Fiona had always loved food, eating even when she wasn’t hungry. Bread, pasta, pancakes, pizza and burgers were her standard, and as she became increasingly overweight, low self-esteem led to comfort eating, followed by guilt and more eating. After emergency surgery for an ovarian cyst in 2011, she developed an infection and spent a ‘year of hell’ in recovery.
In 2012 she was diagnosed with a life- threatening hernia. Borderline diabetic, with high blood pressure and cholesterol, she’d sometimes stop breathing while asleep. Doctors warned that if she didn’t make drastic changes, she probably wouldn’t make it to age 35. ‘My mother passed away at 42 from weight issues and a heart problem. I couldn’t possibly let history repeat itself.’
She’d lost an ovary during the surgery in 2011 and after losing her remaining ovary in a subsequent operation, she would never bear children. ‘All I remember saying was, “How did I allow that to happen to myself?”’ On 1 November 2012, Fiona decided to start a new lifestyle, despite much criticism from friends and family. First she tried doing it alone, then found SleekGeek. Following their Reboot programme, she cut out junk food, sugar, coffee and alcohol, and began training four to five times a week.
Soon the changes felt natural: she’d automatically scan a restaurant menu for the healthy option. With 15kg to 20kg to lose to reach goal weight, she’s relapsed at times and wanted to throw in the towel. ‘But I never gave up. I always picked myself up after those moments, reflected on them and learnt from them.’
Then: 162kg | Size 28
Now: 102kg | Size 18
Photography: Tarryn Hatchett. Styling: Riaan Hulley from Red Hot Ops. Hair and makeup: Liezl Leach
Fiona’s typical food day
BREAKFAST: Omelette with mushroom, onion and tomato
SNACK: Handful of biltong or nuts and berries
LUNCH: Chicken or steak with avocado and salad
SNACK: Biltong or nuts
DINNER: Chicken, fish or steak with salad and green vegetables
(or butternut or sweet potato on training days)
DRINKS: 3 to 5 litres of water; rooibos tea with honey
Fiona’s top 3 tips
- DO EXERCISE YOU ENJOY,
even if you can only start by walking for five minutes.
2. FIND INSPIRATION.
I looked for motivational stories, sayings and pictures that would push and uplift me when I felt like failing.
- JOIN A SOCIAL-EVENTS GROUP.
I joined SleekGeek’s Facebook page and made friends with people who had similar goals.
