Name: Kevin Davies
Age: 50
Location: Somerset West, Cape Town
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
I weighed 187kgs in October 2019 and I am now 116kgs. So 71kgs so far.
What do you do?
I am the regional Project Manager (both PV and Energy Efficiency) for Green Yellow Energy South Africa.
What else do you do?
I love walking / hiking, boxing, golf, good healthy food, cooking, kites, and writing. I also enjoy traveling with my lovely lady, while we explore new places as often as possible.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
For about a year.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
On Facebook.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The positive support and inspiration.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
Well, a high-stress environment led me to make some bad health choices in terms of bad food, smoking, and no exercise. I was admitted to the hospital in October 2019 due to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, breathing problems, fatty liver, and very high blood sugar levels. I am 6,1m tall and I weighed 187,5kg at that point. I could not walk more than 150m without help. The Dr’s pointed out that I would not survive a year if I did not change my lifestyle.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
The thought of my children not having their father for the rest of their lives, and that I was assisting my family financially for many months and they needed my support to survive.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
Well, I have been fully committed to intermittent fasting for over a year now. Where I focused on a 24hr fast for the first 8 months then moving to a 16/8 hr fast thereafter. I stopped smoking early in my transformation window of 13 months. In terms of nutrition, I focus on getting in the key minerals and vitamins needed by only eating a low carb diet in the early months and I became a vegetarian four months ago, I am loving the diet. My lady is also on the same journey but for different goals as she is an athlete. This helps a lot as we enjoy food prepping/eating together.
I have also built up my exercise by walking daily, short distances to start with but now days I enjoy walking around 7- 8kms a day.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I think the new energy levels, time constraints to do more in a day, choice of so much more to wear…LOL
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Enjoy life to the fullest, be real and honest with yourself, be awake in the moment, love yourself and you will be the power.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Yes, I had various times when I have had to dig deep, but I found systems like music, exercise and good people that helped me through.
What is better since you got healthy?
My mental health, energy levels, love life, self-confidence.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Walking, weightlifting, boxing, golf, and hiking
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
13 months, I started by walking as much as possible 7 days a week
What does your typical workout look like?
I currently walk about 7-8 kms every day
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Boxing or Golf
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Running
How does exercise make you feel?
Well, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment, and the endorphins are great.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I have no real preference; I enjoy both just as much. I enjoy self-motivation and music if I train alone, but it is also great to have company to chat to.
Most embarrassing training moment?
My tracksuit splitting while I was out on a beach walk with my lady!!
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Towel, toiletries, and water
Your next training goal?
10kms a day
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
Tracks by Carl Cox, Solomun, Black Coffee, Ben Bohmer and ADE
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
As I have noted before, I can now really enjoy my life to the fullest without physical pain. By being real and honest with myself, I have found my power. I healed myself first…then I found true love.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Anything vegetarian, but I do love the various premade salads, etc with pesto, etc…!!
Favourite protein?
Lentils
Chickpeas and Most Varieties of Beans
Nutritional Yeast
Green Peas
Favourite fat?
Cheese
Favourite carbohydrate?
Rye Bread
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
Following a 16/8 intermittent fasting eating plan with a vegetarian philosophy.
How many meals a day do you eat?
Twice, lunch and dinner.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Yes, I will have a vegetarian toasty, but only one.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Doing a 15km walk without any discomfort.
Favorite quote?
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein
Favourite book?
Broken Music by Sting
What inspires and motivates you?
My family, my work, and my health
For what are you most grateful?
The time to make a difference, the honesty and love in my family and my work.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Do not waste time! The time you are taking to read this will never be given to you again. Choose your outcome by being positive and honest with yourself. Change is not a goal but a journey, keep making the small steps, before long you will be amazed at the progress. The journey of recovery starts with you. Find your power!
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Good food, no processed foods.
- Intermittent fasting!!!
- Water, lots!
- Exercise
- Mental health, honesty
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