Plus ca change

Once upon a time, about December 2003, I developed what I called the R Food Plan. It worked. In 12 months I'd lost 56lbs. At the peak of its efficiency 14 months after I'd started, I'd lost 60lbs.

Well, I wish I could say that they'd stayed off.

Last week I went for a physical and my doctor read me the riot act. And, well, I deserved it. Of the 60 I'd taken off, 35 had come back in the past 24 months.

But at least I'm still 25 down from where I started. And quite frankly, given the stress of the past 24 months, I'm surprised I didn't put on more. See, when I'm under a lot of stress, I eat. And it's not that I eat more helpings of terrine de foie gras at Le Crocodile or twice as much roast chicken and vegetables at home - no, I reach to the common table behind my cubicle for some of the endless parade of bagels, cookies, doughnuts, pizza lunches and other junk.

Still, last week was a needed wake up call. I've always struggled with my weight, but sticking to my food plan means I keep my weight steady, and if I exercise more than the twice a week I always do, I actually lose weight.

So this is me saying that I plan to get the gut back off. My doctor sent me off to a medico who specializes in putting together programs; I can get professional advice and whatever additional support I need. Knowing what I need to do (stick to the RFP and exercise at least as much as I currently do if not more) is a good start, but nothing beats having a "coach" who can help you keep accountable to yourself.

I have a long ways to being as fit as I was when I moved to Vancouver in February of 1998 (the fittest I'd ever been, but I' was a total gym junkie at the time), but getting back to where I was 24 months ago would be a good start.