They say you are what you eat. And it may be there's something in that.
Warning: Exercise has been known to cause health and happiness.
What is the reason people exercise?
Some say for their health, which is a very good reason.
Others simply wish to lose weight and have more energy, and shake off that ''bag lady'' feeling.
That's the feeling that nearly causes me to be late as I have a mini-meltdown on the bedroom floor on the occasional morning, surrounded by my entire wardrobe.
I've been buying my own clothing now for roughly 25 years.
How can it be I have nothing to wear!
But it's not just about losing the extra weight, it's about changing the lifestyle that got me there.
So energy in is just as important as energy out.
As part of my new regime I have a carefully calculated diet of carbohydrates, protein, fats and fibre provided as a meal plan, at my request, to accompany my schedule of weekly activity.
In theory this should allow me to maximise my weight-loss results.
Previously I have plunged blindly into an eating plan of my own determining and well, as the TV ad declares, ''you're mean when you're hungry'' springs to mind.
This time it's in the hands of the experts, which is to say Pete, from Let's Go Fitness.
He says this:''It's important to gradually decrease the amount of calories you consume over time. A safe rate for weight loss is 500g to 1kg per week. If Christine loses more than this it's likely she's consuming less food than she should to maintain healthy hormone levels.
''The longer you are in a calorie deficit, the more sluggish vital fat-burning hormones such as lepton become. Your body begins to try to protect itself so it slows the rate you are burning fat, in order to keep healthy levels of fat to hug your organs.
''We have talked to Christine about the importance of including fat in her diet, in moderation. After all, we should eat to nourish our bodies and fat is a requirement for proper brain and hormone regulation.
"Fat alone does not make you fat. Christine recognises this and it is encouraging to hear that her family is enjoying a healthier menu. Good job.''
- Christine O'Connor
