Name:
Shihaam Kellerman Kampfer
Age:
47
Location:
Mitchells Plain, Cape Town
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
Started: 83.6kg
Current weight: 66.1kg
What do you do? [Job]
I work as an Administrative Officer for the City of Cape Town dealing with Performance Management within the Urban Management Directorate of the City of Cape Town.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
Socializing with family and friends, hiking, and making people smile.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I have been a member for 3 years and have only been watching the transformations pics of various people.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
Through mutual friends that belonged to the group.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The transformation photos.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I was very lazy, tired all the time, and constantly hungry. So I always looked for the easy way out to cook meals and also ate whatever came my way. I ate not because I was hungry but also just for the sake of eating. It was constantly take-outs and living on luxuries to console my soul. It went on for a while this way, up until people were saying, “you getting so fat”.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
People were constantly reminding me how fat I am getting but in my eyes, I did not see it that way. It then came to a stage where I could no longer tie my shoes, and that is when I decided to get on the scale and nearly had a mini-stroke when I saw 83.6kg. I knew then and there that this is the time I need to get my mind sorted and focus on becoming healthy, and get into gear.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I am now so energetic that I look forward to cooking my meals. I plan my weekends around doing some active activities eg. Hiking or walking.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
Trying to limit my portion size when I eat cake.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Have a slice of cake once a month, just do not eat the whole cake.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
No, I have not. I try and stay focus and remind myself constantly that I seriously do not want to go back to being huge again.
What is better since you got healthy?
My energy levels have increased. I am healthier and I no longer snore.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Zumba and resistant band training.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I am now training for 5 months. I started my journey of eating healthy on the 5th October 2020, so my training started off on the 12th October 2020 by doing 10 minutes of Zumba every day up until I could do a complete 30 minute Zumba workout and add 10 minutes of core and 10 minutes resistance band training. I also started adding in walking or hiking on a weekend.
What does your typical workout look like?
To date, I do 10 – 15 minute resistant band training every alternate day with a 30 minute Zumba Workout. On the days I do not do resistant band training, I do a 10-minute core workout with 30 minutes Zumba workout. This I do Mondays – Thursdays, Friday, and Saturdays I rest. Sundays I hike, run or walk.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Hiking
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Core training ☹. It kills me.
How does exercise make you feel?
It feels I can take on the world.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I prefer training alone as it keeps me more focused.
Most embarrassing training moment?
When I could not run even a kilometer.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
2 bottles of water and towel
Your next training goal?
To do the Crystal Pools hike on Table Mountain
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
- Jerusalema – Master KG
- Work from home – Fith Harmony
- In your eyes’- Robin Schulz
- Not so bad – Yves V
- Birthday – Katy Perry
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
The fact that I now have curves, muscle, and clothing that fits me perfectly without pulling out my hair. I was a size 42/44 and now in a Size 34/36
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Chicken curry
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Chicken with salad
Favourite protein?
Chicken
Favourite fat?
Avocado
Favourite carbohydrate?
Potatoes
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Cut out all carbs, salt, and sugar and make different meals with steak, chicken, and fish. Marinate meats with herbs and cayenne pepper. Have 2 fruits a day and start your day with oats and black coffee. Drink also 2 liters of water a day.
How many meals a day do you eat?
I eat 3 meals a day with 2 snacks. So in total, I eat 5 times a day and drink 2 liters of water for the day.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Yes, I do. If I have a day when I eat cake or anything that I shouldn’t eat. I do not have supper.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Run
Favorite quote?
First, get your mindset programmed and get rid of all the unhealthy foods in your house.
Favourite book?
I do not really have a favorite book. But I read anything that is worth reading.
What inspires and motivates you?
Seeing other people achieve their weight goals.
For what are you most grateful?
I am grateful that I have done this without any supplements or diet pills. I did it all the natural way.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Do not be scared that you will fail when you do start. I was scared too and it took me 3 months to adjust my mind and telling myself I can do this.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Get your mindset correct first
- Stay focused
- Get rid of all the unhealthy foods and luxuries in your house that will tempt you.
- Tell yourself this is a lifestyle change and not a diet.
- Remember every day is and will be a challenge but keep reminding yourself you can do this.
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