I would have a problem with food too if I kept much of the stuff I like in the house!

Last week I did the Red Rose Ride (oops – I haven’t finished the write-up on that yet!) and there was a lot of food left over at event HQ at the end. I took up the offer of a free loaf of bread and a large pot of cheese and onion spread, both of which I knew were packed with calories but I was very hungry after 12 hours of cycling. I called in at a friend’s house on the way home to give half the bread away because I knew that I’d eat it all if I didn’t. By the following lunchtime, I’d eaten my half of the loaf and the entire pot of cheesy spread! That’s why I don’t include things like that in my food shopping – they are just too ‘moreish’ and easy to prepare. I love baked sweet potatoes but the fact they take me 25 minutes to cook means that I don’t feel tempted to eat them as snacks. The only things I could eat as snacks are salad vegetables, muesli, and fruit. Everything else requires cooking. I definitely couldn’t have cake, biscuits or chocolate in the house but I do allow myself to eat those things at cafe stops on long bike rides or walks.

I used to enjoy jogging too but it was injury and arthritis that put a stop to that. I injured my left foot and ankle when my foot slipped into a big pothole as I sprinted down a dark lane. It’s never been 100% right since. My hips are showing definite signs of the kind of arthritis that crippled my late father so I don’t risk running any more. Every time I break that rule, my hips ache for at least a week. I do miss running, but I mustn’t do it.

I’ve had half my recent booze intake this week and feel better for it, but yes – I must try and cut down even more.

Yes, I definitely AM in a rut. Unfortunately it is a cyclic one of put 1-2 pounds on, lose 1-2 pounds, put 1-2 pounds on… and I’m currently up in weight! That means I’ll only get back down to where I was if I lose 2 pounds. I’d have to lose 4 pounds this week to actually end up 2 pounds down from where I started…

I’m planning to go from a walk or a ride later today after doing my weekly market shopping. That won’t make a huge difference but it will at least get me away from the PC for a couple of hours.

I was going to try and do a 2-3 hour ride tomorrow but the forecast is for strong winds and showers so that probably won’t happen. Perhaps, I’ll get back on the old exercise bike for an intense hour?

I’ll do what I can at the weekend but again – it rather depends on the weather. If Sunday is good, I have a really tough little route planned (think Spring Into The Dales and add half as much again on in distance and climbing!) I’m not going to do it in bad conditions though.

At least I’ve had a couple of nights off the beer so far this week. Let’s see if I can get resist the temptation through to Sunday now.

If I can get back to my starting point by weigh-in on Monday morning, I’ll do my best to get 2 pounds off that next week.

I challenge you to lose 2lbs in the next 7 days !!