Name: 

Chelsea Milner

Age: 

37

Location:

Plettenberg Bay

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

28.5kg 

What do you do? [Job] 

I am currently self-employed as a Natural Practitioner, helping people to naturally heal through Ozone Therapy, Bemer Therapy, and Essential Oil Treatments. I was a chef before becoming a mom, so I also do private cheffing for functions and events.

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

I enjoy walking and running. I love to cook and I find it very therapeutic! I also love building puzzles!

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek? 

1 year and 3 months.

How did you find Sleekgeek? 

My sister and brother did the challenge years ago but a friend did the Sleekgeek Summer Challenge in 2020 and encouraged me to do the Feb 2021 challenge.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community? 

The accountability, support, and friendships formed.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION 

Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like? 

I have always had issues with my weight and when I moved to the UK in 2011 I put on about 30kg and fell pregnant which helped pile on the kgs. 

We moved back to SA in Sep 2019,  I started going to gym and started making better choices with food.  However, 2020 hit, and in August 2020 I hit my highest weight (lockdown sourdough and just the stress, etc.). 

I went through a divorce and was not in the best place. I ate what made me “feel” good but in the end, it just made me feel worse as my self-esteem took a huge knock. I was not physically active (again lockdown put an end to that) nor proactive in achieving any kind of fitness. 

I started to lose a bit of weight and by the time I started my first challenge in Feb 2020 I had lost 6kg but was still far off my goal. 

What ignited your initial motivation to change? 

I was tired of feeling the way I did about myself and KNEW what I needed to do. I also wanted to be the best, happiest and healthiest mom for my boy. 

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

I found an exercise I enjoy with people I enjoy, I eat “mindfully” (I know it’s a lame new buzzword, but it is how I describe it). I think positively about my weight and that it is achievable to get to my goal (especially as I see how far I have come). I set small goals instead of one big one!

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

Water intake and sleep!

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

Make small changes in your normal habits that will result in big changes eg. for every coffee, drink  500ml of water and keep a 2lt water bottle in the fridge ( I hate warm water), and get into bed earlier and read rather than scroll through social media or watching Netflix.

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

Absolutely! The first challenge I did, I thought I would be winning that 10k, but then I only lost 6kg, and even though I lost lots of CM’s I still was so disappointed by the weight. I continued to lose weight between challenges but didn’t always do as well as I would have liked. I kept on though and now I see the results!!!

What is better since you got healthy?

Everything! I feel more confident, I can fit into the clothes that I love, I have more energy and I have found something I enjoy (walking/running).

TRAINING

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

Right now it is running BUT I love weight training and would love to get back into it (just can’t afford the gym right now). I love stretching but not in a formal Yoga/Pilates way, just stretching!

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

Since I was younger, I have always trained on and off, but I only really started properly training in Feb 2021. I started with a running club in August 2021 and love it!

What does your typical workout look like?

Running 5-8km on Mondays and Wednesdays and then Parkrun on a Saturday. I was doing Crossfit training but had to stop due to finances (or lack thereof haha).

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

Running and Crossfit/Weights

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

Spinning

How does exercise make you feel?

Alive! The endorphins are the best!

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

I like to run with friends but also like to put headphones in and just be by myself. I like to gym alone with music or podcast and just focus on myself.

Most embarrassing training moment?

I nearrrrrrrly saw my gat on the treadmill because I was talking to a friend ( hence training in the gym on my own, haha).

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

Headphones, water, underarm, small towel.

Your next training goal?

Knysna Half marathon in July.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

Ooooh, that’s a tough one, I just hit play on my Spotify and go! It also depends on what mood I am in.

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

I feel so much better in myself, I love the way my body has transformed. I was thinner than I am now 10 years ago BUT I was not fit or “healthy”. I crave the endorphins and can’t wait to train!

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

Anything Asian Style.

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

Lettuce with Nutritional Yeast, Raw mushrooms, Olive “juice”, olive oil and Cayenne pepper.

Favourite protein?

Beef

Favourite fat?

Avo

Favourite carbohydrate?

Pasta

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

Eat when you are hungry and don’t eat until you are full…rather put the rest away and eat it as your next meal if you hate waste like I do. Food is necessary for life but it doesn’t have to define us!

How many meals a day do you eat?

1 meal and then a small snack here or there, depending on my mood and my day!

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?

Nope

MINDSET

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

Losing 29kg! Running, I hated running!!!!

Favorite quote?

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ash

Favourite book?

The Magic Faraway Tree.

What inspires and motivates you?

What I want for myself is to achieve and conquer and be healthy for my son and teach him to be the best version of himself.

For what are you most grateful?

My parents, I couldn’t have done this without them!

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

There is never the right time to start. Just start small, set smaller goals, and stay consistent!!!! If you achieve more then it’s a bonus!

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

1. Set small goals
2. Stay Consistent
3. Find an exercise that you enjoy
4. Don’t be so hard on yourself
5. Don’t compare your journey, body, etc. to anyone else…the sun and moon both shine at different times!