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.