Catch up with all of April Ieremia’s diary entries and accompanying exercise regimes
When I was a kid and did something well, I’d get a reward.
Now I’m older, but nothing’s changed – I’m still gunning for a reward whenever I can, so I’m celebrating every 10kg I vanquish.
The smart money would be on choosing a reward that has nothing to do with food, such as a massage or a new outfit. Well, I wanted a wicked treat, not a smart one.
Scotty initially set the benchmarks and the rewards. However, after a couple of lame suggestions, I jumped in with an “eat what you want” night. And I wanted him to celebrate with me. Actually, the truth is, I wanted the freedom to eat all the stuff I’m not supposed to – in front of him. I also wanted to test his resolve and see if he practised what he preached.
I chose New Zealand’s first interactive restaurant, The Foodstore on Auckland’s viaduct – perfect for a special occasion and with a reputation for serving delicious dishes.
I settled in for a night of decadence.
Arriving early, I asked one of the chefs to produce the classic fish and chips for Scotty as a special treat because I knew he’d hate it. Unbeknownst to me, Scotty knew one of the chefs and asked him on the sly to serve me a big bowl of salad.
So what happened? Well, the chefs totally ignored him and took control. out of the kitchen came a magnificent array of tasting dishes – creamy paua, pan-fried haloumi, venison loin with pecorino polenta, poached crayfish and pork belly with apple sauce. Then came succulent beef sirloin on butter mushrooms and crispy onion rings, accompanied by triple cream mash and minted beans and peas.
I was stuffed but bravely contemplating dessert. There’s no way I could leave without attempting it, even if they had to roll me out the door. After all, that’s the reason I chose this reward – to be able to enjoy dessert without guilt.
So, a seductive array of sweet treats arrived – Jelly Tip ice cream with Turkish Delight bubbles, chocolate fondant, chocolate brownie, sticky doughnuts and pistachios (above).
I had a ball eating enough for a king and his entire court. But it was Scotty who surprised me – he devoured the dessert. Not only does he have a healthy appetite, but he’s also a closet chocolate fiend. (Apparently, he used to raid the sweet shelves in the army kitchen, but lets keep that between you and me).
I also celebrated another big milestone. I hit the eighties. I’m now 88.1kg – 1.9kg lighter than last week.
So, set your rewards clearly because they keep your spirits up. I enjoyed my first reward and am now planning the next wicked one for my 20kg loss.
A note from Scott CottierIt was another great week for April – she is achieving success from her persistence and determination to change her lifestyle.
Her achievements shouldn’t be the benchmark for everyone though. Each individual is different and you should never compare others’ accomplishments to your own. If you feel healthier, your clothes are getting looser, and you have more energy, then your body is changing for the better. Stick with it. April’s reward was a nice way to cap off the first 10kg loss and I was happy to prove that we are human, and ice cream is nice – in moderation.
Everyone should set targets to achieve in this programme, whether it be smaller-sized clothes or getting up that terrifying hill without stopping. Reaching goals increases determination. This week the training continues with four sessions a week, alternating between three minutes walking and three minutes running for fifty minutes. on the days of no cardio work, do your weekly 70 step-ups, 70 lunges, 70 bent-over rows, 70 military presses and 150 trunk twists.
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