Name:

Calantha Jansen

Age:

36

Location:

Cape Town

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

39 kg’s to date. 

What do you do? [Job]

I work for the department of health as a medical clerk.

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

I love walking my dog over the weekend. I also participate in two fitness groups. One is at work and it involves charity work. The other one is called Karobics and this I do after work with a group.

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?

I joined Sleekgeek in mid-2020.

How did you find Sleekgeek?

I was searching for a fitness group to join/follow and came across the Sleekgeek group on Facebook.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?

My favourite part is when we post pictures of our transformations.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION 

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

I used to have very low self-esteem about myself and I had social anxiety. I used to dread going out and being seen out and about in public. 

The new me has grown to love me for me. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin at any point in my weight loss journey. I love shopping now as I can walk into any store, look at an item, and know that it will fit me. 

What ignited your initial motivation to change?

I had covid in 2020 and I was a long-haul covid sufferer. Shortly after having had covid, I was diagnosed with hypertension. I decided enough is enough! I really need to look deep within and make a change for myself so that I can be healthy for my son too.

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

I stick to my eating goals most of the time. I am active all of the time and it bothers me if I’m not. 

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

I am still an emotional eater and it gets to me at the best of times.

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

I need to calm down and breathe first before being irrational.

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

Everything that is mentioned above took place with me. I just re-focus myself and get on with things.

What is better since you got healthy? 

Everything is better, my sleep, my health, my mindset, my lifestyle. My whole life has changed!

TRAINING 

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

HIIT

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

I started training almost daily since June 2020. I started to walk and gradually got involved with more fitness training.

What does your typical workout look like?

With Karobics class it includes core/cardio/HIIT/ weekly. At work, it includes taebo, cardio/core/yoga/weights. This is in addition to walking km’s daily and jogging on my treadmill too.

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

Burpees/core movements.

How does exercise make you feel? 

Happy and relaxed.

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

It’s fun in a group, and alone it’s fun with headphones so I enjoy both.

Most embarrassing training moment?

Farting in a group workout session.

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

Sweatbands, towel, and water bottle.

Your next training goal?

To be able to start cycling soon.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

I have really, really old music on repeat on my phone. I seriously need to update this.

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

Being active has made me appreciate life and the people around me more. I am humbled by people’s ability to persevere. 

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

Pizza!

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

I love salads. I will eat a salad with every meal if I could.

Favourite protein?

Chicken

Favourite fat?

Avocado

Favourite carbohydrate?

Potatoes

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

Protein with a salad. I always try to ensure that my plate has protein on it.

How many meals a day do you eat?

Two meals a day with coffee and water too.

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?

I believe in eating something you like when you crave it, but in the same breath, you need to make up for it by working out a little extra the next day, etc.

MINDSET

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

I never knew that I would someday have the ability to inspire and be admired for what I have achieved so far on my weight loss journey.

Favorite quote?

‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’.

Favourite book? 

After you died by Melinda Lewis.

What inspires and motivates you?

The Lord inspires me and my son motivates me to show up for myself daily.

For what are you most grateful? 

I’m grateful for another chance to do better, to live healthy.

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

Take the first step, and the rest will follow.

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

1. Get your mindset right
2. Know why you are doing it
3. Do it for yourself
4. Stay consistent
5. Just show up