Folks, I’ve managed to lose 2kg between September 2 and October 1. Today I weighed in at 70.2kgs, which is essentially my goal weight for September. I’ve been going to the gym plenty – 5 times a week, which includes 3 classes (plus a teeny bit of elliptical to get my heart rate working), and 2 strength workouts. Ideally, if I was more motivated and loved exercise, I’d be inclined to do strength workouts 3+ times per week, but I’m just not, and I hate going to the gym. Why do I do it? For health, fitness, weight maintenance and bone density. I want to be able to run into my 80s if need be. I want to have strong bones when I’m 90 (if I live that long). I like fitting into clothes I bought in 2022 when I was thinner. I relate to being smaller, as I was pretty slender until my late forties.

My goals for October 31 are to lose another 2 kgs, or to get to 68.5kgs. I’ve had one major blow out since going on my diet, and I blame extreme hunger and eyes bigger than my belly! I had 2 drinks throughout September, and did not really miss drinking. I made a conscious decision to stop for the month, but not to be completely black and white about it, as there were a number of celebrations this month and I really did not want to be drinking horrible Prosecco and regretting my decisions in the morning. It has paid off, as has sticking to my calorie counting diet and being ruthless with night time eating (not snacking mindlessly in front of the TV). I have found this time around that my weight is fluctuating wildly about a kilogram every few days, which is extremely disconcerting. My previous efforts saw me lose weight very consistently. I put it down to water retention, mostly.

I’ve also tried to eat breakfast every day (some days later than others but not intentionally). This helps to even out my blood sugars throughout the day as I usually eat fruit and yoghurt with a smattering of granola. If I can eat 3 square meals a day, not large ones, with the occasional snack such as an apple, or a rice cake with dips, I feel I’m doing well. Like everything though, it’s pretty all-consuming. It would be nice not to have to THINK about my health all the time! But by making these changes habitual (such as going to the gym every morning between Sunday-Friday), by tracking my lunches, and ensuring I don’t eat too big a meal at night, I’m finding that this is working well. Habits, such as taking my medications and supplements every day, or eating breakfast, or going to the gym regularly, takes the stress out of the work. These are just things I DO. That being said, if anyone can encourage me to take a shower BEFORE I walk the dogs, that would be good… 🙂