For reasons unbeknown, I signed up for a six week series to get fit and healthy for Christmas. As someone who had never been in a gym before and whose five a day were varieties of Revels, it was going to be a challenge. Follow my story and get fit with me.

THE golden arches shone out like an oasis in a desert.

The Big M glowed, catching the moonlight, visible from miles away.

But despite the lure of a Big Mac, large chips (with sweet and sour sauce), vanilla milkshake and a McFlurry, I did not weaken.

I am on the first week of my six week challenge to get fit and slimmer for Christmas and, sadly, a McDonald's does not really tick the boxes for my new healthy and nutritious diet *wipes away a silent tear*.

My list of banned foods includes processed food, wheat, dairy, sugar and potatoes so really, a McDonald's is a non-starter.

I carried on past, drove home and enjoyed a meal of salmon steaks and salad, which, it has to be said, was delicious, filling and good for me.

The secret to success for me seems to be to substitute certain foods for healthy options. And, to be honest, as long as I am eating something, I don't particularly care what it is.

That is not to say I don't look on wistfully as my colleagues enjoy (some would say flaunt) Curly Wurlys, chocolate biscuits and Haribo and I still think I would trample a small child to seize the last packet of Dolly Mixtures in the world.

But I am coping - and pretty well. My tea consumption has dropped from eight cups of the caffeine-laden beverage to two cups of decaffeinated a day.

Health and fitness coach Ashley Bishop points out this is still a processed product but in my mind, this is progress and Rome wasn't built in a day.

Maris piper potatoes have been swapped for sweet potatoes and chips for salad.

I am still struggling with the lack of puddings - how much yoghurt can one person eat? - but no treacle sponge, custard, rice pudding or chocolate bar has passed my lips.

It will get easier, I am, after all, changing the habits of a lifetime.

To succeed, I have to make sure I have the correct food available. As Roy Cropper from Coronation Street says: "Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail". (There is a possibility he borrowed this from someone else).

So I shop healthy. No more bread, chocolate, sweets or crisps. Instead, lots of fruit, fish, meat and vegetables. If only you could buy willpower too.

It will all be worth it in the end.

 

To follow the exercises, go to http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/11594489.Join_me_on_my_fitness_quest__Gymphobic_reporter_Wendy_vows_to_shape_up_for_Christmas___and_you_can_follow_her_fitness_plan_at_home/

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