I’m aware it’s only a couple of weeks since I last wrote, but I wanted to share some encouraging progress from our journey so far.

Firstly, me. I have been hitting my goal of getting to the gym 2-3 times a week. For the first time today I felt powerful and strong, even though my motivation to get myself there had been utterly lacking. I am regularly increasing weights on the resistance equipment. I’m so glad Coach Chris encouraged me to use an app to track my progress as it helps me appreciate just how far I have come. Being realistic, I’m a 50-something, grossly obese, menopausal woman with a dodgy spine. I’m not going to break any records. But I am nonetheless proud of my progress.

I have been sticking to a calorie deficit and logging my intake faithfully for 17 days now. I now understand that being in calorie deficit is the only dependable way to lose weight consistently and it gives me the scope to have the odd treat so I don’t feel deprived. I continue to swap out indulgent foods for healthier alternatives. What I’ve really noticed this time is that I’m sticking to my plan more easily than I’d expected, but I’m also aware it’s early days in the ongoing scheme of things. Again, I use an app to help me track my calories, and to keep an eye on my macronutrients.

I’ve been doing pretty well creating healthier, diabetes friendly meals for us. Am still on the lookout for different recipes and options, but I’m satisfied I’m on the right track.

My weight has been on a steady downward trend for the last three weigh ins, which is really pleasing. Also my heart rate and blood pressure are lower too.

We’ve also seen an improvement in Martin’s stats. Blood sugars, weight and blood pressure are all lower. And as yet he hasn’t lost the plot over anything I’ve cooked. It’s all good.

I’m pleased Martin actually has follow up appointments this time around. In reality we probably should have been doing this a year ago, but he was definitely not in the right headspace and I was not going to be the big ogre who denied him all his favourite foods if he wasn’t on board. Moving area and GP surgery he totally slipped through the net and he was reluctant to chase people up. Until in the place we found ourselves recently with everything in chaos.

Things are not sorted. It’s still early days and there’s definitely an element of suck it and see. But initial signs are generally promising and I’ll take that.