So, after my bold New Year Resolution to lose 25lbs by Easter, and the subsequent encouraging early progress, it was perhaps unsurprising that my campaign to Get Healthy would stall a little.
Despite some unrelenting workload pressures, I’ve been keeping up with the exercise, and really enjoying it. The weights I’m shifting on the machines are increasing, the distances, time and intensity of my efforts on the cross-trainer have improved signficantly. I’ve started trying out more ‘interval training’ with shorter bursts of intense effort in between steadier work, and I think that’s paying dividends. Inspired by my wife’s recommendation of her Pilates class, I’ve swapped my usual sit-ups for The Plank, an exercise that not only strengthens my core (apparently) but aptly describes how supple I am…
But it seems that exercise is only half the battle. Since my initial success at shedding half a stone, I’ve enjoyed a couple of gourmet/gourmand weekends. We banished the post-Christmas blues with a long-promised meal at The Chef’s Table, our favourite local eatery. Michael Bedford is a fantastic cook, his sourdough bread has to be tasted to be believed, and this was a terrific evening. We’ve also been to visit Rachel’s sister in London and for a slap-up dinner with friends. All of these occasions put paid to Good Work During The Week, not only for the calorific intake, but also the accompanying alcohol.
In the end, for me it’s a question of portion control, and willpower over snacking. There are often cookies and doughnuts available in our office, and as one of our clients is Walkers Crisps, we’re never short of a few packets… I do my best to resist, and try to keep a stash of fruit on hand.
Nevertheless, I’m really pleased that after a couple of ‘stagnant’ weeks I’ve lost another few pounds, now up to 10 in total, so am still just about on track for my goal. Besides the weight loss I’m definitely feeling healthier and fitter. I’m recovering well after exercise, and am even enjoying going to the gym at 7am!
Hopefully as I’m improving my workouts and building my stamina I can burn a few more calories that way, and I can ‘stay strong’ against temptation! Next week is Half-Term, and we’re off for a couple of days to take advantage of a cheap break deal, will visit Wisley and Leeds Castle in Kent.
We’re all really in need of the break, and I need this week to recharge mentally. I’ve not been blogging much in between work, the gym and other things, so I might even try to get on with a series of linked posts that have been in my mind since I started this blog. You’ve been warned…
