OUTinPerth’s Editor Graeme Watson and Alex Maltby have taken on the challenge of getting fit and living healthier lifestyles. They reflect on what the first month of their journey has been like.

Alex’s Experience

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What have been the immediate changes?

My clothes are baggier and I have more energy.

Has anything surprised you about the journey so far?

I am still doing it.

What’s been the hardest part?

Watching your calories when you are ill: I found I was either eating too much or not enough.

Have you learnt anything through the process so far?

My existing diet is generally low on key minerals and vitamins on most days. Trying to ensure that I have enough iron is actually
quite difficult.

What words of wisdom would you share with someone wanting to lose weight?

Use the tools that are out there to help keep track of calories and exercise. I found iPhone apps help. I like My Fitness Pal which is Australian and Calorie Count which is American but has great weight loss stories which help with motivation when there is none.

Graeme’s Experience

What have been the immediate changes?

Within two weeks I was wearing clothes that were too small before, I have heaps more energy.

Has anything surprised you about the journey so far?

I’ve stuck to the diet plan my doctor gave me 99% of the time. I’ve also started to have dreams about being thinner – wasn’t expecting that.

What’s been the hardest part?

The biggest challenge is time management, planning when, what and where to eat and finding time to go to the gym.

Have you learnt anything through the process so far?

At the beginning of the program the doctor asked me how many alcoholic drinks I had each week and I said only two or three, but I’ve noticed I’m ordering way more orange juices than that now, so I really underestimated.

What words of wisdom would you share with someone wanting to lose weight?

Tell everyone that you’re doing it. Your friends will be encouraging and help you stay on track. Don’t keep it a secret.