Name:
Bianca Du Preez
Age:
34
Location:
Gauteng
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
21.6 kgs since 11 Jan 2019 ( 16kg of that I lost with 3 of the Sleekgeek 8-week Challenges).
What do you do? [Job]:
We own our own Home Maintenance and Project Management company, and I am a stay at home homeschool mom to my 4 kids, so basically, I am the Dr, teacher, driver, cook, cleaner, etc Lol.
But actually I am also a qualified Holistic and Sports Massage Therapist. I just don’t practice as my kids come 1st now.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
Except for Sleekgeek and cycling, I like hiking, crafting, baking.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
Since September 2019.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
A friend and former Sleek Belinda Visser asked me to join her in the April 2019 Challenge, I was not ready for, “another weight-loss thing,” so I just watched her whole journey and everyone’s transformation. I was inspired and could not wait to join the next challenge.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The support, amazing food ideas and recipes. The realness, no one is afraid to share their journeys, and no one judges.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
Wow the old me, I was sickly all the time, my body hurt all over so much that in 2018 I had to be rushed to hospital because I had a possible blood clot in my chest, and inflammation around my heart. I was always unhappy, shy, no self confidence.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
My brother was murdered almost 5 years ago, it broke me after going on a month’s tequila binge to try and ease the pain, losing a lot of weight, then gaining a whole lot again and getting sick. I was done. After a holiday in Cape Town in December 2018, the scale said 86.6! Change needed to happen.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I actually look after myself. I eat what my body needs now and I exercise every day! I mean who am I?, I HATED EXERCISE.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
SNACKING, with kids in the house there is always something nice to eat around.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Don’t overthink or demonize it. Now if they open a pack of sweets, I’ll grab ONE and get it over with oh and always share your treats that way you eat less of it.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Yes, yes, yes, and with every slip-up or plateau, I learn something new about my eating patterns, adjust, re-evaluate and then move on. Thanks to the tools Sleekgeek has taught me.
What is better since you got healthy?
EVERYTHING!
Sleeping patterns, my energy level, my boyency, I feel light, my skin is fabulous, my clothes fit perfect. I’m just so content at the moment.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Definitely Cycling.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
1 year and 7 months. Started with the indoor Cycling, it’s kept me lean, I have built great muscle and it is awesome cardio.
What does your typical workout look like?
Currently I do a hour a day on the bike, I do 12 km a day.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Cycling, weight lifting, squats and I love Jujitsu.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Burpees and push ups.
How does exercise make you feel?
After a cycle session I feel awake, blood is pumping I feel energetic!
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Alone, I’m an introvert and feel very shy exercising even in front of my kids or husband. But I have to say as my confidence is growing I am getting better at exercising with them.
Most embarrassing training moment?
Anything involving Burpees, feels like everything goes everywhere!
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Water, towel and sanitizer.
Your next training goal?
I want to start building muscle now.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Ur So F*&king Cool – Tones and I
Blah blah blah – Armin van Buuren
Anything 80’s
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
It’s made me much healthier, my body has changed so much and my confidence is through the roof.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
A wrap with fresh Coleslaw, chicken, spicy brown rice and jalapenos.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Stirfry
Favourite protein?
Chicken
Favourite fat?
Nuts
Favourite carbohydrate?
Potatoes!
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Watch your portions, always have a colorful plate, drink water!
How many meals a day do you eat?
2-3
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
No, I eat what I want when I want it in moderation, I don’t deny myself anything.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Become a massage therapist, losing 20kg’s!
Favorite quote?
This too shall pass.
Favourite book?
Haven’t finished a book in years.
What inspires and motivates you?
I want to live a long healthy life with my kids, which inspires me to never stop living a healthy balanced life.
For what are you most grateful?
In my life my kids and husband, as well as being healthy.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Don’t expect it to be an easy fix, it’s hard and rough and sometimes ugly. You will hurt, you will cry but I promise you, the feeling of accomplishment and proudness you feel when you smash your goals is worth it all.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Start moving, even if you just start walking
- Drink your water religiously!
- Re-evaluate your portion sizes
- Join a team, you need the support
- You have to work for it, nothing comes easy.
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