In four weeks’ time I’m going to a friend’s wedding in Sydney. It’s going to be hot and I’m not going to be able to get away with wearing a coat and a big baggy jumper, damn it. I want to look good, of course, but more importantly I want to feel good.

It’s not that I hate my body, I don’t. I appreciate that over the past five years it’s carried, birthed and fed two children and it would be crazy to think that wouldn’t have an effect on your body. I would like to make an effort to respect it a bit more though. I want to feel proud of how I look because I know that will give me a confidence boost and no matter how I look in four weeks’ time I will feel happier in myself.

So today is day 12 of my no crap plan of attack. I hesitate to use the word ‘diet’ because, psychologically, ‘dieting’ is harder than ‘eating well and looking after yourself’. This way I am doing myself a favour rather than punishing myself by withholding foods.

It’s common sense really, no magic potions, a few simple rules:

1. No crap – biscuits, cakes, chocolates, sweets. Also I’m trying not to shovel in the carbs at every meal and replace the carbs with veg as much as possible.

2. Drink lots of water. I’m aiming for 3L a day. Yes, I’m peeing like a pregnant woman.

3. Take the long way round. Ditch the car, walk everywhere, with Shine in the sling when possible, and take longer routes than I normally would.

I have to say the first week was really tough. I was mentally reaching for the biscuits and chocolate every time I was a little bored, when I wanted a break while working, morning tea, afternoon tea, after dinner. All. Day. Long. It made me realise I wasn’t really eating treats to enjoy the flavour, but to fill a hole and serve a purpose other than fueling me.

This week has been much easier, thank god. I’ve noticed my jeans are not quite as tight either so something must be happening. I’ve got loads more energy too, which is always a bonus. I’m using the shred workout to exercise a bit more too, although I’ve not managed to do it every day. I figure every time I do it is a bonus really.

So, four more weeks to go. I hope I can keep it up. I will definitely allow myself delicious treats every now and then, life is for living afterall. And I’m not going to stop baking, oh no, I’m just going to have to plan my baking around when I’m going to see friends so I can give the goodies away!

Here’s to cutting the crap!