Paul Kendrick: On a Mission - Week 4

Four weeks of changing the way I’m eating, and trying to pick up some tips that will stand me in good stead when I’m back ‘on my own’ in a month’s time.

When I first started, I thought it would be one of those tough slogs - head down, get on with it, ride it out, just get to the finish line.

Then pig out again!

But I have to say I’ve enjoyed the ride (so far), and it’s not felt like a slog at all.

Okay, taking carbs out of my diet hasn’t been ideal - given most of my favourite foods had fallen into that bracket.

But as I’m allowed to pretty much eat as much protein and vegetables as I can, I’ve never felt hungry or like I’m missing out on much.

After a month of eating smart - as well as adding supplements and vitamins provided by local firm Mission Nutrition - I’ve lost exactly a stone in weight.

While never having eaten as much in my life.

Under the watchful eye of Personal Trainer Ryan Garnett at Gym Works in Euxton, I’ve also toned up a tad, with the promise of more results to come in the next month.

I get the feeling Ryan’s been gradually letting go of the handbrake in terms of getting me working on the weights and equipment in the impressive surroundings at Gym Works.

But the jelly legs I left with on my last session - when I genuinely had to take two steps on each of the stairs leading out to the car park to avoid falling over - showed I am working hard and the results are beginning to show.

After a month of the programme, I’ve now allowed myself the odd treat at the weekend, in terms of a pizza, chips, bread and the odd glass of wine (all right, the odd glass or two).

But weirdly I’ve found myself getting pangs of guilt at putting away stuff that only a month ago I wouldn’t have thought twice about consuming.

Having felt the huge benefits of my new regime, I don’t want to undo any of the good work of the last month or so.

A massively positive sign that will hopefully mean I stick to at least part if not most of the programme after the initial eight-week run has finished.

For more information, go to www.missionnutritioneurope.com and www.gym-works.co.uk or visit Facebook and check out ‘Mission Nutrition Europe’ and ‘Ryan Garnett Personal Training’.