As a teenager, nutrition coach Anki Willemsen battled obesity, insecurity, and unexplained fatigue. Her life transformed when she explored nutrition and mindset. Today, she runs Lazyfitgirl, empowering others with sustainable health strategies.
"Absolutely not. As a teen, I was passive, significantly overweight, and constantly exhausted. I dropped from VWO to HAVO because I was too sleepy to study. While my classmates enjoyed after-school activities, I lounged on the couch, watching TV and overindulging in unhealthy snacks."
"At eight, my father unexpectedly took his own life. I couldn't comprehend it—I didn't know he had bipolar disorder. We were incredibly close; I'd ride the tractor with him. My father was my hero, and his death shattered my carefree childhood. I felt responsible—could I have prevented it? How could life continue without him? I became a couch potato, guilty for enjoying anything, and escaped into food, especially sweets like cakes and candies, to numb my emotions."
"I had little self-confidence—I believed happiness would come with weight loss. Strict diets never lasted. I was perpetually tired and lifeless, with doctors finding no cause. I labeled myself lazy and never felt good enough."
"At 17, I consulted a dietitian and dove into nutrition. Cutting sugar boosted my energy and helped me lose weight. The real shift came at 23 with a narcolepsy diagnosis—a chronic neurological condition causing constant sleepiness. Finally, I knew I wasn't lazy. I pursued my passion, training as a nutrition coach in England. Post-diagnosis, I focused on overall health, not just the scale."
"During training, I coached in a lifestyle intervention program for obese teens. It emphasized self-love over body dissatisfaction—a revelation. I learned lifestyle and mindset's crucial roles. My 'all or nothing' mindset caused yo-yo dieting. I ditched rigid schedules for intuitive eating—only when hungry, without restrictions. Small steps taught me to savor food truly."
"Many grapple with diet rules that ignore nutrition, habits, and motivation. Failures lead back to old patterns. My method builds healthy lifestyles gradually—nourishing, not filling. It follows an 80/20 balance: 80% nutritious foods with smart swaps like white pasta to whole wheat. The 20%? Conscious enjoyment without guilt. It fosters self-love, addresses pitfalls, and dismantles limiting diet beliefs for mindful eating."
"Healthy living transcends weight loss. My favorite successes are non-scale victories. They inspire me deeply—women emerging from burnout, reducing headaches, or playing with their kids. These changes are transformative. My victory? More energy despite narcolepsy. I feel perpetually jet-lagged; sleep doesn't fix it. But nutritious eating lets me live actively—that's my drive."
"Everyone deserves lifestyle access, regardless of budget or past diet failures. Helping others motivates me, not money. Those needing paid coaching find me—my first course sold out fast. I trust the process."
"I embrace the law of attraction. Voice your dreams and believe—they manifest. Starting Lazyfitgirl, I envisioned a Lazyfitgirl Academy for group goal work. I built it steadily. Next: workshops and lectures, already on my vision board. Thinking big yields results."
"'What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?' After diagnosis, I saw a second chance. No fear of failure now. I follow passion, adapting life around narcolepsy. Everything aligns."
"Eating is pure enjoyment—I only choose what I love. Breakfast for dinner? Why not. No right or wrong; just nutritious versus indulgent. Freedom! For indulgences, I pick the best—like a thick chocolate bar weekly."
Read also: Anki Willemsen's food diary
"Past 3,000 steps triggered guilt. Now, it's for joy and fitness, not calories. Yet I'm slimmer than ever—from size 42 to 36. Busy weeks mean 20-minute daily walks; shorter is fine. I'm kinder to myself."
"Minimal makeup, but diligent skincare with hannah's step-by-step routine and self connective tissue massage. Daily SPF30, year-round. Appearance matters least—I feel beautiful makeup-free with messy hair."
"Busy now, but my partner and family step in. I outsource energy-drainers like cleaning. Tidiness isn't priority—family joy is."
"Early twenties narcolepsy made kids unthinkable. Now, business and family thrive. My children are everything, providing structure. I'd couch-crash when tired; now we adventure."
"We've known each other since student days. He accepted my passive self fully. His unconcern for opinions built my confidence. Social media vulnerability? He normalized it: 'People follow or they don't.' Sobering support."
"I schedule me-time: baths, meditation apps for bedtime calm, staying present. Walks with podcasts or audiobooks refresh me."
"Lead by example: respect all. Key: Be yourself, own choices. I've shed self-negativity. Perfection unnecessary. Schoolyard in old clothes? Fine. Best mom, helping others—that's me."
"No small worries. Society demands juggling everything—for what? Car dent? Upset briefly, then: 'Healthy, with a car—perspective.' Happiness in controllables, daily joys. Release the rest."
Text: Belinda Fallaux | Photography: Bart Honingh | Make-up: Linda Huiberts
