Profile: Why I chose to become a 'clean eater'

I'm sad I didn't realise it at the time, but as a teenager, I had a lovely slim, athletic figure. At this point in my life I also became a vegetarian.

Then came university, with the associated alcohol, takeaways, and insufficient exercise. Upon graduation, the vegetarianism ended and the Atkins diet, combined with regular gym attendance, shed the extra weight. This was followed by 11 years of shift work and self-delusion. How I didn't realise I would put weight on if I ate a whole bag of sweets in a shift, or regularly ate takeaways in the middle of night, or drank far too much alcohol on my days off, I will never know. In hindsight, even the packed lunches I took left a lot to be desired. And portion sizes, I'll not even start on that! How I didn't notice the weight creeping on, I have no idea, but it came and came and came. I have always exercised, but for much of the time with little purpose or result.

But this has all changed. Firstly, I actually noticed I was officially overweight. Then, I found out by just how much – obese as opposed to overweight by BMI standards. I made a commitment to being a fitter, healthier and happier person and last year I lost three stone. I have learned a lot about myself, diet, and exercise. I have been fortunate to have the support of family, friends, and even Facebook group members I have never even met.

I am now learning more about health, nutrition and exercise and am endeavouring to 'eat clean'. This is not a new concept and can be taken as far as you want. 'Clean eating' involves cutting out (or cutting down) on processed foods, refined sugars and saturated fats. I can't say that I am taking this to the nth degree, but I have certainly begun eating more fruit and vegetables, less meat, and I rarely eat refined sugar. I'm eating a much greater variety of food, and I'm enjoying learning and trying new things. From a self confessed choc and cakeaholic, this is big – I am not craving sugar and feel little or no need for cake. Equally, I am happy to make occasional exceptions if the situation demands it. I believe that eating for health and fitness is a life long commitment, not a temporary fix, so in the long term, it is OK to indulge, as long as it remains the exception and not the norm.

I'd love it if you shared my journey with me, and shared your own experiences too.