Greg took on a new, more senior job in a city two provinces away in early 2003. The move, which played havoc with his routines and meant living separated from his family for over a year, contributed to him gradually regaining almost all the weight he lost during Season One. "When you’re just on your own, there’s not the incentive to make a nice meal," he says. "Too often the tendency is to grab some fast food."
Greg is serious about trying again and is taking advantage of the gym in the new complex where he lives. He’s also looking forward to his family joining him in 2004, and to reinstituting sit-down meals at regular intervals. "I think losing weight is easier with a regular pattern," he says.
The hurdle he has to overcome is one of balance, says Greg. "It’s a very simple truth: energy in, energy out. I have to eat smarter, exercise more. It’s really very simple."
What the Taking It Off experience taught him: "Do not beat yourself up if you have a bad day, because that will turn into a bad week and a bad month. Just break the pattern and keep going."
"I think you have to surround yourself with a healthier community, be it the people you exercise with or the people you eat with. You have to build a whole new infrastructure. It’s not about willpower, it’s about changing your environment to foster a belief that it’s worthwhile doing this."
Greg’s favourite food strategy: "Take a pita bread and cut up pizza vegetables like peppers, olives, tomatoes and onions. Put cheddar cheese on it and into the oven. It’s low calorie and just delicious."
Greg’s favourite exercise strategy: "I found it excellent to exercise first thing in the morning because it forces your body to burn up its reserves. And the truth is, once you get going, you feel wonderful."
