And they're off!

I've just been on a debauched lad's holiday, featuring lots of alcohol, kebabs and not much sleep. Now seems like the perfect time to go on a health drive.

I am currently:

• 34 years old
• 5 ft 11 
• 87.5kg / 13st 10lbs / 193lbs
• BMI 26.9 (18.5 - 24.9 is considered normal. 25+ is overweight)

This is the heaviest I've ever been! I really am a bit too flabby for my liking. This needs to change.

The BBC Horizon show first got me interested in fasting. Emerging research shows it has a multitude of health benefits, both physically and mentally.

The particular diet I'm doing is called, "5 2 fasting" because you have 5 days of normal eating and 2 days of fasting. 

One of this diet's most appealing aspects is that I only have to be "good" for 2 days per week. I can eat whatever I like on the other 5 days. Awesome!

On the fasting days, I'm still allowed up to 600 calories, which can be consumed at any time. This is enough to stop the hunger pangs from driving me crazy!

Goals

The presenter of the Horizon episode, Dr Michael Mosley, lost over 1 stone (14lbs) in 5 weeks. I'm hoping for similar results myself.

I want to lose my man boobs and have a flatter tummy. I'm being realistic though. I don't expect to have rock hard abs like Team GB's Tom Daly! 

I will exercise every day, though nothing too strenuous. I'll be doing a short exercise DVD most days, plus some yoga and dog walking. Simples!

I would be delighted if I can achieve the following:

• No man boobs
• Flat tummy
• 76kg / 12st / 168lbs
• BMI 23.4 (Nicely in the 'normal' range again)

Total to lose: 11.5kg / 1st 10lb / 24lbs

BONUS EFFECT: A saved marriage (my wife has often joked about divorcing me if I get fat. At least I think she was joking...)

I don't mind how long this weight loss takes, but 2lbs per week seems achievable. That means I should be able to hit my target in just 12 weeks (Monday 5 November 2012).

Progress So Far

Yesterday was Day 1. It really wasn't too difficult, thanks to my wife's lovely home made vegetable soup in the evening.

I've got some more of that soup for lunch today. And I'm very much looking forward to it already! I feel a bit hungry, but it's nothing major.

I'm feeling excited! I've wanted to lose some weight for probably 10 years. Finally it I've found a diet that seems achievable. 

The thought that I might hit my goal in just 12 weeks is very inspiring!

Fingers crossed!