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How to Reverse a Serious Health Issue(Fibroids) with Fitness & Diet (Featuring Dr. Lendy Spires)

  • Writer: Chef Rod
    Chef Rod
  • Mar 14
  • 4 min read

Dr Lendy Spires pictured in a dark coat at an event. She smiles toward the camera. Blurred crowd in the background. Monochrome tones.
Executive Chairperson of KROTOASA Foundation Dr Lendy Spires pictured above

Hello, Skinny Readers!

Welcome back to another edition of the Skinny Chef Diaries weekly blog! I hope you’re all doing fantastic and had a truly blessed week.

Now, you’re probably wondering—how was my week? Well, let me tell you... it was absolutely EPIC!


For the past year, my routine has been militant—I stick to my fasting schedule, wake up at 4 AM sharp, and without fail, I’m in bed by 8:30 PM.

But this week? I had to break the streak. Why? Because I had the incredible opportunity to attend the exclusive screening of “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found”, a film by the legendary Raoul Peck, thanks to Known Associates Group & Joburg Film Festival.

Lights, Camera, Action… and Champagne!


Chef Rod in white blazer and jeans stands on red carpet in front of movie poster for "Ernest Cole: Lost & Found." Film details on poster.
Chef Rod rocking the red carpet at 2025 edition of the Johannesburg Film Festival

The night kicked off with a fancy cocktail event at The Butcher’s Grill in Sandton—think bottomless champagne and mouthwatering food! 🍾✨ After mingling and indulging, we were led to Ster-Kinekor for the film screening.


The documentary? Absolutely riveting. Moving, powerful, and a must-watch for anyone who appreciates storytelling that leaves a mark.

But the night didn’t end there. After the screening, we headed back to The Butcher’s Grill for more spoils. And let me tell you—Known Associates sure know how to throw a party!

Now, did I still manage to wake up at 4 AM on Wednesday? Barely. Critical, but stable. Haha!



Now, Let’s Get to Why We’re Here!

This week’s topic is incredibly close to my heart.

Someone I deeply care about faced a serious health condition—one that nearly cost her life. But through sheer determination, fitness, and a complete dietary overhaul, she turned things around.


And today, she’s here to share her inspiring journey with us.


Please give a warm welcome to the amazing Dr. Lendy Spires! 🎉


Interview with Dr. Lendy Spires


Skinny Chef: Hi Lendy! (A.K.A. Mom!) Thank you for joining us today. So, tell us—who is Dr. Lendy Spires?


Dr Lendy Spires poses confidently against BRICS Summit 2023 backdrop, Johannesburg, South Africa. Background text and colorful logos visible.
Dr Lendy Spires pictured at the 2023 BRICS Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre

Dr. Lendy: Hi Roderick, thank you for having me! I am Dr. Lendy Spires, Executive Chairperson of KROTOASA Foundation, which is a Research-Intensive Institute (KRII), Think-Tank, and Policy Advisory Consultancy.


Skinny Chef: Wow! That’s beyond impressive. Now, let’s get into it—what was the health condition you were diagnosed with?


Dr. Lendy: I was diagnosed with Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids), also known as Myomas.

After being hospitalized, I also developed hypertension as a result of the medication I was given post-blood transfusion.


Skinny Chef: Could you explain what fibroids are?


Dr. Lendy: Absolutely!


Illustration of the female reproductive system showing labeled submucosal and intramural fibroids in the uterus.
Fibroids (above) are quite common, and their exact cause is not fully understood, although factors like genetics, hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone), and lifestyle may contribute to their development.

  • Fibroids are growths that develop in the uterus. Since the uterus is made of muscle tissue, fibroids form directly from that muscle.

  • My hypertension was triggered by the medication I received after my blood transfusion.


Skinny Chef: How severe was your condition?


Dr. Lendy: Severe doesn’t even begin to describe it.

I was bleeding non-stop for 17 days. My gums, tongue, and hands turned completely white. Worried, I went to a pharmacy to check what was happening.

The pharmacist took one look at me and said, "You need to go to the hospital—NOW."

But guess what? I refused! (Classic me, right?) I insisted on stopping at Rosebank Mall first to buy sleepwear before heading to the hospital. Big. Mistake.


Right there, in the middle of the store, I started bleeding uncontrollably. The staff immediately called an ambulance, and by then, I was so weak, I could barely stand.

When I arrived at the hospital, I was given an emergency blood transfusion. The professor assisting me told me that my veins had already collapsed. She had to find the last possible vein to administer the transfusion.


And then she told me something that shook me to my core:

"Had you arrived just one hour later, you would not have survived."


Skinny Chef: That’s absolutely terrifying! Now, how did changing your diet help with your recovery?


Dr. Lendy: After doing some research, I found out that the hormones in dairy products were making my fibroids grow even more.So, I completely eliminated dairy from my diet and switched to a strict keto diet the moment I got out of the hospital.

I honestly believe that without the keto diet, my recovery would not have been possible.


Skinny Chef: And what about fitness? How did it contribute to your healing?


Dr. Lendy: Exercise changed my life!


Dr Lendy Spires pictured wearing sunglasses and a pink tank top stands smiling in a sunlit park, leaning on a fence.

I committed to:✅ Daily walks of 5-7 km (1-3 hours)✅ Gym workouts 3-5 times a week

The result? I felt amazing, lost weight, and my hypertension became completely manageable!


Skinny Chef: That’s incredible! What advice would you give to someone struggling with a serious health condition?


Dr. Lendy: Two things:


  1. Ditch dairy. It’s not good for your health—whether you’re a man or a woman.

  2. Hypertension can be controlled naturally—through the right diet and exercise.


Skinny Chef: Wow, Lendy. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with me and our Skinny Readers!



Final Thoughts


Three women in athletic wear look down at the camera, set against a clear blue sky. They appear focused and strong.
Embrace the power of exercise

So, there you have it, folks! Fibroids, exercise, and the right diet—a powerful trio that can change lives.

Let’s be honest: If you have problematic fibroids, exercise is probably the last thing you want to do. The discomfort from larger fibroids makes it completely understandable why you’d avoid anything that might trigger pain.


Now, while science hasn’t definitively proven that exercise and diet can shrink fibroids, research does show that regular physical activity helps prevent numerous other health conditions.

And let’s not forget—when you exercise consistently, you look and feel better. But it’s not just about weight loss—it’s about long-term health, energy, and well-being.

If Dr. Lendy can do it, so can you!


Thank you for reading! Stay blessed, healthy, and most importantly—let’s stay skinny!

📅 Same time, same place next week!


Creative Director : Shadre Leonard


 
 
 

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