Now, I realise that “looking fantastic” will vary from person to person. MY version of looking fantastic is wearing a bikini without having to suck in a flabby belly.

I’m back on a “health kick” as I like to call it. From October 1-Nov 2 inclusive, I am forgoing alcohol, watching what I eat (no dairy or wheat) and working out daily. I’m on day 3 and so far so good.

I’m not being ridiculous with my diet. Sure, I’ve given up booze and have committed to stay that way until November 3rd but the dairy and wheat are optional. So far, I have not wanted them and the longer I can go without, the better, but if a pasta night comes my way I may partake. The thing with wheat is: it’s addictive. For me, it truly is.

I know I will not give up total food groups for good. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work. What does work for me is what I am doing. And yes, I am specifically doing it to get my body ready for summer and my holiday to Bali in exactly one month. Is this shallow? Vain? Immature? Options will vary.

Last week, I bought myself a new bikini and a pair of apricot short shorts. They should be called extreme shorts because they are extremely short. I even thought, ‘Am I too old to be wearing these clothes now?’.

I know I do not look 42 and when I tone up my belly, I will be able to get away with wearing extreme shorts and a bikini top as daywear but I remember my own mother being much older wearing similar styles and  I was embarrassed to be seen in public with her. Now, as an adult, I must say my mother didn’t look too bad at 50, especially considering she had had 7 children.

When I was a child and teenager, I wasn’t into food. I was skinny and didn’t like to eat. I never gained an ounce until I was 18 and working at Dairy Queen. Then I made up for all whole life by gaining 20 lbs in two months. My relationship with food and alcohol has bounced frantically over the years and now I want it all. I want to have my cake, eat it, and wash it down with a beer whilst lying on the beach in a skimpy two-piece. I hate the fact that my body is changing. My belly takes all the excess baggage and I am not one who will prance around with a muffin top.

I’m sure once my November holiday is over, I will be back on the kick – until Christmas that is. Then in January I will join the millions of people around the world who think things will change because a new year means a new year. What a bunch of bullshit.

Here are my before photos just to shame myself into completing my daily fitness!!

Do you do anything special to get your body ready for summer or a beach holiday? 

Stay tuned for my next post about: Spicy Lentil Soup