Pictures of me as a baby show chubby cheeks and so-called bangles around my wrists.
I lost some of my ‘baby fat’ by the time I was four or five years old, but regained it at a time when I developed a penchant for a particular carbonated soft drink.
During my pre-teen and teenage years, I would try to ignore the teasing I endured about my weight though the thoughtless comments would have a long-lasting effect on me.
Despite the positive reinforcement of good eating habits by my parents, over time I developed inferior ones and I am now on medication for high cholesterol and for being pre-diabetic.
It is not so much about how much I consumed as it has been about the frequency and of what the food comprised.
You may ask why I didn’t take charge of the situation earlier. My only answer is that I have gone through various emotional ups and downs over the years and, psychologically, I was not ready.
Though I have always had reasons to lose weight, until now, I have never had a cause.
This changed when Pot O Curry owner Tubs Lingham told me about the Fit for Logan challenge.
I knew immediately that this was a great opportunity to assist a young boy by literally giving of myself while improving my general health.
Because I work for an official sponsor of the challenge, it means that there is the added pressure of a personal process being open to public scrutiny. It also means that there is more accountability.
However, I embrace both of those as they have forced me to change my eating habits, get fit, improve my health simultaneously keeping me focussed on the bigger picture of helping to create awareness about cerebral palsy and to raise funds to assist Logan Bartle. (“Raising Funds for child with cerebral palsy,” – Thursday November 19, 2020)
Wednesday October 6 is International Cerebral Palsy Day, and it will mark the end of this particular challenge. I aim to lose a minimum of 20kgs by that date.
Having started the Challenge on Friday March 19, 2021 weighing 109kg, I can proudly say that I have already shed 5kgs.
A healthy eating plan coinciding with the correct exercise strategy are vital to achieve and maintain my goals so I am blessed to have Shape Up Gym owner Wanda Fourie and dietician Warick van der Lingen helping me.
My family and friends continue to offer considerable support as do fellow challenge participants Cheryl Larsen (GO! & Express Sales Consultant), Tubs Lingham and Caron Troskie (Link FM Radio Presenter).
If I had to rely on my own physical strength or will-power, I would probably have thrown in the towel by now.
“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” – Zechariah Chapter 4 vs 6.
I give glory to God who has, in the very least, provided me with opportunity, means, motivation, support and encouragement to overcome self-imposed barriers to start, and continue, this walk.
If you would like to find out more about sponsoring me per kg lost, please contact me on 072-738-2540 or via e-mail – wendyk@goexpress.co.za – or by clicking on the link below https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9EdVhIMF-Rj7pXSELYPvfbldsFYk1xaHKsTAviBTupI-IAg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
The GO! & Express is the official and sole print media sponsor of this initiative.
