Name:
Nothando Simamane
Age:
30 years
Location:
Capetown
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
I started this journey when I was weighing 87kg so far I’ve lost 14 kg so far since my current weight is 74kg
What do you do? [Job]
I’m a full-time nursing student in NetcareEd in Bellville Campus by God’s grace I’m doing my final year which is 4th year, Working part-time as well as the cost of living is also very high.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
Hiking with a group of friends that have become a family, doing long runs on weekends, yoga, and coloring books to keep my mind off from school work.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I have been with Sleekgeek for a couple of years I think 5 years but our relationship started to be strong in 2019 December.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
I found Sleekgeek on Facebook while I was busy searching for ways to lose weight.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
21-day challenges are my favorite since there was no joining fee required, even though I never won any prizes.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I was was 27 years old battling with anxiety none of the medications were working for me, I was fat, hating myself, always eating junk food, and depressed. I remember I used to say no to everything for example hiking because I knew I was unfit to climb the mountain, I’d say no when a friend offers me their old clothes because I knew they were not going to fit. At the age of 28, I stood up and declared to myself that enough is enough I started to walk on my free days.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
Finding all my clothes too small to wear when I couldn’t afford to add to my wardrobe.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
Prioritizing what I eat. Always prepare my meals for a week prior since I work and study at the same time. I always make sure that my meals are sorted.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
Sugar intake especially in my coffee and exercising when my anxiety strikes.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Remember why you started, that always helps to motivate me to exercise.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
Yes, but I’m trying to work on that, I don’t want to push myself a lot I’m being kind to my mind trying not to focus on the things that trigger my anxiety.
What is better since you got healthy?
Waking up in the early hours of the morning, eating clean as a lifestyle, not a diet.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Running is my favorite form of exercise.
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I started in 2019 but I was not consistent until 2020 I started to run more than 5 km even though I was struggling to maintain my pace. 2021 has been an amazing year for me I’m now able to run more than 20 km without getting tired.
What does your typical workout look like?
I’m still struggling with that I’m working long hours 7h00 to 19h00 so I still find it difficult to make the balance between strength and cardiovascular fitness. Sometimes in a week I only work out 3 times due to unavailable time.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
I’m now focusing on long runs, I manage to do 30 km. My favorite distance is 21km.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
My least favorite is a strength workout. But I have to do it to have enough strength for long runs.
How does exercise make you feel?
Running makes me happy and helps me improve my mental and physical health.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
I prefer to train alone most of the time because I fail to control my breathing when I’m with a group. They always have conversations while running which makes me struggle with breath.
Most embarrassing training moment?
When my heart rate decided to act funny, I felt dizzy while I was on a treadmill nobody noticed I slowly lied down for a second I passed out then I recovered got up slowly walked back to my room.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Water, banana for potassium replacement, and also salt in case of muscle cramp to retain lost sodium.
Your next training goal?
I’m training for a marathon which is 42 km my target time is 4 hours.
Top 5 songs on your training Playlist
I don’t have since I have no headphones.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
I’m now flexible, I’m no longer an unhappy fat lady so I say yes to going on adventures.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Broccoli, carrots, and chicken breast with pink salt.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Broccoli, carrots, and chicken breast with pink salt.
Favourite protein?
Boiled eggs and stripes chicken breast.
Favourite fat?
Coconut oil
Favourite carbohydrate?
Vegetarian wrap
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]
I will always have time for my meal prep no matter how busy my schedule is.
How many meals a day do you eat?
3 meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Yes, I do ice cream.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Not going back to my junk food eating habits.
Favorite quote?
Always remember why you started. When your feet get tired run with your heart.
Favourite book?
Lesley Pearse. Unknown Father.
What inspires and motivates you?
Seeing all my old clothes fit me well and what motivates me is to always make time for my meal plans.
For what are you most grateful?
Gift of life I’ll forever be grateful.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Losing weight does not happen overnight it takes a lot of work, dedication, and commitment. People always discourage you but learn not to pay attention to what they say focus on your self always remember why are you doing this. Avoid weighing yourself daily. And don’t be hard on yourself be kind to your mind.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Drink a lot of water
- Move more during the day
- Have sufficient sleep
- Eat lots of vegetables limit starch
- Giving up is not an option
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