Share

'I kicked off my weight-loss journey by quitting meat and eating according to my blood type'

accreditation
Ophela Mhlauli (PHOTO: Ophela Mhlauli Instagram)
Ophela Mhlauli (PHOTO: Ophela Mhlauli Instagram)

“As a kid I was very chubby and I always felt uncomfortable, so I started googling and trying different weight loss diets and to be honest, they made me feel sick and grumpy.

The first time I tried losing weight, it took me six months to a year but I gained some of it back. This time around, it took me two months.

I decided to cut out meat for a good three months after I discovered an online article that spoke about eating for your blood type. After doing thorough research I found out that meat actually makes my blood type gain an excess amount of weight. I decided to cut out meat and it actually worked.

It was really tough for me to do because growing up in an African family, meat was always included in every meal. Whenever my mom would cook it, I would just go and hide in my room until they were done eating.

READ MORE: The 5:2 diet could speed up your metabolism AND keep your heart healthy

At some point my mom thought I was going crazy and told me I did not need to diet because I already had the perfect body. But that’s how most parents try to comfort their children. My uncle used to tease me though. He'd always tell the family that he saw me at midnight drinking all the gravy.

On the bright side I did lose a bit of the weight but I later realised that I was punishing my body and there was more to this than just losing weight so I started eating healthier foods that included meat and hitting the gym harder than before.

I feel that I influenced my mother to buy healthier groceries because she started preparing and eating healthier food.

READ MORE: These are the 4 exercises that helped me lose 17 kilos in 3 months

I started seeing my body transform into the shape I have always dreamed of. That moment was breathtaking for me and seeing people’s reaction to my efforts brought light and more meaning in my life.

I obtained the body I always wanted but that does not mean that I can rest because I believe that I can do much more and help people all around the world while I’m at it.

I have something to look forward to everyday.


At the age of 21 I have since launched my own health and gym plan known as the Fitophela 30 day challenge.

This program is aimed at helping everyone around the world, male or female to get into the habit of advancing into a healthy and active lifestyle.

READ MORE: This fitness queen is proof that you can make money from doing what you love

This is not some lose weight quick scheme but a way of adopting a healthier lifestyle and it also strives to people their confidence back and always be comfortable in their own body.”

*This submission has been slightly edited for clarity.

Do you have an inspiring story that you would like to share? Drop us an e-mail at [email protected]

 

 

Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
Subscribe to SNL24 PLUS
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()