I'm writing this post in the Qantas lounge waiting for our connecting flight back to Melbourne after a week in sunny, warm Phuket, Thailand. We were escaping the cold and flew north to the beach to defrost at a resort which had a full-board package. The package included all meals (3 restaurants) and drinks package. Here are some reflections: + as you know, I am not a moderator and very much an abstainer. I had to build in some 'AFDs' alcohol free days as the daiquiris and other cocktails were made with a pre-mix syrup which was really sweet. I ended up swapping for a 'Manao Soda' which is soda water and refreshing Thai lime - delicious. + I love crispy pork which is my favourite street food - an easy filling option to find on every street corner food stall. + as we don't usually eat breakfast - the morning buffet felt like a trap - just because it's there doesn't mean I have to partake. In the end, I chose a few slices of cucumber for some crunch and we didn't even go down on 2 mornings. + as we've been to Phuket a number of times when we were living Thailand, we didn't need to do the touristy things. Instead we booked daily fitness classes with a trainer - pilates, body weight training, stretching and yoga. In the end we did 5 classes - was great to focus on health and wellbeing. + with our focus on health and wellbeing we would then go for a Thai massage - or as I like to call it - being turned into a pretzel! So good to be stretched and pummelled out all the stresses and strains.... + I did enjoy some 'non-compliant' food which is my favourite Northern Thai curry which was on offer at one of the restaurants - Khao Soi - which has a yellow curry base with chicken and egg noodles. In the end, I don't think I too 'off plan' but enjoyed my favourite things about Thailand with a focus on health and wellbeing.

I've been reflecting on a feeling - a bit hummphhhh - that I have lost interest in food and/or eating. I don't know if it's because I'm busy [but then again, we are all busy with our lives], stressed, tired and definitely in need of a holiday. Recently, I've changed back from ADF (alternate day fasting) and cooking every day. While, I love cooking but daily cooking is a chore! ADF is so convenient - no mess, no fuss, and no dishes. I have good habits, I love cooking with my Thermomix, so have tried many new recipes and meal planning makes the cognitive load easier. Interested to hear your thoughts.

Sunday's a good day to plan, not panic. One thing you're doing today/tonight to make Monday easier? 👇

BBQs, garden parties, "just one drink" — summer's when this way of eating gets properly tested. What's the situation that trips you up most: the food, the peer pressure or feeling like the odd one out?

What is the worst advice you ever received — the one that sounded so right and did so much damage, running in the background of your life for years? Mine was either “Low Fat,” which I think we can all say was not helpful, but another was, "just try harder." It’s amazing how long it too me to see how much of my life was organized around trying harder at the thing I was never going to outrun with effort. What’s yours?