bloated.  I had a shortness of breath when walking upstairs at work. I was always sweating. The old me was lazy, I lacked the energy to do things. I was always looking forward to my next meal.

What ignited your initial motivation to change?

When I was diagnosed with hypertension, I decided to make a change in my lifestyle. I didn’t want to live on medicine forever.

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

I prepare my meals ahead of time, I eat out less, and I cook most of my meals. I set weekly goals to keep me motivated. I walk to the shops instead of driving.

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

I still struggle with healthy snacking when I’m stressed.

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

Always carry a snack to avoid buying crisps.

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

Yes. I hit a plateau when I was 96kgs. I felt demotivated and started going back to my old habits. Being part of a support group helped me to get back on my feet.

What is better since you got healthy? 

I sleep better, I am more energetic, I can walk a distance without losing my breath, my skin is glowing. And I no longer take medication for hypertension.

• 

TRAINING 

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

Running, Walking, and Aerobics Classes.

How long have you been training and how did you get started?

I started training 3 years ago but I started being consistent a year ago. I was invited by a friend to join their running group that’s how I started.

What does your typical workout look like?

I run 1km every morning and go to aerobics classes in the evening at the gym 3 times a week. On Saturday mornings I do 10km hikes. 

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

Running.

Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]

Weight lifting.

How does exercise make you feel? 

Energetic. Exercise always makes me feel good.

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

Others. I get demotivated easily. Training with a group helps me to keep going.

Most embarrassing training moment?

I farted a lot on my 1st-day of training.

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

• Phone 
• Water Bottle
• Towel

Your next training goal?

To run 21km

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

1. Rihanna -Only girl in the world
2. Rachel Platten- Fight Song
3. Master KG – Jerusalema
4. Whitney Houston- Higher Love
5. Afro jack ft Eva Simons – Take over control

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

My energy levels are high. I can think clearly and I sleep better.

• 

• 

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

Pap and Amasi

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

 Sweet potato pie with a greek salad.

Favourite protein?

Chicken

Favourite fat?

Avocado

Favourite carbohydrate?

Cauliflower

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

I eat when I’m hungry. 

How many meals a day do you eat?

Most of the days I eat twice but when I’m menstruating I eat more than 3 times.

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?

Yes. Every month end I allow myself to have a small treat, I love cheesecake so I have a slice of cheesecake or whatever I’m craving.

MINDSET

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

Dropping from jean size 42 to size 38

Favorite quote?

Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.

Favourite book? 

Becoming – Michelle Obama

What inspires and motivates you?

My children. Every time I see them I know I have to make healthy decisions so that I can do things with them.

For what are you most grateful? 

I am grateful to be alive and healthy.

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

Its never too late to start, it might not look easy but the results are worth it. 

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

• Do You – Never compare your journey to anyone’s journey
• Plan your meals and workouts ahead
• Track your progress (keep a food journal and write your goals down)
• Become part of a community, support is very important in this journey
• Breathe, Have Fun and when you fall, Don’t Quit.