Virgin blog....

Hi there folks,

Let me introduce myself, if you don't know me!

My name is Lyn Jeffrey - and the purpose of this blog is to update you all with progress on my health improvement programme (part of that is a weight loss exercise).

Right, so the story is as follows:

I have always been overweight! From the earliest pictures of me - right through to today - I have always been big....and boy, didn't I use that as an excuse?!
I was brought up to always eat everything on my plate - there was always some excuse or reason for me gaining weight....food, family, love (or the lack of) - the list is endless!

Anyway, it is only in the last three months that I finally had that "lightbulb" moment!
I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid at the end of October - it was then I made the decision to change my life.

I knew I had to think about improving my health and losing the excess weight I had acquired over the years; especially since I became a parent in 1991 and again in 1993.

Anyway, Oct 27th beckoned....I was at the doctor's - getting a prescription for my thyroid problem and the doctor decided to weigh me! Oh Lawd......
101kgs.....

Not the heaviest I had been - but pretty close....

Anyway, I joined a gym - got a personal trainer and found a decent healthy eating plan.....

So, now for the good news!
Since Oct 28th - I've lost 20lbs (and that is taking into account Christmas!)

Regardless, of the weight loss - I've lost a total of almost 8 inches over my body....and will update you with fat percentage loss next time....

Adding to all that good news, I decided to raise some money for charity at the same time as trying to lose weight!
So far, I've raised £260 or thereabouts.....please see link to JustGiving page (below):

So, I'm sure you might want to know how I've lost the weight? Well, I joined the gym (thank you, Fitness First- Balham), hired a personal trainer (thank you, Mace!), and found a healthy eating plan that works...(thank you Simon and Mace!)
Please see the link below for details of The Lunchbox Diet (devised by Simon Lovell) -

http://www.lunchboxdiet.co.uk/

Back to the fundraising!

http://www.justgiving.com/In-memory-of-Mary-Lynette-Gozmao

My aunt passed away in 2007 from the evil disease that is pancreatic cancer - she only survived six weeks after diagnosis. My aunt was my role model - she inspired those she met - and our lives have not been the same since her passing.
Me losing weight seemed the perfect opportunity to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Pancreatic Cancer UK works to raise awareness of this cancer. It also works with health organisations to try and improve diagnosis and treatment.

I'm still looking to raise more money - so, if funds allow, I would be extremely grateful if you would consider sponsoring me during my weight loss.

Okay, so what's the deal with the blog?

Well, for one - it will ensure I continue to lose weight! My story is out there now - and knowing you're all watching me means there's no hiding place any more. No more excuses....

I hope to lose a total of 70lbs (5 stone!) - I'm on the way...but need your support. Any comments, or advice - all gratefully received.

I will post a new blog each month - so look out for my next update on or around 12 February.

I will also let you know about my exercise programme - what is working for me and what isn't ('cos sometimes not all types of exercise are suitable!) - hopefully any advice and support I can give (via here) will also be gratefully received by others in my position or similar.

So that's it for this month - my 'virgin' blog. I hope you enjoy!

Many thanks for reading....
Lyn