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AJ van der Walt is one of Bantings greatest testimonials.


Nelson Mandela once said, “Once a person is determined to help themselves there is nothing that can stop them.” These words ring so true for so many of our Banters that as ordinary people have gone on to achieve extraordinary things. Recently we shared Brian Berkman’s incredible Banting testimonial with you, and daily we continue to receive testimonials that inspire us to do great things.
One of these extraordinary testimonials is that of AJ van der Walt, who for all intents and purposes is one of Bantings greatest testimonials.

In June 2014, weighing in at 282kg, 29 year old AJ had a harrowing experience when he went with his grandmother to visit friends of hers.They arrived to a horrific crime scene where tragically the husband had been murdered and his wife left badly injured. It was in the midst of this experience of tragic loss of life that AJ made the decision to change his own life.

Amazingly and somewhat surprisingly AJ had managed to gain his weight without suffering from any serious medical conditions other than high blood pressure, and after deciding to do something about his weight and lifestyle he went off to his local GP without telling anyone, to ask for advice. It was his local GP in Hartswater that suggested he adopt a Banting diet. This says AJ, was the best advice he’s ever received from anyone.

AJ switched from eating everything in excess and constantly being hungry to following a strict Banting Diet consisting of only green listed items to start losing the weight. Within a few months with the weight dropping off he was able to start walking 7.5km in the morning as exercise, something which he hadn’t ever been able to do before.

Now 15 months in, AJ has lost aremarkable 106kgs. “My whole life has changed significantly, there is not one part that I can say has not changed, I feel good, I have energy, I can exercise… Basically I can do life” says AJ of what Banting has done for him.

AJ describes himself as a social person who with his weight often had to sit out of physical activities because he just wasn’t physically able to participate with everyone else. In the first few months he had to make some serious life changes to help him stay on track, “I am a social person, so for the first couple of months I stopped going to places where I could be tempted.” It wasn’t long until his blood pressure dropped right down again, his cholesterol and blood glucose levels also improved dramatically and the new lease on life had him striving for far bigger goals, with his sights on running the Comrades marathon in 2017, 100% fuelled by fat. You can be sure that when he does we’ll be right there with him supporting this incredible man achieve the extraordinary.



“Everyone is very supportive, and in the small town where I live there is not one day that goes by that I don’t get asked what to do and how to do it… My best advice always is buy the Real Meal Revolution book to start”. AJ’s Banting know-how comes from both the book and the knowledge and support he gained from the Beginner Banting Online Program which gives you all the information, tools and support you need to get started and stay motivated.”

Throughout this journey, AJ says his biggest life lesson has been, “that if I can do this I can do anything that I put my mind to,” and his words of wisdom to others are, “to eat the elephant, piece by piece, and don’t give up along the way.”

Each one of us has the potential to achieve greatness, just like AJ has.

Happy Banting!