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How I lost weight – part 1

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Alana Imaan Jattiem before and after weight-loss.
Alana Imaan Jattiem before and after weight-loss.


If you need to lose weight, it can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task.

There are so many diets to choose from and so much intimidating information about exercise that many people feel it will never work for them. But it doesn’t have to be so complicated or hard.

Read: 4 exercises for amazing abs

These women are all ordinary South Africans who made minor changes to their lifestyles and diets, and not only lost weight but transformed their lives.

They all had one thing in common – they believed that they could do it, and so can you!

Alana Imaan Jattiem's story

Alana Imaan Jattiem lost 11kg in 6 months. Here is her story:

I was motivated to lose weight when I saw photographs of myself taken at a family function – I was shocked to see how much weight I’d gained.

Read: The beginner's guide to a spinning class

I started following a few local Capetonian fitness freaks on Instagram and I loved their posts about their runs on hiking trails and fitness challenges. They all looked so healthy, happy and energised and I wanted to be like them.

I also wanted to have a positive influence on my two daughters.

I joined group personal training classes once a week and followed healthy eating guidelines from my trainer. I also went to gym three times a week on my own and did some cardio, weights and kettlebells. I also started eating more meals, but smaller portions, and drank more water.
 
The hardest part of this journey has been attending functions and parties, and having to say no to the sweet treats, cakes and pizzas. It was also initially tough finding time to get to gym, but I have now made it a part of my lifestyle. I now also have a lot more willpower to say no to junk food and yes to going to gym.

Read: What's your exercise DNA?

My advice to others who are starting their journey is to stay strong in their mind and keep themselves motivated by networking with people who are on a similar journey.

Find your "fit" when it comes to exercise and allow yourself a treat now and then, but know your limits. At the end of the day it’s really up to you to keep going!

Previous weight-loss successes:

I lost 76 kg on the Adventure Bootcamp programme
I lost over 100kg on the Weigh-Less programme
Lose weight the Darren Scott way
Get fit by dancing, Riaan says
From 105 to bikini model

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