Working remotely and pretty much without a break during COVID for two years has not been good for my health, and it has mostly been self-inflicted I am sad to say. I have piled on the pounds and some. 

On 1 January I made a planned u-turn and - with a trip to the gym and a change in mental attitude - started working towards being who I enjoy being, once again (that is, someone who enjoys feeling fit and healthy as opposed to someone who spends most of their time comfort eating - a really bad habit I've formed!). 

My goal is to lose 10kg and get back to the weight I was (60.5kg) in the photo included on this page, and which was taken just over two years ago. I am planning to achieve this by the end of April 2022 - eek, but worst case I will keep going until I do. 

I know that a second goal which is far more important than the first will help keep me on track... and that is to make a difference to others while I'm making a difference to myself. For one, it will make it harder for me to cave in! Update: this has already proven to be the case in my first two weeks where I have successfully avoided the temptation of sweets, savouries and chocolate, and have visited the gym on most days. 1 kg chalked up as on 15/1/22 (feels like it should be more but I'm heading in the right direction and my clothes are much looser).  

So that's why I've created this Just Giving page, so that people can sponsor me and support something worthwhile. There are so many great charities and it was hard to choose which one. Because this is all about making a difference, I decided to choose the YMCA in Burton on Trent. They focus on helping young people in need to make a difference for themselves - a difference which can be life changing (even life saving) and which will have a lasting, positive impact on their lives. I have two teenagers (it will be three in March) and making a difference is what I'm all about, so it seemed like serendipity to me. 

Visit the YMCA website here: https://www.burtonymca.org/

I encourage you to sponsor me by the kilo as I lose it, and I will keep you updated along the way with fortnightly weigh-ins (the idea of which scares the living daylights out of me). Please help me to help myself at the same time as helping others to get the support they really need. If we can help just one young person to avoid homelessness, it is going to be well worth it. 

Tips to avoid comfort eating are welcome, as are the occasional messages and whoops of support :0)  

Thank you everyone. 

Updates

Starting weight 1/1/22: 70.25kg

Weigh-in 15/1/22: 69.05kg