Name:
Carien van Eck
Age:
33
Location:
Bloemfontein
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
167kg to 104kg
What do you do? [Job]
I’m a Graphic Designer that work for an FMCG company
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
My hobbies include crafts, handmade jewelry, crochet, unfortunately, none of them is very active.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
4-5 years
How did you find Sleekgeek?
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
Finding like-minded people that also strive to be better not just in weight loss but overall health.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I have been overweight all my life my first diet was when I was 6 years old, my parents took me to a dietician. The doctor picked up my cholesterol was very high. I started with an eating plan that did help loose a few kilograms. Years went by and I was still overweight all through primary school and high school in Grade 11 I went on weightloss injections it was awesome I lost a lot and felt so good.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I always wanted to loose weight and I tried many different diets, I did learn allot through this time and I realized what works for me and what didn’t.
I read a magazine where a lady had a gastric bypass and it changed her life.
I cried a lot and thought if I could get there to accept the help that is out there, you need to have mental strength as it’s not a quick fix and its hard work! Staying on track and making BIG life changes.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
Balance is key for me, not just in nutrition but in my life overall.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I sometimes slip up and eat more than I should or convert back but most important is to get back to basics and eat clean.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Stop trying all the new fancy pills and diets just eat healthily and moderately. My plate is divided into 4, 1 portion protein, 1 portion healthy carb, 2 portions veggies either salad or cooked.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
I have not slid back yet but I am at a plateau at the moment so I’m just kicking it up a gear for the next 2 months to get it going a bit and focus more and up my exercise.
What is better since you got healthy?
I have asthma it’s a lot better and I don’t get sick anymore. I used to get flue often and every winter I got a lung infection, for the past 2 years I only have a slight flue and I up my vitamins and veggies and it helps a great deal.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
I do HIIT training in the gym and I also started running a bit, wow to actually be able to run for more than a few meters it’s awesome.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
Started to walk that was it and slowly started to use more equipment at the gym and upped my intensity and running and weights as well.
What does your typical workout look like?
I start with 10 min on the bike level 10, then I would go to the treadmill and run on the interval setting for 15 min after that I would go to the weight section with a mat and combine exercises for example 20 push-ups 10 jumping jacks, and then 6 sets and then I would do like 20 crunches and 20 squats for 6 sets.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
I like the combination but somedays I love just running on the treadmill.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
When I’m really tired running lol.
How does exercise make you feel?
Well, I have to be honest I exercise because I have to, I’m a crafty person so I have to balance my life with exercise otherwise I would sit the whole time and do crafts.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Alone is best for me, I focus more and push myself better.
Most embarrassing training moment?
Farting lol while in the gym it happens allot.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Towel, water, and asthma pump.
Your next training goal?
Running a 5 km.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Just listen to what the gym plays.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
Yes now that I’m more fit I can do more and my weight isn’t holding me back to participate in activities that are very active. I used to make up excuses for why I couldn’t go or do something.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Chicken breast with salad.
Favourite protein?
Chicken
Favourite fat?
Cheese
Favourite carbohydrate?
Potatoes
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Balance is key I eat everything in moderation.
How many meals a day do you eat?
3.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
On weekends I will balance my calorie intake.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
I hope to soon be in the double digits to weigh 99kg and eventually 80kg
Favorite quote?
Balance in life is Key
Favourite book?
I don’t read books that much I read articles on nutrition alot.
What inspires and motivates you?
Be the best version of myself that I can be.
For what are you most grateful?
The support and understanding from my husband and family.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Find what works for you and go from there, everyone one is different and you need to find your best way.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Gather information
- Ask yourself where do you want to be
- What is the best way for you to get there and to stay there?
- Never compare your journey
- Reward yourself (non-food related) and praise yourself for an achievement
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