The Detox

So, the exercise continues apace and taking a step back every week with these posts makes me realise how much fitter I am now than at this point last year. But the fact of the belly remains.

It is rather annoying, frankly. Yes, I get to eat out a lot and that doesn't help. But when you look at the blubbery folk they drag onto TV shows and scare them with a week's typical eating, my table wouldn't be covered in ready meals and takeaways. Mine would have lots of vegetables, good homemade soups, fibre, fruit, all the stuff that usually forms the "after" bit of the show. So what am I doing wrong?

One thing I need to do again is cut out some stuff as, for the first time in about 14 years, I've got a little eczema developing again. So I'm currently psyching myself up for a proper detox, a month or so of seriously healthy eating. The downside of this is having had to build up a supply of restaurant reviews so I can keep various outlets serviced while I'm necking lettuce smoothies and such like. It sort of undermines the whole thing really, doesn't it?

So we shall see. I wish I could just declare "today is the start of the detox" and run with it. I don't want to sound whiny and ungrateful about the eating out - hell, I know it beats work, believe me - and I'm aware how many of you are swearing under your breath at the moment, but this burst of health fascism needs some planning.

The positive side of that, of course, is it gives me lots of time to do some research, fill the cupboard with lentils or carrots or whatever, and ask you lot: when you've overindulged and need to pull things back, what's your preferred solution? I'll be having a word with the professionals over the next few weeks, but all suggestions gratefully received...