Hmmmm now where do I start with this big, big list of why I wanted you to get to know my good friend Teoni? Arghhh so many reasons why! She is so so kind, she is a kick arse weight lifter, a dream chaser, has a huge heart, shredded 26kg, knows how to make anyone smile and has gained so much more confidence in herself since I have met her, that it will just rub of on you! Surround yourself with positive people and they will lift you higher right? Heck Yes Teoni makes me feel like I can take on the world when I am with her.
I met Teoni at Hiit Australia just a few years ago, we were both doing the 8 Week Challenge. I could see the determination in her eyes and the passion for her new found love HEALTH + FITNESS. I knew I wanted to hang out with this girl as she instantly inspired be to be a better version of myself. Every morning we would meet up at 4am before the 5am class to do our fat burning walk before class. I soon got to know her and learnt about how she had turned her life around for the better. As the weeks went on, she kept on smashing goals and her smile got bigger and I had found someone that shared very similar dreams to me. I had to snatch her up as my bestie! 

A few years on and I call Teoni a best friend (yay I did it). She is one of my bridesmaids and I know she has my back whenever I need her. Always answers the phone and always would be over my house within minutes if I needed her! What a friend right?

Sit back with a cup of tea, maybe a healthy alternative to wine haha and enjoy the next five minutes with my girl Teoni Kelk.
Teoni, do you think you could share a little bit about yourself?
I’m 29 and for the last few years I have a new found love for the gym, fitness and health after being overweight/obese for most of my life.

You are one inspiring woman turning your life around to live a healthier lifestyle. Tell us more about your weight loss journey?
I was my heaviest at the age of about 20 I was 94 kgs (I’m only 165 cms) – was very unfit, unhappy, uncomfortable and lazy. It has taken me a long time to get to my current weight (approx. 68 kgs) and maintain it.

When was that moment in your life you thought yes there is no going back! What drives you to continue along this path?
I don’t think for me there has ever been a significant point. For me it’s about being the best version of myself and feeling comfortable in my own skin.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?
I have definitely relapsed back into old ways a few times. My issue was more that I ate too much rather than indulging in things like chocolates, chips etc. I love food too much!

Favourite quote or mantra?
She turned her cant’s into cans and her dreams into plans.

When you need daily inspiration to keep going, which influencers on Instagram to look too?
I wouldn’t say that most of my inspiration comes from Instagram – I love following you of course Alice…you’ve always got a new creation that I want to make and Sophie Guidolin is fantastic on Snap Chat.
My inspiration mostly comes from the girls I train with day in and day out. We push each other at gym, discuss meal prep ideas/recipes and enjoy going out to breakfasts etc. Surrounding yourself with people that have similar goals helps to keep on track.

Favourite active wear? Being one of my nest friends I already know this answer .. haha
Lorna Jane – it’s rare you will see me working out in anything else. I love that the leggings last forever and I don’t have to worry about half the gym seeing my underwear through my pants whilst at the squat rack. They may not be cheap but they are worth every cent.

How many runners do you own? Not often I see you in the same pair.
I think on last count I had 14 pairs. My favourites are the Nike 4.0 Fly-Knits. My latest pair are Nike Zooms – still wearing them in and they may soon be a favourite. For the ladies who have smaller feet (up to a size 7 or 8) have a look in the kids section next time you need joggers – you may be pleasantly surprised at you can fit kids shoes and they are much cheaper.

If you could whisper something to someone starting out their new journey, what would you tell them?
If I was speaking to someone who wanted to lose weight, I would say that it’s so important to eat and not starve yourself. Create a maintainable lifestyle for yourself. I try to eat very well Monday to Friday but on the weekends I like to go out and socialise. Of course in doing so you won’t always want to eat chicken and salad but try to take the healthier option where possible – opt for grilled fish instead of crumbed or battered, avoid the hash browns at breakfast etc.
I’m such a believer in a good exercise routine also. We all have different schedules and budgets to stick to but there are a couple of activities that are always free…walking and running. Walk to the water, do some stair climbing, run to get your groceries and organise a lift home. I often go walking at lunch, after work with friends that have babies and school aged kids or go on the weekends – the time flies by as you chat and walk and it doesn’t feel like exercise to me.

Favourite cheat meal?
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day…I love heading out with the girls on a Saturday after a big workout and then breakfast. I love Acai Bowls, Haloumi and Coco Whip – If any of those are incorporated I’m a happy girl.  I always make sure I train before having a big cheat meal.

Healthy recipe or food you would love to share?
One of my favourite meal bases at the moment is the Woollies Macro Organic pasta sauce. You can create so many different meals with it – Clean lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, marinara, use it on a wrap for a pizza sauce, clean chicken parmy or meatballs.