Lesson 1: The first thing you realise is you don't actually need ALL that food.

It's clear I was eating for the sake of eating and not much more.

Cleaning up my wife's leftovers after I'd already polished off my meal probably wasn't the smartest habit to develop in hindsight.

Lesson 2: Water, water, water.

Oh, yes... it's very important that you make every effort to drown yourself in water.

I've drunk more water this week than I can remember... breakfast, on way to work, at work, after work, at home, after dinner... water, water, water.

There's only one issue with drinking so much water... it's got to, well, you know. I reckon by the time this is over I'll have done 20 kilograms just through the miles spent going to and from the dunny.

Lesson 3: Changing your eating habits isn't the end of the world.

On a serious note, what this week has proven is that it's easier than you think to change eating habits.

It's all about discipline and having people who can show you the right way to go about getting healthier.

Lesson 4: Portion control. 

That's the ticket. Eat in moderation and eat the right foods, that's the main lesson from the week.

Lesson 5: Exercise is actually important.

You will be pleased to know I also made four new friends this week during my first training session with Shape Fitness punisher, ah, sorry, instructor Amy Holmes.

A wooden box. A seven kilogram iron bar. A 10 kilogram iron thingy with a handle. A 5 kilogram ball. Now I get on with most people but just between you and me, I'm not overly fond of this quartet.

The wooden box is pretty lazy, it just sits there and you have to sit on it... over and over again.

The iron bar, ball and iron thingy crave too much attention - you have to keep picking them up!

Lesson 6: Temptation is everywhere

I've never really taken notice of how everything that's bad for you is so stuffed in your face at every turn.

Advertising. Product placement in stores. Offerings at work. That stuff you know is hidden around the house at home. Functions you have to attend.

It's all about discipline, right? 

Summary: Feeling better already

So, how do I feel at the end of week one? Mmmmm... interesting question.

There's no doubt I feel better, both in myself physically and mentally for the fact that I've stuck to this 100 per cent in the first week. Having a go lifts you, absolutely. 

My wonderful wife is supporting me 100 per cent which is also kind of nice.

Promise not to bore you each week with my challenge but thought I'd get a few lessons out early.