After The Shape Up Challenge

We've been out to restaurants and pubs every day for the last four days and so far I've not gone over my self-imposed calorie count of 1,400 calories. I've chosen the healthy, low-cal, low-fat option, drank water while all around were getting quite drunk, and haven't once gotten grumpy about it because I'm on track to change my life forever.

Once I'm at my target weight, I know I can take the time to eat chips, drink lager and join in with everyone. Although I must admit, I didn't really feel as though I missed out on anything. And all this from a woman who put herself in hospital because she would not take antibiotics, preferring to get sloshed on lager instead.

So, in a nutshell, The Shape Up Challenge - in particular the message board - has given me the strength and responsibility to account for my own actions and the determination to succeed. Without it, I would be speedily heading towards 16 stone. After four weeks, I've lost a stone and gained many wonderful friends without whom this wouldn't have been possible. iVillager Jules