Welcome back, dec. Sorry I beat you to it. You can go first tomorrow! You're making a great start to the New Year with your healthy eating and exercise plans. Obviously your cruise was too upmarket if it had thin Americans on it.

Patsy, I'm liking your positive thinking.

BQ, if you lose a pound a fortnight you'll be almost two stone lighter next Christmas. Little steps work.

Welcome MargaretH. If you look back at the weight loss posts that start DAY 277, DAY 276 you'll get the idea. We're all following the book and CD "I can make you Thin".

Twinkle, of course you will keep up the good work. This time next year you will be all sparkly AND slender!

SL, concentrate on how much you have lost since we started. You can lose even more this year.

Anne18, you are not the only one dreading the weight in. I've been baking, drinking and nibbling with the neighbours (I say nibbling, shovelling would perhaps be a more apt description!), and couch potatoing on the sofa. My weigh in result will be what I deserve, and I doubt it'll be a gold star, dec! However, I am still loads lighter than I was this time last year. I've had no millionaire's shortbread at all this Festive Season, just Pringles, McCoys, pistachios, cashews, peanuts, sausage rolls, snowflecked brownies, rocky road, cranberry and white chocolate cookies, cherry cake, chocolate cake and some sweeties. And that's just breakfast!! (Only kidding).

I'm working on the 80/20 rule. I've been very naughty for 10 days, so I will have to be very noble for the next forty!

Did you know, it's very hard to type with your fingers crossed behind your back