My husband and I decided it was time to lose a few kilos before the summer. In truth, a few kilos have found their way on to our frames and there they have stayed for more than a year. But I knew that to make a change, we needed a strategy.
So I had an idea: a competition. My husband and I had a weigh-in and decided we each needed to drop four kilos. So we decided on five for good measure.
We had a goal weight, and we had a start date and a finish line. We would have weekly weigh-ins. I made a poster and stuck it on the kitchen door.
Even our children's interest was piqued. But something still seemed to be lacking. I didn't feel confident that I could stick to my regime. I needed more. But what?
My brainwave was to involve the kids as coaches. Both my daughters said they wanted to coach dad at first. Then my eldest daughter offered to switch allegiance and be my coach. Sweet. My motivation level was rising, but I was still not motivated enough.
I had another brainwave. I wanted my kids to do something. Call me a tiger parent, if you want, but that's how it was.