Name:
Jo-Anne Campbell
Age:
43
Location:
Cape Town
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
My starting weight 105kg, current weight 70kg. Total weight loss 35kg
What do you do? [Job]
I am a teacher
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
I enjoy experimenting with recipes for sugar free treats.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
About 2 and a half years.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
On Facebook
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The motivational stories and community spirit.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
The old me was so unhealthy and overweight. I had developed a rare condition called Adenomatosis. Which meant I had 43 tumors in my liver. I also developed diabetes, HyperTension and Cholesterol. My insulin was increasing constantly until it hit 120 units per day and increasing.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
While consulting with my doctor, I told him I won’t make it to my 50th birthday. I seriously felt like I was waiting to die.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I definitely make healthier choices, control my portion sizes and I really enjoy the exercise.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
To stay consistent, I try my best not to fall off the wagon.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Not to be too hard on myself but always remembering why I am going through this process and how I have benefited myself by changing the way I think.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
I plateaued for about 3 months, it was very unnerving. I felt as if I was slipping back. I decided to change up a few things and was back on track.
What is better since you got healthy?
My life has changed in every aspect for the better. I’m much more active and I can handle my stress levels better.

TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
That will be running and weight training.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I’ve been training for a year and 2 months.
What does your typical workout look like?
For the week I run 4 times a week about 6 km, 1 hour of weight training and cardio 3 times a week.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Running and weight training.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
I don’t think I have a least Favorite.
How does exercise make you feel?
When I exercise I feel extremely relaxed. It works well for me because it tends to lower my stress levels.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I enjoy both. Training alone for some ‘me time’ or with others for some extra motivation.
Most embarrassing training moment?
Me being too shy to ask for help at the gym and using the machines wrong.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
I always have extra gym clothes, hair gel / hair tie and a good sturdy training bra.
Your next training goal?
To increase my running speed.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
- Daddy Yankee and Snow – Con Calma
- Imagine Dragons – Sucker for pain
- Lenny Kravitz – Are you gonna go my way
- Bomba Estereo – Soy Yo
- Cypress Hill – When the ship goes down
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
It has made an enormous impact in my life as I am no longer a type 2 Diabetic. I don’t suffer from Hypertension or Cholesterol any more.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
I love pizza
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
It must be my husband’s smoked chicken.
Favourite protein?
Chicken and pumpkin seeds
Favourite fat?
Advocado
Favourite carbohydrate?
Baby potatoes
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Limited sugar and carb intake. No snacking, eating small meals during the day, strict portion control and water.
How many meals a day do you eat?
To some it may sound a lot but I eat 7 to 8 small meals per day. I don’t snack.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
I personally do not believe in cheat meals or treats. My idea is that I don’t want to reward myself with food.

MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
My best achievement is that I beat diabetes.
Favorite quote?
Do not give up
Favourite book?
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
What inspires and motivates you?
That I am not done, I have so much more to experience in life and so much I want to live for.
For what are you most grateful?
I am most grateful to have my health.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
It’s never ever too late to start your journey. You just need to take that first step and don’t give up.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- You cannot take that first step until you change your mindset.
- Consistency is the key on this journey.
- Your choices are important especially where your health is concerned.
- Think of what you can benefit from and how it can make you happy.
- If what you are doing does not improve you holistically, you need to change something.
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