Name:

Janine Jepthas

Age:

39

Location:

Cape Town

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

21kgs

What do you do? [Job]

Leasing Sales Manager

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

I joined a running club, doing a beginner’s 0-10km challenge. Love going on outdoor adventures.

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?

Mmm, could possibly be since 2014.

How did you find Sleekgeek?

Facebook, a friend of mine liked the group and so did I, and I was hooked.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community? 

The inspiration from others and the fact that we can be so open and honest about our journeys with no judgment.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION 

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

I was always “chubby” and trying to get myself to move into a healthy lifestyle but when I quit smoking in 2020, I picked up so much weight on top of my already overweight body. I felt lazy, very uncomfortable in my skin, not very active, and very unhappy. 

What ignited your initial motivation to change? 

I’m turning 40 this year and want to be FIT at forty. Also when I weighed myself, I was shocked as I had never weighed that much before in my life.

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

Everything! I am active, I have more confidence to do things that I have always wanted to do. I feel healthy and fit. I don’t binge eat anymore. I am so much more aware of what I am putting in my body and I feel so much better in my skin.

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

It can get quite lonely being on a healthy journey. Saying no all the time is hard but I am working through it. I am very strict and need to loosen up a bit 😉

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

Everything in Moderation and make good choices consistently.

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

I am currently on a plateau. Winter weather is not helping because I know my appetite has increased but I am still on the journey and pushing on.

What is better since you got healthy?

Everything in my life is better.

TRAINING 

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

Running at the moment.

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

8 weeks now. I started by joining a running club. I have been doing “at-home” workouts but not as regularly as I run.

What does your typical workout look like? 

Run – 3 times a week.

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

Squats

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

Burpees and planks (can’t do either) lol.

How does exercise make you feel? 

Energized, motivated, and sometimes hungry.

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

With others, it is nice to be surrounded by like-minded people, it’s motivating. I can do it on my own too but prefer training with others.

Most embarrassing training moment? 

Haven’t had one yet.

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

Towel, Water, Fitness Watch.

Your next training goal? 

When I finish my 10km race, I want to try CrossFit and run a 21km.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

I don’t listen to anything while on the road. I need to create a list when I start training properly from home.

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

It has had such a positive impact on my life. I am full of energy, all the time. I don’t spend my time on the couch anymore feeling sad about myself. I am taking action and getting active and the exercise motivates me to do that.

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal? 

Steak and salad with Avo ( I loooove avo)

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal? 

As above. All my meals are healthy, I haven’t cheated since started. Well, I sometimes do homemade oven chips but that’s it.

Favourite protein?

Rump Steak

Favourite fat?

Avocado

Favourite carbohydrate?

Mixed nuts

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

Read Labels – If you don’t know what the ingredients are, don’t eat them.

How many meals a day do you eat? 2, sometimes 3

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy? No, but I do have a slight addiction to Cocoa Macadamia Nut butter from Buttanut. That’s my “cheat”.

MINDSET

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

I never imagined I would be able to lose 20+ kilos in 6 months and run for more than a km without stopping.

Favorite quote?

“The biggest wall you’ve gotta climb is the one you build in your mind”.

Favourite book?

Recipe books 😊

What inspires and motivates you? 

My family mostly. My son, who has at a young age changed his life around to be healthy and fit and is extremely strong inspires me to do better. All the stories I see on the Sleekgeek page has and continues to inspire me.

For what are you most grateful?

My husband who is very supportive and motivates me to be better. My family and my health. 

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

Just start, you won’t be sorry, making healthier choices will change your life for the better 😊

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

• Surround yourself with like-minded people
• Join the support groups like Sleekgeek to keep you motivated
• Get rid of the junk in your life and make space for the good things
• Be consistent with the good choices you make
• Enjoy the journey, it will be worth it.