Guest column: Josie Gibson
Many people use January to kick-start their fitness regime and it’s a brilliant time to do it because everyone overindulges over Christmas.
Just as you start to feel guilty about everything you’ve eaten and drunk, you have a perfect opportunity to get back on the fitness wagon. I’m currently a size 18 and, while I love and appreciate my body, I’d like to overhaul my diet and fitness and get back to a healthy size 12 again. I first embarked on a weight-loss journey in 2013 when I shed 6st over a year with a combination of healthy eating and exercise. I put on around 41/ 2st while I was pregnant with my son, Reggie – who’s now two – though. I managed to get back on track after being warned I was at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but I fell off the wagon again. I want to use the new year to make fresh goals and work on my health. I love setting myself challenges. Who doesn’t want to be a better version of themselves? So my resolutions are to sort out my sleeping patterns, drink more water, do 30-45 minutes of exercise, at least three times a week, and eat a clean, healthy diet. I always find it easier to set myself small, realistic targets that will help me achieve my main goal. I want to shift quite a lot of weight, but if I were to imagine it as one huge goal, it would put me off, so I’ve turned it into more manageable weekly chunks. I’m so grateful for my body and all it has achieved, I just need to make a few “home renovations”. I’m drinking more water, which is improving my skin, I’ve lost some pounds already and I’ve got a spring in my step.