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 39: Battling Through My Willpower They say it’s usually the third week of January that most people break their resolutions. Maybe the New Year shine is wearing off, maybe you’re missing the taste of chocolate, or it might just have something to do with the freezing cold and rainy showers that keep you tucked up in bed rather than out walking, running  your way to a svelte you. People tell you to stay motivated, but for a visual person, motivation means seeing your results. So if I eat a salad, I may (definitely do) check for hidden abs under my tshirt the next morning. I’ve been following a new routine of getting up, making my food to bring to work, and doing exercise every second day. It doesn’t sound a lot, but for my body which was on a shutdown over Christmas, it’s been hard. So if I’m honest, I’m a little sad that I haven’t just magically wished myself into a size 10 pair of jeans the third week in. Amn’t I eating everything green, all my vegetables, lean protein too? Sticking to brown carbs? I should be a Victoria’s Secret model by now? Truth is, habits aren’t made overnight and neither is your dream body. I saw this little motivational snapshot this week, and it made a lot of sense… So that’s exactly what I did this week. Despite it being a challenging one. No, there wasn’t a lemon meringue pie sitting in front of me, or a night on the tiles. As I previously mentioned, I eat my feelings. In fact, I make a buffet out of my tears. I wish I could say I'm an elegant crier, but it's probably a lot more like this... This week, I did something I never do – I talked about my loss out loud. For anyone to read. And it was terrifying, but it was worth it. It was almost like a cleansing, a detox for myself. Because once it was out there, I didn’t need to keep snacking. I didn’t look for something to keep me full. I started healing. Albeit, very publicly, but maybe that’s not a bad thing. Maybe it’s ok to show that you need someone to hold your hand every once in a while. Even if it’s to keep it out of the goodie press. And thanks to some incredible friends, family and work colleagues, I got through it, and I’m ok. I'm not just saying that I’m ok, I really am. So I gave myself a weekend off. Yesterday I met two friends for a brunch and yes, I did have a slice of cake. We took a long walk in Portmarnock, and then I was dropped off to go to the cinema with friends. I didn’t eat there, but I did kick back and relax. I didn’t think about going out for a run, or missing my training. I sat back and enjoyed the film, and I talked. I talked to friends, and I laughed. I came home and I tidied my room, and stuck on some musical numbers to keep me going when it looked like a clothes bomb exploded across my bedroom floor. I know this week’s entry seems very normal, and not focussed on food and exercise and there’s a reason for that. Because every week you face a new set of challenges. Sometimes you know what’s coming, and it’s easy to follow your healthy eating. Other times, you’ve got to hold on to your heart and hope it all works out ok. You can't control your daily life, so sometimes, you can't control what your body will need. Whether that's a healthy dinner for a day in work, or a jar of nutella, to keep your mouth glued to the spoon. And for me it really worked. Despite a cheat day, and a relaxed exercise path, I lost a pound. So I’ll keep going next week, with a renewed sense of care, and I’ll keep going. Besides this is only week 3, next week is when I’ll start seeing it for myself. (Well, that's what the 'experts' say)   This week’s stats look a little something like this… Height: 5ft 8 Starting Weight: 174 lbs Current Weight: 160.5 lbs Weight Loss To Date: 16.5 lb Goal: 148 lbs Feeling: In a LOT of pain The Dress in Question… NOW FITS!! Brought to you by Avonmore Slimline milk. Avonmore Slimline milk is fat free, giving you all the goodness of regular milk, with the added benefits of vitamins A and D, perfect for giving you that extra get up and go.