Resolve

In 2000 I started working for QVC in London, making a weekly commute to and from Manchester by train and lodging in Croydon during the week. I did this for 18 months, working 12 hour shifts, one week on, one week off. I loved it, but the disruptive pattern took its toll and I went from an already overweight 13 stone up to a shocking 16 stone. Returning to a normal pattern of three square meals a day and a normal working day improved matters but I added a further two stone to my girth before the weight gain stopped.

In 2006 I managed to lose one and a half stone but last year I only managed to maintain my weight. Of course, being skinny is not my ultimate goal. I have never really suffered from the self-image issues that others do so I'm not bothered about looking like a mo-delle: I would rather have curves! However, I have two reasons for wanting to get my weight in check. First is the obvious health issues and benefits. Being obese puts me at risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis and more. Second, in order to have a family, we need IVF, which can only happen if I lose weight.

And so, New Year's resolution numbers two and three is to lose weight and to be more active.