Wow. Three months ago I had no idea what the PCP journey was going to be all about, and now already the whole experience is in the past.
Amazing programme - hats off to Patrick and Chen. You have this thing TOTALLY sorted and ironed out. The most incredible thing is how the programme is a "one size fits all". I never thought there could be a programme that could suit males, females, all shapes, sizes, fitness levels and personality types. You guys have it mastered. I cannot recommend the PCP highly enough to anyone considering a challenge, change and hoping for some self-improvement, both inside and out.
I think the thing that I took most from PCP was the emotional and mental part. Sure, it felt great to wake up my body, get some tone and firm up some wobbly places. Not to mention the buzz of shaking off nearly 5 kilos of unloved excess flab hanging around unwelcome places. But it was the feel good factor that was addictive. It was the falling in love with healthy food again that was empowering. And finally, it was breaking free from all those negative and bad food habits - for me, mostly of the sweet variety that was truly life changing.
I, unlike some of my more tough and strong will-powered fellow PCPers, did not make at 100% commitment to both the food and exercise for the full 90 days. However, the challenge for me was always personal and private right from the start. It was not about proving myself to anyone else or having myself monitored by others - be it supportive family or friends, or strangers on the internet. PCP for me was about challenging myself mentally and physically and proving to MYSELF that I can self-improve and better myself and enjoy the process, not hate it.
However, I have also learnt that I do not flourish in a strict regime. It tends to well up feelings of rebellion and resentment. I am best left in charge of myself, but while following a healthy and happy guideline in terms of nutrition and exercise.
To have given up the highs and lows associated with drinking alcohol for 90 days has been phenomenal. I realise how awesome the day can be if it does not start with a cloudy head or a nausea that is hard to shake until you reach 11 am. I have not missed the drinking at all - apart from with friends or enjoying a great meal in a restaurant. However, I have enjoyed two evenings of drinking wine (but moderate amounts) with friends in the last week, and now that it is a treat, not a norm, there is even more pleasure derived from it.
I realise now how often I would reach for a cookie before a piece of fruit and am horrified that all these years of eating "healthy" muesli, special K or all bran for breakfast has been a calorie packed con ! I now adore my one piece of low gi bread with veg, sometimes with an egg added as a treat, and plan on continuing this very good habit for years, not months to come.
The support/blogging/email part was essential to remain motivated. Without that, there is no doubt, that more people would struggle to remain focused for the whole 90 PCP days. I was incredibly fortunate to land in such a funny, witty, honest and determined group. Puck it guys - we WERE the coolest gang. No doubt about that ! Your results are all phenonmenal. Although I have never met you and don't know if you have brothers or sisters, I feel like I know you all and am proud of your results and merriment throughout the journey - good and bad days for us all.
Lastly, I would like to thank Bruce for his consistency and enthusiasm for the programme. He impressed me past my wildest expectations with his drive, determination, tunnel vision and dedication to the programme, the weight loss, the change of his nutritional outlook and his new found passion for exercise. Deep down, it was always his results I was the most excited about. However, he exceeded all the goals set by PCP and more importantly, by himself. I have gained a new, healthier, more energetic, younger, happier and handsomer husband than I had three months ago. That in itself has made the PCP the most incredible success in our household. Even the kids are benefiting from a dad who is fitter and more happy inside and now happy to see himself in photos, not embarassed. Wowzers !!!
So to anyone reading this wondering if they should join PCP - my advice is just give it a whirl. 90 days is a minor portion of your life. When I think pregnancy is 3 times that, it makes me realise what a short time commitment PCP is. However, don't kid yourself. PCP is not for sissies. It is not for lazy arses. And it certainly is not for the weak willed or unmotivated. Do it. You learn so much about yourself. All of it is good. To self-improve and move forward can NEVER be a bad thing. PCP will change your life. DO IT.
