June 2010

The holiday was amazing. We were away for a good week and a half, and returned recuperated with batteries charged. The best thing was being able to take my T-shirt off around the pool and not be so self-conscious that I had to keep my arms folded; I had grown used to such protective self-conscious actions.

Of course, at this point, I'm still very overweight, but not as much as I have been. My own image of myself is improving; I have more energy and can concentrate more.

Work was incredibly busy before and after and a focus on weight loss wasn't the main thing on my mind. This is probably evident in the lack of comments in the weight records below.

In June, I hit the infamous plateau. This happens when your body has finally adjusted to the new regime and your metabolism switches accordingly. When this happens, it is time to try something new. So, when a timely flyer dropped through the letterbox with a special offer from the gym, I took this as fate and paid them a visit.

Weight Change

3rd June No measurement. On holiday.

10th June: 15st 12.8lb "Holiday weight. Love it.Not to worry. Back on plan now. Will have to start thinking about the gym soon."

17th June: 15st 10.8lb

24th June: 15st 10.2lb "I've joined a gym. This plateau thing is a pain."

(click to enlarge)

You'll note immediately that the graph can be divided into two sections. The clear weight loss in the first section, leveling off about 1/2 way along.

The key for me here was to understand that this plateau was a long-term. To be able to go on a stag do and a wedding reception and not put masses of weight on was a big deal for me.

Measurements

Waist 110.5cm (-11.5cm)
Chest 114cm (n/c)
Calves 44cm (-1cm)
Neck 44cm (-2cm)
Upper Arms 31cm (-3cm)
Thighs 56cm (-5cm)

Despite the mind tricks I've been playing with myself, just two pounds in an entire month is not good enough. It seemed at this point I had run out of excuses.

Next month. The gym beckons.....