Name:
Candice Brauns
Age:
34
Location:
East London
How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?
19,8kgs
What do you do?
Warranty Administrator for Audi Centre East London
What else do you do?
Anything to do with fitness on a hot day, on a cold day I love movies.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I joined in December 2016
How did you find Sleekgeek?
A friend posted in the group and it came up on my news feed. For the longest time, I observed from a distance, reading the inspirational posts and seeing the amazing transformations.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The motivation to keep going even when you hit a low. A community of almost 100 000 members where everyone cares is the most rewarding family to be a part of.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I had been on and off a relatively active person doing swimming throughout most of my teenage years and through to my adult life. I had an active or healthy season where I would give it my all then fall off the wagon and didn’t bother to get back on. I don’t have a sweet tooth but I love food. The more the carbs, the better, every day was a binge day.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
When I was in my 36th week of pregnancy with my last born, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which resulted in me being in hospital with uncontrollable sugar spikes for a month until I gave birth.
6 months later and I went back to the doctor and was given the devastating news that I am pre-diabetic and would need to do monthly glucose tests. I was injecting insulin 4 times a day.
My father was diabetic and he took me through every day from the daily tests to how to administer the insulin to foods to avoid, this made things slightly easier.
Then in 2019 I was diagnosed with IBS and suffered from terrible back aches. As well as colon issues. That was the eye-opener that my health was deteriorating.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
I have never been a morning person. There are always 10 more minutes to sleep. Waking up at 5 am in a good mood is certainly something new to me.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
Shaking off the lazy bone when I have been out of the gym for more than a week
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
Don’t think about it, just do. The longer you think about it, the more excuses you are giving yourself.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
In 2017 I lost my dad, which resulted in a 2-year spiral, and gained an additional 10kgs which is how I ended up weighing 92kgs. I just didn’t care and I forced myself to believe that I was comfortable with my weight and health.
What is better since you got healthy?
I have complete control of the IBS and clear glucose tests. And my energy levels are through the roof.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise?
Boxing and running
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I have been training since March 2020. Started during lockdown with Taebo every day.
What does your typical workout look like?
I start with a 5km run. Every day I work on something different. So, one day will be a run, arms, and core. Another will be the dreaded legs and core. Thursday is boxing class at the gym. During winter I only swim on Saturdays (I hate feeling cold).
Favorite exercise?
Boxing
Least favorite exercise?
Burpees and lunges
How does exercise make you feel?
Invigorated, alive, and energized.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Running alone but gyming with others. I have developed a passion for sharing my training and helping people that have just started their journey because I was one of them and some people need the motivation.
Most embarrassing training moment?
When I started gym at Virgin Active and a very unfit me started throwing up during my run on the treadmill after 1,5km.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
Phone and earphones, I cannot run without music.
Your next training goal?
The next Isuzu Corporate Triathlon.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
I have a mix that is 46 minutes long. A mash-up of dance songs.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life?
Exercise has definitely improved my mood and helps me think clearly. And a good evening session helps me sleep better. For the longest time, I suffered from intermittent insomnia.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Sushi.
OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?
Steak, spinach, and feta (must have avo on the side).
Favourite protein?
Steak.
Favourite fat?
Avo.
Favourite carbohydrate?
Don’t have.
What’s your nutrition philosophy / approach?
Keep it simple. Start by substituting with healthy options. White rice with brown rice. Potatoes with sweet potatoes.
How many meals a day do you eat?
I try to get 3 meals in but I’m on my feet most of the day. My busiest time is the morning so I only do breakfast at about 11 am.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
I treat myself without a doubt. I allow myself 1 cheat meal, not a cheat day. So I can have 1 unhealthy meal in a day. Either an unhealthy breakfast or lunch but the following meals need to be nutritious. In the past, I had cheat days but that didn’t end well with cheat days turning into cheat weeks.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
I participated in my first surfer’s marathon. The terrain is absolutely horrible. You run on rocks then onto the beach (which is extremely hard for a newbie). Then have to go through a river and the year I decided to participate it was miserably cold, raining and windy. But I did it in a very decent time.
Favorite quote?
Not a quote but a verse from the bible “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – phill 4:13
Favourite book?
Not really a bookworm
What inspires and motivates you?
Being a part of Sleekgeek. Everyone has a story that will help someone needing it.
For what are you most grateful?
My husband and girls are a great motivation and my biggest cheerleaders. They have supported me from day one. Even joined in with exercises every now and then to get my spirits up. Seeing my husband at the finish line of every run or race helps me realize how blessed I am to have that support. Being a full-time working mom and wife, life gets busy but knowing I have the support of my family, having that 1 hour a day where I can concentrate on ME with no interruptions, without the guilt is amazing.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
Join sleekgeek and get involved.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Start small and take it 1 day at a time.
- Don’t think of it as dieting, but rather a lifestyle.
- Keep your meals simple and plan for the week, meal prepping works wonders if you work full time.
- Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and works for you.
- Make everything fun. It could be listening to music while meal prepping.
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