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Will the quality of life be improved?

Jeni Harvey
1/ 2/2008

AFTER last week’s curry disaster, I’ve been sticking to the Slimming World rules and resisting temptation.

There’s been difficult times – such as having to face a giant tin of Quality Street every time I walk into the Observer kitchen – but things seem to be back on track.

Again, I’m hoping for two pounds off at Thursday night’s weigh-in, but after my previous half-a-pound disappointment I’m trying not to get too hopeful.

As well as growing more creative in the kitchen with ‘syn-free’ stir fries and the like, I’m also trying to do more exercise – even if it’s just going for a swim, or a fast walk around Broadfield Park during my lunch break.

I used to be a keen runner, but slipping a disc in training for a 10K last year put an end to that.

And, as many a frustrated dieter will attest, fitting in physical activity isn’t that easy when you work long hours.

I already get up at 6am to make it to work, and, frankly, I’d rather be carrying a few extra pounds than getting up half-an-hour earlier for a spot of dawn aerobics.

I did buy a pedometer to check that I walk the required 10,000 steps a day, but being a fussy type, I don’t like the bump it creates under my pencil skirts or tight jumpers.

And you try wearing one with a dress.

But, by the standards of my ‘body magic’ booklet (exercise booklet, for those not familiar with Slimming World lingo) I’m already far more active than most, so I’m not too worried about getting into Ironman-style training.

Although I may not have lost too much on the scales, I am feeling healthier for all this.

The main difference I’m finding, after three weeks into the plan, is how simple it’s all becoming. It seems second nature now to reach for a handful of blueberries when I’m hungry and always choose wholemeal bread rather than white.

My food cravings aren’t as strong - although those pesky Quality Streets are calling my name - and I’m starting to understand how people can keep this up for months and years, rather than weeks.

Slimming World really does teach good healthy eating habits and I can only imagine the difference the plan must make to people who begin it after eating burgers and chips for years.

The down side is, I’m becoming a diet bore who’s telling everyone within a half mile radius the ‘syn’ content of a sandwich.

Now I’m counting down to my next meeting and hoping the scales at Bamford Bowling Club will be kind – I’ll be livid if all I’ve lost is another half pound.

Click here to catch up on Jeni's previous diary entries ...