Next in our Inspiring People series is the awesome Elora who is the blogger behind The Shrinking Violet. Elora has been on a huge journey of taking responsibility for her health and deciding to change her weight to help ensure that she wouldn’t end up being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and so she could live her best life.
Hi! I’m Elora aka The Shrinking Violet, a 21-year-old health and wellness blogger. I wasn’t always the best picture of health, in fact up until last year I was eating myself to an early grave. Since making the decision to change my life, I have lost 53kg through a paleo lifestyle change.
Tell us about your lifestyle prior to taking on a healthy lifestyle…
Before I decided to make the change, I was actively progressing towards type 2 diabetes. I was consuming fast-food takeaways at least once a day and suffering all of the consequences as a direct result. It took some serious realisation for me to make the change, like the chronic headaches, sore eyes and out-of-control anxiety could mean I was a lot unhealthier than I realised.
And your lifestyle now…
Fortunately the thought of possibly having type 2 diabetes was enough to make me change. I started with a clean eating lifestyle, then refined and progressed towards paleo to which I have stayed and thoroughly enjoy. I have never felt more amazing and more in control of my life than I have now.
What was it that made you make a change?
My health! I didn’t start this purely for aesthetic reasons like some, but in fact my health was my main driving factor.
What is your approach to balance and moderation in life?
I don’t have loads of balance in life at the moment, the scale is tipped towards workworkwork currently as I forge my own path! However with food I adopt the 80/20 rule. That doesn’t mean 20% of the time I eat donuts and bread, however it allows for things like bacon, store bought mayo or paleo treats.
What is your favourite form of exercise to do?
Crossfit! I’m a member of CrossFit Christchurch and I loooove it!
What is your most memorable moment on this journey?
My blog. My Facebook page The Shrinking Violet is seriously my beacon of light! I love being able to talk to other ladies just starting out, it’s so rewarding!
What is your favourite healthy food/recipe?
Paleo Smoked Chicken, Bacon & Pesto ‘Pasta’! Introduced to me by my wonderful sister, it’s smoked chicken, bacon, sundried tomatoes, coconut cream, pesto, onions, garlic, zoodles.. YUM!
How have you found social media help (or hinder) your progress?
I have over 15,000 people supporting me daily so I am never without someone! Shout out to my followers, I love you all!
What is one piece of workout equipment or tool that you swear by?
The squat rack… 😉
What is your number one tip for someone wanting to make a change and begin a healthy lifestyle?
First and foremost, concentrate on your food. If you change nothing else, let food be it!
What are your favourite healthy living blogs/websites or tools?
Just Eat Real Food on Facebook, www.fastpaleo.com, paleomg.com.. GOOGLE!
Thank you so much for telling us your story Elora! I’m sure there are many people out there who can either relate to your journey or use it as inspiration for their own journeys! I love how you made the decision to make a change for the sakes of your health and have created a Facebook page of like-minded supportive people!
You can find Elora in the following places:
I saw Elora on TV a couple of weeks ago, what an amazing story!
I know right?! Such an inspiration!