A SPANNER IN THE WORKS...

All has been going relatively swimmingly on this journey to 'buffness'. Over the last week, however, a dramatic twist in this tale has occured...

My local Minor Injuries Unit in Ipswich.

I've been diagnosed with... Tonsillitis! OK, so it doesn't sound life threatening, but believe me it completely knocks you out! For a couple of days this week I haven't even been able to get out of bed. My immune system is down and I haven't eaten a full meal for around 5 days now, so it must be serious! As a result of course, I haven't been able to do any training the last week, but I'm determined to make up for lost time as soon as I'm fully recovered.

It's completely ruined my final week of the year. I couldn't DJ on Wednesday, I couldn't go to an awards night on Thursday night, and I couldn't go to The Summer Ball either! I was supposed to come home tonight after the ball but you know the feeling when you're ill, all you want is home comforts and to be in your own bed, so I came home on Thursday night and was taken down to my local Minor Injuries Unit where I was diagnosed with the condition. 

I'll keep you updated on how I'm bearing up...

BBQ SEASON, ALREADY?

It's only April, and what are we seeing here in Suffolk (not so much in Stoke) but lots of sunshine and warmth! Recorded temperatures here in Ipswich of nearly 20 degrees, looks like Global Warming isn't such a bad thing after all perhaps. With all this glorious weather comes a negative side though, as sunshine makes people want to indulge on the finer things in life, such as Pimms or summer parties consisting lots of food. The first one of the year was today at my friend Alex's house (spending £175 on food; what an idiot) and let's say even getting the party started was a bit of a mission as is demonstrated below... 

The Tesco Value BBQ is proving to live up to its title.

With the Pimms flowing and the sun beaming down on me laying in a deckchair I got lulled into a false sense of security, forgetting all that I'd been trained not to do in social situations like these. The call came that the food was ready, and without a moments hesitation I sprung up to see what spread had been laid out. Natually I thought it'd be rude not to sample the quality produce that had been bought, so I delved in to the mound of burgers; sausages and chicken thighs that lay across the table. It was like I hadn't eaten in a few weeks, I couldn't stop myself and got a bit carried away, resulting in my plate towering high with mostly unhealthy food.

This has been a bad day for the healthy eating programme, but I made up for it when I got home by doing a solid hour workout in the lounge which made me feel a lot better about myself. No I'm not excusing what I did earlier at the party, but at least I tried to redeem myself. I promise it won't happen again...

Tomorrow, I'm back off up to University where there won't be as many oppourtunities to 'pig out' on junk food as I'll be working hard on the upcoming deadlines. That'll hopefully get me back on track, but I need to also make sure that I leave time to do 45 minutes exercise everyday, and not let deadlines be an excuse to not do a vigarous workout!

Stay tuned...

EXERCISE: THE EVIDENCE.

And this is what you've all been waiting for. Evidence of me struggling and sweating away not only for my own personal satisfaction, but for your entertainment too no doubt.

So here it is. A clip of one of my training sessions taking place in the gym, well, the conservatory was the next best thing. Filmed by my very own personal trainer, well, Mum.

As you can see, the fitness side of my challenge is going well and although it's hard work 'no pain, no gain' is a motto that sits in the back of my mind when getting ready for yet another gruelling workout. I continue to struggle with the healthy eating side of this project. Tempation is too easy to give into especially when I'm out with friends; I can't help but go for the most appetising option, rather than the healthiest. My friends however have helped me from not having a dessert every time, and have been quick on the mark to remind me of what I'm not supposed to be doing! My parents have also stopped buying multi-packs of Coke and chocolate which has also made a difference so far. All I've got to do now is to work on the eating plan, and continue with this 'Insanity' Training, and believe me, it does what it says on the tin!

Make sure to check back here for the next update as the holiday of a lifetime gets closer...