Hi bizi,

I should clarify, I am not a great condiment consumer - a small squeeze of yoghurt and garlic sauce on a baked potato once a week, and now fries are out so is ketchup. I do count my allocation of skimmed milk I use in tea, and obviously fruit juices - everything natural, unsweetened, vitamin enriched.

I am a Diabetic, another factor in my need to lose this belly fat. I have my levels checked at my GP's during my Annual Review, last year it was 6.9. I have developed new/further deterioration in the form of sharp needle stabbing pains in my feet, legs and hands this year. I have full bloods being done on 12th of this month, with a GP Review a week later.

Gerry, I have spoken with one of my GPs about calorie count and vitamin/mineral deficiencies - although I am eating better now than I have for years. My diet was not particularly bad, it was the extras and the sheer amount that was the problem. Anyway, my GP was very supportive with a count of around 1200kcals being a good starting point. Remember, due to the pain and my injuries I am very sedentary. It is easier to pop a couple of hundred more cals on mid afternoon with a cereal bar and an apple than it is to scrounge around to make further cuts once the diet is established.

I really do appreciate everyone's advice and encouragement, the weight may have started dropping quite quickly (as before), but this IS very hard.

Dave.