D Day! My six week challenge is completed

Six weeks ago I somewhat recklessly took on the challenge to get fit for Christmas and drop a dress size.

It seemed like a good idea at the time – and then the full realisation of what it entailed hit me.

It meant my unique eating regime – a careful balance of sweets, chocolate and biscuits cultivated over many years – was abandoned to be replaced by fresh fruit and vegetables and protein packed meat.

It was goodbye to excuses and hello to 20 minutes of exercise a day in a programme devised for me and Gazette readers by health and fitness coach Ashley Bishop.

I was, I admit, somewhat trepidatious at what was to be a pretty dramatic change in my lifestyle but fortune favours the brave and I gave it my best shot.

Was it easy? No. Was it possible? Certainly. Was it worth it? Definitely.

In six weeks, I have lost seven lbs even though I now have more muscle.

I have lost three and a half inches from my waist and three inches from my hips. I have, somehow, lost a complete dress size and got fit for Christmas.

The challenge has been met, my editor I am sure is proud of me and I am living proof that anyone, yes anyone, can do it.

So what have I learnt? I have learnt I can live without intravenous sugar, I do not need eight cups of tea by 11am and I am capable of going into a gym without fainting.

Will I keep it up? Undoubtedly. I may not be ready to run a marathon yet but I am fitter and healthier.

The results do make the changes worthwhile and if this is what I can achieve in six weeks, what glories await me?

Having said that, bring on Christmas – even paragons of virtue deserve a bit of chocolate.

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