Ziaad Hoosen’s Keto Transformation Inspired Him to Start His Own Business

Age: 38

Starting Weight: 269

Current Weight: 165

How long have you been following a ketogenic diet? 3 years

What is your favorite keto meal? Eggs, avocado, and bulletproof coffee

Why did you start keto?

At the age of 20, I weighed in at a staggering 122kgs. I faced dejection and depression. I felt despondent about the way people viewed and treated overweight people in society. I know this firsthand, as I was a victim of negative remarks and comments about my size and weight.

The turning point for me was when I went to buy a pair of pants. I politely whispered and asked the store salesman for size XXL elastic pants. He quickly snapped back at me and said that there was no such thing as a size that big. As I turned, I heard him mocking and making jokes of me. This was my turning point. Little did that salesman know that he’d lit the fire of motivation in me that would transform my life forever.

I was now highly motivated, more than ever to change my life around and become what society deems “normal”. It was not easy because I loved good food and was in my comfort zone. I had to make a tough choice to either eat the junk food or live a healthier lifestyle.

I started going to the gym that was 5kms away from my home. I walked to the gym every day – in the rain, storms and heat. Initially, I started with only cardio and later incorporated strength training into my training regime.

Slowly seeing the results and feeling the change is what motivated me to continue; and in six months, I shed all of my excess weight. Having accomplished this, I wanted to help other people who’d been in a similar position by becoming a professional fitness and lifestyle trainer/coach.

Now that a healthy lifestyle began to be my way of living, I wanted to embark on my dream to run one of the most challenging races – ‘The Comrades Marathon’. Like most young kids where I live, I grew up watching the Comrades on television and thought to myself, one day soon I will be participating in this amazing race. In 2007, that became a reality. I ran my first Comrades and to date have accomplished six Comrades and four Two Oceans Marathons.

To maintain physical and mental wellbeing, it is essential to have a healthy well-balanced eating plan accompanied by exercise. Therefore, in 2021, I started a company that creates low carb, gluten free, keto, banting and diabetic friendly foods such as bread, roti, pizzas, pancakes and other delicious options. My moto at Zeefit Transformations is ‘We don’t do diets, We do lifestyle changes’. By enabling people to see the benefits of eating clean and participating in physical activity, they begin to realise that their health is an investment and not an expense.

What was the hardest part of keto and how did you overcome it?

There weren’t any hard parts. When you make it a lifestyle, it becomes easier.

Biggest changes in your day-to-day life?

I’m now full of energy.

Best tip for newbies?

Make it a lifestyle, not a diet.

If there is one thing that you could tell yourself when first getting started, what would it be and why?

Think about how good you feel. Have positive energy.

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