Judith Wills
So as we had our first day of the summer of sun on Sunday last, I made a foolish suggestion to Husband. "Why don't we see if there are any National Gardens Scheme gardens open nearby and have an afternoon out?"
Despite the fact that he wanted to watch the Grand Prix, he agreed (we recorded it) and we found what sounded like a super garden about 25 miles away, nestling beneath the east Brecon Beacons and near Llangorse Lake.
A woodland walk over the estate and 10-acre garden would burn off calories, I was pleased to note - and so off we went to Treberfydd, a Victorian Gothic mansion.
We did indeed potter around the gardens and woodlands for around an hour, then had a tour of the house. That would have burnt around 200 calories, I think, though I didn't go above a slow walk at any stage.
Then of course I needed a cup of tea. So I joined the queue and as I waited in line, I realised I had had nothing to eat since breakfast. Being Sunday, it had been 11 am brunch actually, the full bacon/egg/mushrooms/tomato/toast etc etc thing, so I don't normally eat anything else until supper on a Sunday.
But as I was in a different place and the fresh air had worked me up a small or perhaps imaginary appetite, I became more and more tempted by the home-made offerings on the trestle. My favourite - scones topped with jam and cream. Also a beautiful-looking carrot cake. Then I spied a huge, butter iced cake finished with walnut halves. Coffee and walnut cake! Haven't had a slice of that in a long, long while. I could smell it, I could imagine it.
Stay firm! Stay firm! I kept talking to myself as I headed to the top of the queue. Tea, cup of tea, that's all you want.
So I'm there. 'Two cups of tea, please.' No hesitation here. 'And two scones and two slices of coffee and walnut cake.'
Not all for me, I have to say - Husband had half. But I still reckon the total calorie tally for the snack, which was wolfed down in around three minutes, must have been about 600, minimum.
The house and garden was lovely; we had a super afternoon out. But still, several days later, I'm feeling mega-annoyed with myself over the cake. I reckon the only way I am ever going to stick to the eating plan I really want to do (basically, sugar- and low-grade carbs- free) is to sit at home, never have any guests or family to stay or to dinner, never go out, and order the weekly groceries online. As soon as I deviate from isolation, I can't resist. Someone, tell me the answer please.
Catch up with Judith Wills' weight loss blog.
Join the discussion on Saga Zone
Judith Wills' Diet Challenge forum thread.