I did it - at a stretch. Now for a new wardrobe and a new fad
I did it! I actually did it! 12 weeks of living and now I can do nothing.
Ok, that’s the wrong attitude to have but if ever was proof needed that I require clear goals and constant monitoring, it was Wednesday night after my final weigh-in.
For 12 weeks (Ok 11 and a half, I was good, very good, mostly). Very little booze, apart from that night in Kerry and the stag and a wedding, the diet of Derek Zoolander pre Milan fashion show, the exercise regime of a man on a mission.
I clocked up around 250 km on my heart monitor watch, running and got back into swimming. I started watching what I was eating, forgoing late night pig out sessions save the occsional spoon of peanut butter spread on a rice cracker if I was completely over indulging.
Certain booby trap foods like burgers, sausages and chips were avoided with hitherto unseen willpower. Such foods are gateway foods to other bad sugary addictions like ketchup, relish and more ketchup and relish.
Before I had no clue how much sugar there is in food I previously loved. The first ingredient on the aforementioned sauces is sugar and there is also sugar in lemon meringue pie, ice cream and cake, who’d have known?
I enjoyed the circuit training classes and learned a lot about the importance of stretching every chance I get as the body is a temple even if mine was more Leaning Tower of Pisa than Taj Mahal until I got some sense over recent weeks.
I had some low points, getting sick in a bin after overdoing it on one occasion and making a beetroot smoothie.
However, tere were far more highs than lows and I’ll be back as the even more muscular bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger famously once said.
One thing I realised is that I have paid zero attention to my body probably since Biology class, which I failed, in 2nd Year. It may have been on the curriculum in 3rd Year but no bells are ringing.
Through Weight Health Lifestyle’s programme I’ve learned about the importance of doing what you can and not overdoing training. Eating lots of protein rich foods after training is another great tip, along with getting eight hours sleep, parking the smartphone at night, getting out for a walk in the sun on your lunchbreak at work and getting out for a run a few evenings a week.
My challenge has received a great response and even though I didn’t break any records, I tried something and it worked and as with all such leaps in life this is something to be celebrated.
Weight Health Lifestyle Consultants work with clients throughout their journey and are there to; monitor, guide, support, motivate and help each client every step of the way. WHL Consultants: Northgate Medical Centre, New Ross, Phone: Robbie Farrell: 087-7759716. See their website: www. weighthealthlifestyle.ie