I gave up smoking 7 years, three months and three weeks ago... and in that time, I have put on an average of approximately 4 pounds/ 2 kilograms each year.
That's 28 pounds/ 14 kilograms, that I've put on in total. Which means I have gone well-and-truly-pear-shaped. It's not pretty... and I'm pretty sure that the health benefits of not smoking are now being offset by the disadvantages of being over-weight.
I had a really pleasantly slim figure when I was a smoker... and at 47 years old (as I was when I smoked my last cigarette) that is no mean feat... and the reason was because I exercised regularly
At 55, I still exercise. I do yoga, I swim and I go to the gym. I exercise pretty regularly, but to no real effect. And if I push it too hard... as I did recently... then I strain or sprain something and I have to rest up for days or weeks... and then the few ounces I lost pile themselves back on... and then some!
It is frustrating, to say the least.
I have been struggling with a sore arm for weeks now... and every time I think it is better, I go to the pool and then the next day it is sore again.
So, I am going to have to do something I never thought I would EVER have to do!
DIET.
That's right... I'm going on a diet.
I have devised a dietary regime all of my own, which I think will be difficult, but not so difficult that I will cave it. Five days a week I'm going to eat whatever I like, just as I used to, seven days a week. Then, on Wednesdays I am going to eat ONLY FRUIT. And on Saturdays I am going to do a water fast.
I have heard that fruit fasts are good for you, and so I figure, one day a week of only fruit will be relatively easy, because at least I am eating. The Saturday will be more difficult, eating nothing and drinking only water, but I have done it before. I've done full day water fasts before taking Ayahuasca... and yes, it was tough, but not so tough that I cracked.
So that is the plan.
I haven't weighed myself in a while, but I know I am approximately 87.5kg or 193lbs or 13st, 11lbs.... maybe a wee fraction more.
That's maybe not so bad for a 55 year old dude who is 5 feet 11 inches (or 180cm), but it is still a lot more than I was 7 years ago...
And although I think it might be too difficult to get back to 160lbs or 73kg, if I could get half way back there I would be pleased.
I'm sharing this with you, for those of you who are interested, and I will post updates every month or so, and see if my new regime is effective... and if it is, maybe you will want to give it a try. I think, dieting just two days a week is better than having to diet 7 days a week...