Annestia Steyn is an attorney by profession with a passion for inspiring others. She shares her weight-loss journey with us: where it started, where it’s going and what drives her.
Unrecognisable
Back in October 2020, Annestia saw a photo from a family braai and was shocked when she couldn’t identify herself in the photo.
“I didn’t recognise myself”.
This was her turning point, and while she didn’t know how much she weighed, she knew something had to change.
She decided to step on the scale, which revealed her weight – 120.2kg. That’s when she decided to start the_curvygirl_sa to chronicle her journey. It served as a way to help her stay accountable by acknowledging her deepest insecurity. She even posted a picture of the scale on her Instagram page to kickstart it all.
Sharing platform
Curvy Girl is a daily diary of what she eats, how she exercises and how she feels.
“I started my Instagram account on the 5th of October 2020 and started uploading daily photos and videos of me in the gym, the foods I eat and how I feel. I also did a weigh-in every Sunday on my feed to keep myself accountable,” explains Annestia.
“My followers became invested in my journey and became my accountability partners. Through that, they keep me motivated and encourage me every single day.”
An important message that she shares with her followers relates to extremes.
“Many people think that they need to be extreme with training and following an eating plan, but that is not true. You just need to be consistent.”
Finding support
In addition to her growing social media following, Annestia also got support from the leading local supplement brand USN.
“USN’s support during my journey has encouraged me to carry on. It is truly an inclusive brand, no matter what your goals are.”
USN gave her an influencer package when the new Lipo X Gold fat burner launched and guided her on her journey.
Annestia entered the USN Body Makeover Challenge in March 2020 to lose weight and lost 8 kg.
She entered the challenge for the second time in September 2020 and lost 13 kg.
Annestia has now registered for the challenge for a third time. Her latest journey started on 31 January 2022, and she is determined to win it this round.
“As they say, third time lucky,” she quips.
Getting encouragement
Having established a thriving social media following, Annestia draws inspiration from the strangers who encourage her. Those who draw inspiration from her story and resonate with her journey drive her passion.
“It stems from my honesty in sharing very real and honest moments of my life. Seeing progress photos of myself and comparing each week to my initial starting week places the journey into perspective. This provides new motivation because it is ultimately you vs. you. No one can inspire you as much as you can inspire yourself.”
Posting everything on social media and having people invested in her and people who believe in her makes all the difference.
“My followers are my family. They cheer me on and support me wholeheartedly in everything I do. I am so committed to showing every woman who has ever doubted herself that anything is possible…anything.”
A day in the life
An average day for Annestia is action-packed.
“I wake up at around 05:00 and have my first cup of coffee – I am not a morning person. I then get ready for work, which starts at 07:00 and then, as Rihanna would say, I work, work, work…”
After work, Annestia meets her partner Jaco at the gym at 17:00 where they train for 1.5 hours and then go home to make food and unwind.
Lessons learnt
Based on her experience, Annestia has gained some important insights on how to realise transformation success.
“Don’t try to lose 20 kg in three months. Rather make the conscious decision to eat healthier and move your body.”
When it comes to setting goals, she recommends setting smaller goals like 2 kg and, once you reach that goal, setting yourself another one.
“This sets you up for success because before you know it, you will be at your goal weight.”
Ultimately, Annestia believes that your mindset is the key to success. “The reason for wanting to live a healthier lifestyle will drive you and help you to stay disciplined.”
In addition to this, you need:
- Calorie deficit
- Accountability
- Consistency
- To fuel your body with the correct supplements from USN
“I make a healthier choice and believe in sustainable eating. The secret to fat loss is simple: create and maintain a calorie deficit.”
She adds that there are also so many alternative options to food choices that are lower in calories. In her experience, simple alternatives for foods with fewer calories that are just as delicious are the key to a successful diet.
“I always hear people say that they don’t have time. The reality is you have time, you just don’t prioritise yourself.”
A year of possibilities
Annestia is excited for the year ahead as she believes 2022 is packed with possibilities for her.
“I’m entering the USN Body Makeover Challenge for the third time – please follow my journey and cheer me on. Let’s see how far I can transform myself in 12 weeks.”
She also started an accountability plan for women who need her support through this very confusing journey.
“I want to help them navigate through it all and achieve their goals. This is part of wanting to live out my passion for helping others because I know all the struggles and roadblocks that can pop up on this beautiful journey.”
To empower her and support her clients in this role, Annestia is completing her National Certificate in Personal Training at Trifocus.
“I also want to join my Instagram bestie (Ilani Lochner – a transformation queen and my hero) on stage for a wellness/bikini fitness competition.”
Would you rather:
Joggers or leggings
Tanks or crop tops
Oven-baked or air fryer
Oats or granola
Instagram or TikTok
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.
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