Let me now take a step back and continue the happy story of health, weight and fitness. I was at my third appointment with the undoubtedly eccentric Elizabeth Gibaud. By then, I was feeling significantly better. Still no panic attacks, still no reflux and a real feeling of boundless energy and well being. Plus, she told me that I'd lost a further twelve pounds in the preceeding two weeks which was thrilling. This was the first time in around 15 years that I'd been able to lose weight and stick to any sort of diet. Ironically, I was helped by the fact that the health problems of him indoors meant that he was also on mission so together, we were unstoppably restrained.
"I'd like you to continue with this detox diet for another four weeks" she said. The impact of her words was palpable. How could I go seasonless, red meatless, dessertless and alcohol free for a whole 'nother month? My head dropped with a bang onto her table as I moaned about the lack of selection on the diet. We started to negotiate. "Could I add in a bit of salmon and tuna?" I asked. "And what about some seasoning? I'm going on holiday in 3 and a half weeks and I can't keep this up in France!" I shrieked. At that stage, Elizabeth did suggest various ways of marginally broadening out the diet whilst telling me, in kindly but no uncertain terms, that I still had a way to go. My bone structure was small and I really should be a much more tiny person. In fact, at that stage of being 12 pounds lighter she was looking for me to shift a further 20 to 22 pounds. I should go back to see her before going on holiday. Good oh, now at least I only had three weeks of this to look forward to.
It wasn't going to be easy. Our whole social life revolves around eating and drinking with friends, colleagues, clients, alone, on holiday - wherever and whatever we do, we eat. Ordering carefully in restaurants and not drinking any wine was taking it's toll on my credibility and my patience. Anyway, I resolved to be as good as I could and focus on how I'd feel when I'd hit the target.
Three weeks later I was back and, having been pretty good about sticking to the diet, I was now feeling amazing. Everything was better, my complexion, my hair, my demeanour, my mood. I felt better and happier than I done for years. The panic attacks were still being held at bay and I hadn't had to take a drug for reflux since I started this whole deal. People were beginning to comment on the weight loss and tell me that I looked totally different. I could even sort of see it myself and I knew how I was feeling.
Elizabeth was thrilled. "You've taken to this like a duck to water" she said as she weighed me, "and you've lost another ten pounds. Don't go too mad in France and you'll keep it off. Come back to see me in a month" she added. I took a deep breath. "Elizabeth," I said "when I first came here I didn't like you at all but now I think I LOVE you" I told her. "I feel as though you've handed me the missing magic key to losing weight and feeling better" I explained. Elizabeth was pleased. "Take care and come back to see me in a month" she said, "and we'll take it from there".
Over the next month, things slipped a little. The holiday in France, the dinner parties, a hectic social diary all conspired to put huge temptations in my way. I had a few glasses of wine, I even ate some dessert and I allowed myself to have some red meat but despite all of those, I was still being fairly careful. I even had one mini-panic attack and had to take a Rennie after a humdingingly indulgent meal.
At my latest Elizabeth appointment earlier this week I found that despite all of the above, I'd lost a further two pounds over the month. Not a disaster but I was mildly disappointed in myself. Increased exercise meant that I definitely looked different and I feel that the weight is redistributing itself around my frame. Elizabeth suggested that I make a last effort by doing the 'detox' again for the next two weeks and prior to my next trip. She prescribed a veritable cocktail of vitamins, minerals, tinctures and something called Bladderwrack - don't even ask. I agreed and I started three days ago.
So the current position is this. Today I weighed myself and I've lost 2 to 3 pounds since Tuesday - not sure of the exact amount as her scales and mine differ slightly. I'm feeling full of energy and I can't sleep although I'm bounding out of bed in the mornings - something I'm really not in the habit of doing. It's like being on drugs. I am a complete convert and make a daily effort to resist being evangelical. I've done a complete 'volte face'. You really ARE what you eat.
As my friend and neighbour said to me, only yesterday, "Nicola, you look fantastic. This thing's really working for you isn't it?"
Well, I have to agree, it really, really is.
