Name: 

Lemeez Sugudhav

Age: 

31

Location: 

Pietermaritzburg

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

14kg. From 106kg – 92kg.

What do you do? [Job]

I am a stay-at-home mom. 

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

Cooking, baking, exercising, movies.

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?

Almost a year.

How did you find Sleekgeek?

Through a mutual friend on Facebook.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?

Sleeks are like-minded, supportive, non-judgemental, goal-getters.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION

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

I was miserable, tired, depressed, and sad. I wouldn’t want to face another day because I hated the body I was in, I was disgusted at myself.

I was always overweight as a child and was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at age 12(a hormonal disorder that stalls weight loss that causes weight gain). In 2018/2019 I lost a lot of weight. I was living life! However, my success was short-lived when I unexpectedly fell pregnant. Unfortunately, I lost my precious angel Ella at 25 weeks pregnant but fell pregnant 3 months later with my love Emma.

The weight was packed on from two high-risk pregnancies – 75 kgs to 106 kgs within a year. I suffered from depression, gestational diabetes and the list goes on. I did not adjust well to motherhood and it made it harder to lose weight also being stuck at home during covid with a new baby and being a new mom was all too overwhelming. LIFE happened!

What ignited your initial motivation to change?

I wanted to lose the WEIGHT DESPERATELY, I would look at my old pics and yearn to have my pre-pregnancy body back. I was not at my goal weight or perfect then but I remember how happy I was – I just wanted to feel that way again wanted to be ME again. Now I want to come back stronger! Watch this space! I’m not done yet!

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

I am consistent, I work out daily even if it’s just 10min. I found my rhythm.

I am more mindful of what I eat and make better choices

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

Social eating! Temptation always gets the better of me and I struggle with having self control.

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

Stop, and listen to my body. Do I really want that second helping?

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

Always, that’s why I haven’t reached my goal yet.
I am in on right now, and that’s why I’m doing the Summer Challenge to push me.

What is better since you got healthy?

My mood swings.

I struggled with mood swings due to the pcos that took a toll on my relationships, but now I have it under control.

TRAINING

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

Weightlifting and kickboxing.

How does exercise make you feel?

Like I’m on cloud 9. HAPPY hormones, like I can do anything.

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

Weights alone, but I do like group aerobics.

Most embarrassing training moment?

Facing the squat rack in the wrong direction.

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

Lemeez S- SG Interview

I have a home gym as I am a stay at home mum, but if I did go to gym, it would be:

• Sweat towel
• Headphones
• Waterbottle

Your next training goal?

Summer Challenge 2022! Lifting heavier and tone up.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

I do a lot of online workouts, so playlists are already sorted.

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

I am happier, I look at myself differently, I appreciate how much stronger I am. EVERYTHING is better, my skin is better, my hair is better but most of all my mood swings and overall emotions are under control.

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

I love food. Anything carb dense.

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

Chicken wraps.

Favourite protein?

Eggs.

Favourite fat?

Cheese.

Favourite carbohydrate?

Sweet potatoes.  

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

Only eat when I am hungry.

How many meals a day do you eat?

Two to four meals.

Do you have a cheat meal/treat strategy?

I plan my cheats around special occasions and date nights.

MINDSET

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

Placing 4th in a previous competition I did.

Favorite quote?

Be Still and Know that I am God – Psalms 46-10

Sometimes we over think everything, and that it’s impossible and we can never do it or get there, but if we just calm ourselves, everything eventually falls into place.

Favourite book?

Atomic Habits: James Clear

What inspires and motivates you?

The community members on Sleekgeek, winners, Face off Friday, Transformation Tuesday, everyone’s accomplishments big and small. I make it a habit to read someone’s story everyday.

For what are you most grateful?

My husband, he supports me in my goals and always pushes me forward on my tough days.

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

Just start, keep going, you will fall a million times but what matters is that you keep getting up.

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

• Just get it done.
• Forgive yourself.
• Don’t be afraid of weights they are your friend.
• Educate yourself. Research.
• Only you can do this no one else is going to do it for you.