Name:

Tarryn Plaatjies

Age:

33

Location:

Westgate, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?

I have lost a total of 20kg and am gearing up to reach my goal weight.

What do you do? [Job]

I am a Foundation Phase educator and currently teaching Grade 2 this year.

What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]

With my job taking over most of my free time I struggle to find the balance. When I do have a moment, I try and spend it with friends and family being social and present in those moments. I do enjoy taking walks, hiking, and finding new picnic spots in and around Cape Town.

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?

I have been a member since February 2021 so it’s a year.

How did you find Sleekgeek?

I was inspired by my good friends and their amazing transformations, and I wanted to be part of this life-changing journey. Once I approached them, they gave me all the information and basically took me by the hand helping me step by step.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?

The constant motivation and encouragement the support you get from this community really allows you to push and work harder each week. Even when you are having a slow week and have not been able to lose much the community will lift your spirit and motivate you with the positive in the situation.

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 slowly becoming less active over time. I was dealing with a lot of stress and the best way to deal with it was to eat. So, I ate and put on the kilograms. I stayed at home and ate, I wasn’t thinking about what harm I was doing to my body and health.

What ignited your initial motivation to change?

I started feeling uncomfortable in my skin. Shopping for clothes was a nightmare as things just wouldn’t fit. I had not seen my friends because of the lockdown and when I saw them looking amazing as they all had lost so much weight. I wanted this for myself as well. They truly motivated me to join I didn’t need much encouragement just seeing their progress was enough for me to jump on the bandwagon.

What are some of the things that the new you do differently now?

I started off with intermitted fasting I am not as strict as before. As I have my first meal at 10am and the last meal not later the 8pm. I push with my water intake. The new me thinks about what she is putting into her body.

What are some of the things that the new you still struggle with?

Being active during the week finding that balance with work and exercise, I normally push over weekends.

If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?

I love routine so maybe to set up something even if it’s to wake up earlier and exercise before work. I know the importance of making time for the things you want as it helps you mentally as well.

Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?

Oh yes, it, definitely happened to me at first, I couldn’t understand, as I was losing weight as the week went by and then nothing.

What is better since you got healthy?

My water intake is great and my sugar. I no longer suffer weeks on end with migraines. My mental health is also so much better. When dealing with any stressful situations I try to make time to do a workout and I automatically feel much better afterward.

TRAINING

What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]

Currently, I walk-jog which I enjoy I am slowly getting into running which would be a great achievement. I started looking into different workouts focusing on toning.

How long have you been training and how did you get started?

I started training since my first Sleekgeek 8-Week Challenge in February 2021. I used to watch youtube walking workouts which were great as I got a good workout and got in steps for the week.

What does your typical workout look like?

Cardio walking/jogging planks, mountain climbers, and sit-ups.

Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]

Sit ups.

Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]

Planks.

How does exercise make you feel?

I feel great after a good workout like I have control over my day and how hard I want to push.

Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?

I enjoy workouts with others as they motivate me more and I tend to push harder.

Most embarrassing training moment?

Not being able to last long with the planks.

Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?

Water bottle, towel, and music

Your next training goal?

To become stronger in my upper body.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

• Willow Smith – The Anxiety
• Nkao Tempela, Emmy Meli – I Am Woman
• Dua Lipa – New Rules
• Elton John, Dua Lipa – Cold Heart

How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]

I am excited to wake up at 6am on a Saturday or Sunday to complete beach workouts or go for jogs. The old me would never have been this happy to exercise.

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

I love a good pasta.

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

I enjoy a good wrap

Favourite protein?

Boiled eggs

Favourite carbohydrate?

Pasta

What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach? [If you have one]

Eat smaller portions and be aware of what you eating.

How many meals a day do you eat?

2 meals and I try and have healthy snacks.

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?

That depends, a good friend told me to eat in moderation and not to totally cut out things I like it’s just about the portion sizes. It’s worked for me thus far.

MINDSET

Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?

I recently completed my teaching degree after 10 years of part-time studying and feeling like it would never happen, it did. The milestone made me realize anything is possible if you just believe in your own abilities to achieve whatever it is you put your mind to.

Favorite quote?

“You have not cause you ask not.” Steve Harvey

Favourite book?

Don’t have any.

What inspires and motivates you?

I really love Steve Harvey and his motivational talks. It really gets one thinking especially because we all have the ability to achieve our dreams and goals with the right mindset and belief in God.

For what are you most grateful?

My family and friends, I am surrounded by the best people. They constantly motivate me to do better.

What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?

The start is always the hardest part but once you do, this community will take you by the hand. We all know how it feels but you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. It’s not a diet it’s a lifestyle change.

What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?

1. Know why you are doing it.
2. Write down what you eat during the day.
3. Keep track of your water intake.
4. As they say its 80% what you eat and 20% workouts. Keep that in mind.
5. Surround yourself with supportive people as they will encourage you to work hard at this new lifestyle.