Wow, it's really been a month since I wrote an update, eh? Time gets away from you when you're trying to do as much as possible to take your mind of the hunger pangs when trying to lose weight.

Actually, that's just a poor joke to hide my writing laziness. With only a couple of exceptions I really haven't found myself being that hungry at all. And in the last couple of weeks the weight has just started to drop off as I found a way of eating that works for me.

The old adage that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day' may well be true - but it doesn't say when you should eat that breakfast, right? That's why I have mine between midday and 1.00pm!

I've always found it easier to avoid eating at the start of the day rather than around lunchtime - I have no idea why that is, but it's always been the case. And so my old habits of toast or cereal has taken a back seat as I drink a large mug of strong Scottish tea and head off to work with a smile on my face and a relatively empty belly.

The discovery that vanilla-flavoured almond milk makes porridge taste like rice pudding has also helped me get into the right frame of mind - it's absolutely delicious and now I find myself really looking forward to the big bowl that will keep me sated until dinner.

I've read so many rules, tried so many diets and seen people suffer trying to lose weight that I'm a firm believer in just going with what's working for you. And as long as I'm feeling good (and I haven't felt better than this in a long time) then I'm going to persevere.

The only downside so far is the exercise. The bike has been somewhat ad-hoc over the last 10 days or so, just due to school holidays and the occasional odd shift at work. And I find it boring, even with a phone to watch Netflix with. I'd much prefer to walk more in the mornings and do a short, sharp ride at night - but my right ankle is giving me all kinds of gyp.

I had a physiotherapist look at it earlier this year and essentially the wear and tear in it means as little as 6,000 steps in a day can give me all kinds of swelling and pain. It's not ideal. But certainly gives me a good excuse as to why I'm not targeting the 2018 Auckland Marathon on my bucket list! I'm hoping that another 20kgs or so will help alleviate the worst of the suffering, but there's only one way to find out for sure.

So what else can I do in the meantime? Here's what I've come up with so far:

1) Swimming. I did this for a few months last year and really enjoyed it. I got into a good habit but the swimming pool shutting for a month over Christmas and New Year meant I fell out of that habit and never got back into it. It didn't help that I used the pool when it was supposed to have been closed to the public (hey, there were no signs!) and I had to be asked to leave by the attendant, who had presumed I was there to use the gym. Oops.

2) Cycling to work. This is probably my favoured option, providing I can get a bike seat that doesn't hurt my arse. I really like the idea of ebikes - the only downside being their tremendous cost, up to $3.5k or so depending on the model and battery size. And I'd need an expensive one due to my size. I know I couldn't deal with the hills I have to travel on to get to work without the help of the battery so this is currently filed in the 'It would be awesome, but I really shouldn't. Should I? Maybe. Okay, probably not.' drawer.

3) Boxing. I think a punch in the head would probably be good for me every now and again. Seriously, though, I know boxing is an excellent sport for aerobic fitness without ever having to get into a ring with an opponent. But you're looking at $35 per week for three months with some sessions with a personal trainer in there too every week. Throw in the boxing gloves and you're looking at $1400 or so for just three months worth of training.

4) Sucking it up and exercycling more.

I love spending money but normally on cool things like computers, games, music and phones. And not important stuff like life. Where the fuck did my priorities go wrong?

Day 47

Weight - 133.1kgs - a total loss so far of 10.5kgs. It would have been more but Sam and I went out for dinner last night and I haven't gone to the toilet since Friday night. Yes, yes, TMI. But I don't care.
Exercise - Big walk yesterday has left ankle really sore - but probably going to cycle later
Feeling - Great. Worried about the ankle but being positive
Next plans - Getting The Ultimate Worrier podcast off the ground