In a new weekly feature, Her.ie newbie Liz is going to share her weight loss journey. She’ll be filling you in on fighting temptation, her willpower struggles with the cocktail menu and taking painfully slow steps towards regular exercise. All in the name of a dress. _____________________________________ Hanging on the wall at the end of my bed is the constant reminder I plan on shedding nearly two stone this year. I also plan on marking the trials and tribulations of ‘trying to be good’ – the favourite saying we all tout, and quickly replace when a cake is put in front of us. Week 50: Back to reality Having spent a week in the world of showbiz (and by that I mean fake tan and sparkly sequins EVERYWHERE), this week I had to settle back into regular life. Back to working my normal job, my normal hours but realising that now I wasn’t exercising. I went from doing some pretty epic and high energy dance routines five nights a week to nothing, but unfortunately my appetite was far from disappearing too. After a day off, where I slept late, ate brunch with the girls and sampled three types of cake *don’t judge*, I knew I had to be good. Not just pay lip-service to the promise I’d made myself, but to actually make the effort to exercise and pick up a pace. First port of call was the supermarket, where I had small change from €50 after filling up my trolley with fish, steak, chicken and bacon. Fruit and veg piled high and a bag of brown rice for carbs, I toddled up to the tills and waited to pack my boot full of the good stuff. Once I made it home, I naturally had to rid my press of the end of the goodies. The packet of crisps, remaining cookies and a few jelly babies keeping each other company in the back of the press. If they were there, they’d clearly ruin my diet tomorrow. And day one started off pretty well. I made mackerel and grilled tomatoes for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch and then chicken fajitas with sweet potato fries for dinner. It was all about portions, and the small pot of ice-cream at the end was totally allowed. I don’t believe in depriving myself. Mainly because I know I’ll crack within minutes if I do. My next step was probably a bad sign for my impending fitness levels. I had to check the opening hours of the gym. I decided to pull out the leggings, runners and sports bras from the fresh laundry pile and jumping in my car made a start for the gym. Here’s the worst part. I’d signed up a month ago and never collected my membership card. I blame a busy schedule but I know it was purely a lack of willpower. I was out of shape and it was going to hurt. But that was all about to change. I weighed myself and gained half a pound. It’s not the end of the world, but I’d rather not start sliding up the scales. I have a new routine set out for me, including weights for my arms, legs and where abs should be… and I’ve signed up to run the Women’s Mini Marathon with Team Marie Keating on June 1st. Next week (after the bank holiday because let’s be honest, that wasn’t going to happen) I’m ditching sugar. Or at least trying to… Expect a cranky update next week. Height: 5ft 8 Starting Weight: 174 lbs Current Weight: 156 lbs Weight Loss To Date: 19 lb Goal: 148 lbs Feeling: Relieved The Dress In Question.. NOW FITS!