Transformation Tuesday Blast from the Past - with Helené Mikanovic

This transformation ‘Blast From the Past’ will blow your mind!!! Seriously! For those that are finding it difficult out there or feeling like they have plateaued, this interview will make you realise that ANYTHING is possible!!!!

Let me introduce the beautiful and wonderful Helené Mikanovic from the most romantic countries in the world, France. Truly one amazing girl and she has such a wonderful story to share!

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?

I'm 25years old, I'm not really in a particular diet, the "basics" were given to me by a doctor in February 2012, and since. I eat healthy, I workout every day, trying to listen to my body and it works very well :)

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 


When I was a kid, I was like all the other children. I like to eat sweets, chocolate, chips, ice cream, cakes, Mcdonalds etc... all these things that are not healthy. Quick things to eat. I don't take the time to discover the flavors, my mother had some vegetables I immediately said "no, I don't like it!" while I had ever tasted.

I learned to eat things I never eat before, some vegetables, for example, I learned to appreciate the real flavor and not things filled with chemical things.Take the time to discover, take the time to try several times. It changed my way of eating, my way of life.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

When I was young my weight was “normal”, I praticed sport (fencing), high level sport, I did sport for most of 12 years. I was departemental champion (I have pics if you are interested!) I was a sportswoman, I did bike and swimming. I was a young active child. Then one day I had a fight with my teacher. I think it was at this time (15yo) that I start gain weight.

Now I begin to love the sport again. I don't do sports at a high level because my highest weight was 396lbs (180kgs) and at this weight, you can imagine the difficulty playing sports!
Now, I do stepper, walking, squats, cycling and swimming. Gradually!

But on TV :) I love watching tennis

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

I'm passionate about many things. I love the simple things in life. I like to walk in the forest, in the countryside. I love beautiful scenery, watching the sea, I love taking pictures. I like to capture every moment of my life.before my weight loss and even now.
I'm a very simple girl, a hello, a smile, a little attention makes me smile :) I'm not complicated, I love people, I love life, I love the simplicity.
I like to share my experience on instagram. I smile when I get nice comments, I smile when I get advice, I smile when I see the progress of my friends on instagram, I love people who are fighting for their lives. I smile when I see people post nasty comments because I think they make me move forward in life.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

When I was young, my parents took me see some doctors for my weight, I also went into center for obese children. 3 times for long months… I lose weight but after, I always became more fat. I know all methods “balanced” diet, as I was eating everything but in small quantities by removing cakes etc. I lost 2,2lbs (1kg) per month. I’m not saying it is not good but when weighed 319lbs (145kgs) at 24 yo height 1.69cm, it is urgent to lose weight for health reasons.

So I decided to make an appointment with a nutritionist (january2012). I was happy to go to my appointment … and then..........I went, I came out crying.

Why? Because I was unmotivated, saying that it was difficult to lose weight and in my case surgery would be best (sleeve, bypass etc …). For me it was out of the question that I do make. I was motivated and I was losing weight so why have surgery???

I’ve never been to see her again.

One word in my head: SUCCESSFUL, to become what I am!
NO! I can do it, I want to get there, this doctor was so mean to me, I was just looking for help!
 It was THE thing.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I don't have a goal for the next 12 months. My real goal is to have a healthy life. forever.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

I'm not a doctor, I'm not a professional. I just want to say that everything is possible, you should never give up. Don't let anyone discourage you, surround yourself with good people. Let anyone try to take the wrong wayeven once. Bad habits are so easy to pick up! I just want to tell you, no matter where you start, nothing is impossible. yes it takes time, but believe me it is the best gift that you can do in life.
My journey is not over, I continue every day to share with you, I know how hard it is, there is no miracle but the miracle is really changing. become what you are.

NB: Helené has replied back to these questions via email and apologised for her English but I think she did an amazing job and I did not edit one word. I would be terrible at French! 

I love this story because it shows us that anything is possible if only you believe!

For those who wish to follow Helene, please do so on her Facebook and Instagram pages!

If you, or anyone you know would like to share your new healthy lifestyle, I would love to feature you on Dani Stevens.com.  Share your story today!

XxDani