Easy as 1 2 3...

I don't normally make new year resolutions but for quite a while now I've been conscious of my weight and the need to lose a few many kilos. 

The strategy is in 3 parts.

1. Go on that unpopular but effective diet, the COATC (Cut Out All The Crap)
So far so good. I've stopped carrying chocolate/lollies/snacks with me on the bus and have largely resisted my usual visits to bakeries etc.

2. Exercise more. Not hard when you start from such a low base! Thus the purchase of the mountain bike on the weekend. I've been on two rides already, over to Barwon Heads and back, the second in the company of Mrs HP. Our place is at the top of a steep hill so pushing myself to ride all the way home gets the pulse rate up. Mrs HP walked the last stage, complaining that her bottom was sore, again not surprising as it was her first bike ride in several years.

3. The Biggest Winner. I don't consider myself "Fat", just a bit overweight. Some of you are probably quoting The Castle about now: "Tell him he's dreaming"! Either way, compared to a LOT of the other drivers at work I am quite slim. There are some seriously obese blokes at work. A job that involves sitting on your bum 8 hours a day doesn't help but nor does lack of exercise and poor diet.
Pinching an idea from reality TV and tweaking it I have launched a weight loss competition at work called The Biggest Winner. Contestants put $100 in each and at the end of 6 months the person who's lost the most weight (by percentage of starting weight) wins all the money. So far there has been a fair bit of discussion, some stirring and an under-whelming sign-up response. Undeterred I have sought the support/sponsorship of the company who have agreed to put up some (modest) prize money for 1st 2nd & 3rd. I'm also cutting the entry fee in half in the hope of encouraging more people to have a go.
Two blokes today told me they're going to enter so if no-one else signs up we'll all win some dough!
Regardless of the outcome I am determined to drop a minimum of 10kgs and will push towards 15 as my next target. Feel free to encourage hold me accountable.