I have been dieting now for 5 months, and am in the final month of my plan.

This has been the most satistfying diet plan that I have ever followed. I have consistantly hit my targets, month after month after month and am now in sight of my goal. That goal was 12st7lb with no significant reduction in lean mass, I wanted to lose 3st of fat – and I have (except 3lb to lose this month).

The main factors in this success have been…

1. Weighing myself everyday and entering the data into an analysis tool such as DietPower.
2. Adjusting the daily calorie allowance in line with actual weight loss.
3. Cardiovascular exercise to improve overall fitness and give a greater calorie allowance each day.
4. Weight lifting to build or maintain muscle which improves metabolic rate and makes the weight loss healthier than losing a mix of fat and muscle.

Now I am considering where to go from here. My goal weight wasn’t overly ambitious. In fact, I still have a BMI of around 27, but on the other hand my body fat percentage is around 17%, which is slap bang in the centre of the healthy range for my age.

I have changed my mind several times. I am trying to decide whether to aim to stick at 12st7lb, or go for 12st0lb.