The Detox

So, the exercise continues apace and taking a step back every week with these posts makes me realise how much fitter I am now than at this point last year. But the fact of the belly remains.

It is rather annoying, frankly. Yes, I get to eat out a lot and that doesn't help. But when you look at the blubbery folk they drag onto TV shows and scare them with a week's typical eating, my table wouldn't be covered in ready meals and takeaways. Mine would have lots of vegetables, good homemade soups, fibre, fruit, all the stuff that usually forms the "after" bit of the show. So what am I doing wrong?

One thing I need to do again is cut out some stuff as, for the first time in about 14 years, I've got a little eczema developing again. So I'm currently psyching myself up for a proper detox, a month or so of seriously healthy eating. The downside of this is having had to build up a supply of restaurant reviews so I can keep various outlets serviced while I'm necking lettuce smoothies and such like. It sort of undermines the whole thing really, doesn't it?

So we shall see. I wish I could just declare "today is the start of the detox" and run with it. I don't want to sound whiny and ungrateful about the eating out - hell, I know it beats work, believe me - and I'm aware how many of you are swearing under your breath at the moment, but this burst of health fascism needs some planning.

The positive side of that, of course, is it gives me lots of time to do some research, fill the cupboard with lentils or carrots or whatever, and ask you lot: when you've overindulged and need to pull things back, what's your preferred solution? I'll be having a word with the professionals over the next few weeks, but all suggestions gratefully received...

Not A Good Week

So, I come back to the blog with a vengeance - if two posts in seven days can be considered "a vengeance" - and the second post has to be a confession. Forgive me, readers, for I have slipped - it's been a week with no exercise.

Actually, I say that, but when I consider what I used to do, and what I now do quite happily, it's not an accurate statement. No, I've not visited Giles and his instruments of middle aged torture this week, but that got me thinking about the other exercise I do. The brisk walking to the tube most days. The ludicrous laptop bag I cart around most of those days. The regular crossing of the West End on foot. The other day, I had a meeting in Marylebone and then cheerfully yomped to Soho for a light lunch, before jumping off the train a stop early to go and buy some fruit.

They're only small gestures, but they add up. In the few months since I've been doing this, I have taken a more responsible attitude to what I eat, and how often (and how quickly) I walk. Hell, I've even been known to run up an escalator. It might not be quite as sweaty and targeted as an hour with Giles, but it all adds up. More importantly, the fact that I'm more capable of doing such things - particularly the escalator runs - speaks volumes. Exercise, and a better diet (although it's not easy when you do what I do for a living), gives you more energy... A statement that's blindingly obvious, of course, but it's worth stopping every now and again to remind yourself of that fact.

I also buggered up the dodgy ankle with a long sesh on the allotment, so that's had a slight impact on my activities. I've also decided that I need to kick start the weight loss and, having chatted with a nutritional expert of vague acquaintance, I'm looking at a July-into-August detox. The eczema has been flaring up again, which usually means I've eaten too much bread. I think it's time to start the day with the green smoothies recommended last week and, while I'm not going the Full McKeith (because she's an unqualified harridan), I think a little flushing out is needed. Any suggestions, chaps?

Eek

Well, there's nothing like a positive comment in The Daily Telegraph to make your day. And there's also nothing like a comment on that feature to remind you that you've been utter crap and not updated the other blog for blooming ages.

So, lots to fill in? Well, not lots, just one big comment. Clearly The Tough Guy wasn't run. Late last year, on medical advice, it was strongly suggested that my grisly mess of a right ankle and eight miles across mud, grass and an enormous variety of poo would not a happy Fat Bloke make. So I had to pull out.

The intention is to still run the race, but there's got to be a big chunk of weight loss first. The exercise continues apace though, and I'm definitely fitter and a little leaner than this point last year. I need an incentive then and perhaps this blog - and the new found pressure! - can be the push I need? Let's see how we go.

I'll try and get a "tale of the tape" kicking off this month - be afraid, be very afraid - and let's go from there...