Since becoming a mother, the life of local fitness icon Angelique van der Linde has completely changed. She now juggles her careers as an advocate and fitness professional with the demands of motherhood, yet she remains the epitome of what it means to be fit and fab! This is how this multiple fitness mag cover girl does it all…
About her nutrition.
Did you get help from a nutrition coach to dial in your diet for fat loss?
Yes, we all need a bit of help sometimes. When I was younger I sought the assistance of so many diet coaches and dieticians, but it was only when I became self-educated that I started taking my health more seriously. Jacques, my husband, was the coach who not only motivated me to stay on track but he, without knowing, taught me how to maintain a healthy lifestyle by making wise, informed choices.
On the days you don’t train, do you eat the same food you do on your training days?
Yes, but my portions are smaller and I obviously refrain from that cheat meal on the non-training days.
What has been the easiest way for you to stick to a diet, other than sheer willpower?
It’s best to follow a sustainable lifestyle plan, instead of a restrictive diet. A plan that fits into my schedule and normal eating habits works best. Sometimes I will allow myself that sauce, but then I know to adjust my next meal in accordance with what I ate. Knowing what to eat and at what time can also be crucial to your success. One should be strict with your consumption of food, especially late in the afternoon and at night. I have healthy meal replacements to help me with those late-night cravings. If you know you’ll be eating something then at least make sure it’s healthy and feeds your body.
Crushing goals in the gym
What do you do on the tough days, when motivation levels are low?
I train even harder. Having a little human to take care of certainly steals more motivation away from training. When you’re young you don’t grasp the concept prioritising. But you’ll soon realise that finding time in your day becomes a bigger challenge than finding the motivation to train. You basically end up dealing with two issues – time and motivation. I just get my session in wherever and whenever I can. If that means running after baby at home in my exercise gear, then I won’t train at gym on that day. And if it means actually making it to gym, then I appreciate the little time I do have for that and make the session count! My free early live sessions on Facebook also help me as I get a workout in early in the morning.
Do you change your approach to training from time to time?
My training varies in each session, so I never get tired of a monotonous training regimen. I’m such an advocate for plyometrics, cardio and light weight training.
What are you loving right now?
My live classes early in the mornings really get me going. It’s motivating to see the women get up early and train with me. It also keeps me accountable, and we have a super hard workout together in cyber space!
Angel’s yay or nay
Steady rate cardio: Yay – It works well with my physique and for many of the women I assist. Why reinvent the wheel if it works? Just make sure you have a proper pre- and post-workout supplement to keep your body well nourished and toned.
Oats in the morning: Yay – even though I don’t like oats, I know and appreciate the benefits it has for my physique. It keeps my sugar levels stable, which is so important for me during my day. Because I don’t like oats I mix together JVL protein dessert, eggs, coconut oil and a pinch of Xylitol with rice milk and make myself pancakes. That way I fool my body and still get the good stuff down.
Training in a crop top: When I’m a lean fighting machine – Yay! Why not? You work hard for it.
Burpees: Yay – They’re a great way to burn those calories.
Gym selfies. Yay – but I try to make the selfie worth looking at in the sense that it shows an exercise or something educational for my followers.
Pre-workout nutrition: Yay! I use the JVL Grinadella pre-workout. It’s so delish and keeps my blood sugar levels stable. It also gives me a good energy burst for my training session.
Post-workout nutrition: Yay – the body must be re-fed after training and you have to make sure to replenish with the correct supplement, otherwise you might find yourself bulking instead of just replenishing.
Grilled hake: Yay – It’s a great source of protein.
Fat burners: Yay – I know this is not for everyone, but when you try to train twice a day, work a full day in a corporate job, and have a little one to keep happy, you often need some extra help! I use Weight-loss and Energy by JVL in the morning before my first session.
Deadlifts: Yay – for those tight and tiny glutes!
CrossFit: I apologise in advance to all my followers who CrossFit. While I love to watch it and I have so much admiration for those athletes, it just does not work for my physique.
Sports massage: Yay! A massage always gets a thumbs up from me. It speeds up recovery time.
Cheat meals: Yay – it’s a survival mechanism! LOL! When your body gets a bit of a treat it’s actually such a great shock that it helps the body and mind to reboot and to kick into weight-loss mode again.
Early morning training time: Yay, and as early as possible! I’ve even trained at 02h00 before, which I will admit is nuts! My favourite time is between 5 and 6am.
Training partner: Yay – my live session girls are my training partners and each client I teach. It’s a great motivational tool!
Running: Yay – I run everywhere!!! It’s the best cardio method, it’s cheap, and you can do it any time and anywhere.
Social media: Yay – but keep what’s super private and personal to yourself – it’s private! I believe privacy will be the commodity of the future. Don’t share what you don’t want exposed or used against you.
Active rest: Yay
EMS, tried it? Yay – It’s good and something different.
Final thoughts?
Just start! Every thought that just jumped into your head is merely an excuse. Just start, girl! Whether it’s with supplementation, healthy eating or training, just take that first step and the rest will follow and flow from your determination and commitment. I believe in you and know that if you really believe too, it will happen for you. Keep on grinding, the results will come!
Author: Tanja Schmitz
Founder and Editor of Fitness Magazine. You’ll find her behind her computer or on her bike, dreaming up new ways to improve or create content for you.
Don’t stop trying just because you’ve hit the wall. Progress is progress no matter how small.