10 lbs in 10 weeks.

More than anything, this blog post is a testimony; it is essentially my way of ensuring my own accountability for the calories I ingest and burn over the next ten weeks. I think it's worth stating at this point that am not a body fascist, I love food and I have no intention of either starving myself or spending every god-given hour at the gym. I am not technically overweight (yet!), but I have been feeling heavy and less comfortable in some of my clothes, and something has to change now before I move any further in the wrong direction.

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So, inspired by lolamarie7, whose vlogs I love (sadly, she hasn't uploaded any videos in a while, but she's on Instagram a fair bit), I am trying to instigate a lifestyle change rather than a diet, in order to get fit and healthy, to slim down and to look and feel better in my clothes. Having done something similar when I was at university, I am following Joanna Hall's principals of finding short-, medium- and long-term goals before I get started, as my best shot at longevity, and which I hope will keep me on the straight and narrow.

Short-term motivation: I do not want to feel like 'the fat one' (sorry, very un-pc) among a host of gorgeous, slender fellow bridesmaids this Summer!

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Medium-term goals: I am likely to need a new work wardrobe for September, and I want to have reached and sustained a healthy size, weight and shape before investing in any key pieces. I also want to resume my pole classes, from which I am currently taking a break. Having reached a decent level of ability, I felt I couldn't really get much further with it until I'd lost some of the 6 lbs I've gained since we got married just over a year ago. Sigh.

Long-term ideals: I would generally like to eat more cleanly (remembering that treats are treats!) and make exercise a more integral part of my life. Ultimately, I would like to exercise sufficiently so that I can enjoy my food and treats in moderation. Also, with family planning on the horizon in the next couple of years, I have been told that the shape you're in prior to pregnancy is a marker for your body to return to once the baby is born, so it pays to be as fit as you can be before you start.

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So, with all that in mind, my intention is to follow these three rules:

1. No carbs after 5pm.

2. Exercise for one hour at least three times a week.

3. Only three treats per week (biscuits/cake/dessert/sweets/alcohol etc.).

Hmmm, number three is going to be a killer...

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Once I've tried out a few things, I will aim to put together and share my healthy meal plan, and I will keep you updated on my progress. Any tips you have for me would be very welcome -I think I'm going to need all the help I can get!

Bonne nuit,

pp x