The first weigh in took place this morning. The first weigh in since Valentine's Day, which was a few days before I launched Challenge 43, and in the 12 days since then, I have lost a whopping 12lbs.

The learning from the first phase is about changing habits. The first two days of dieting included a work related night out at a Chinese buffet restaurant, the second day a beer and curry night - not the greatest start, but changing habits has been about healthier eating, more regular eating.

I have so far kept to my Lent commitments of no cheese or chocolate. Lots of fruit - apples, oranges and bananas, and more walking.

The temptations avoided have been there,but have been conquered.

Two or three business lunch buffets - stacked with pastry and cakes, a long working day in London, traditionally kicked off with a full English breakfast at Liverpool Street Station to set me up for the day, avoided and replaced by a coffee and a bacon baguette.

Above all of that though has been the support and home, and away, in terms of moral and financial support, so my thanks to all who have provided that lift in the first big challenges.

The next week will be hard, the novelty will wear off, I am sure and the targets more realistic, but the focus is still there, so join me again next weekend for an update.

What a start! - a fabulous response to launching the appeal with over £200 raised during the first week. Thanks to everyone who is supporting me. It seems there are a couple of people secretly joining this programme, and I hope that we can inspire each other over the coming weeks.

Friday is the first weigh in when I hope to be able to announce the first set of results and how far we are towards achieving the 43lb target. Given that an average two pubs a week, in the UK, are already closing, I am sure that my campaign isn't going to help get Britain out of recession, but it might keep me alive longer to spend when it makes a proper recovery.

I have given up cheese and chocolate for lent - just to kick start things and so far I am being able to resist temptation.

On Friday, we'll see whether the sacrifices are paying off and I'll share some tips and experiences from the first full week of Challenge 43.

The 43 Challenge - getting started

The 43 challenge is my personal weight loss programme that aims to lose 43lbs between February and September 2010 (which will be my 43rd birthday) whilst raising money for the Norfolk based charity BUILD, http://www.buildnorwich.org.uk/ which is celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2010.


Launched on the evening of 17th February, this campaign raised over £170 in its first 24 hours from a phenominal, and overwhelming response from friends and colleagues which has provided me with a great boost - so thanks to all who have given this campaign a great kickstart.


Donations can be made through http://www.justgiving.com/beatthebulgeforbuild


I am new to blogging so hope to provide a weekly update to supporters on the trials and tribulations of shifting over 3 stone in what some would describe as an unconventional lifestyle.