Twenty pounds –I want to lose twenty pounds. Five years after losing fifty-two pounds and changing my life for the better, I find myself on a slippery slope of regression. I’m putting the weight back on and that has to stop. Really, if I’m going to promote the virtues of a healthy lifestyle in Tonic then I have to live it. (Insert “money where your mouth is” or “walk the walk” metaphor here.) So even though I’ve been working out three times a week; two spinning/yoga classes and a run, I’ve got to step things up.

I think the problem is my food intake and my eating patterns. Interestingly, a healthy snack isn’t so healthy if you eat five portions of it at 1:00 a.m. I am also advised by my wife that she is tired of playing Marge Simpson. It’s a thankless job to arch your eyebrow at the weak man reaching for a second brownie. Clearly I lack the motivation and willpower to do this on my own. And that is where you come in dear Tonic readers. I publish this great magazine that inspires and informs and now I’m asking for a little payback. I need you to be my witnesses. You can track my weight loss progress on Twitter @TonicMagazine and provide your comments. (I promise not to tweet graphic iPhone pics.) Feel free to make wagers or gossip amongst yourselves. So there you have it; my masterplan –weight loss through potential public humiliation…or perhaps enthusiastic support. I’m good with either, as long as I lose the weight.

In between tweets, please do read the October issue of Tonic. This month we feature a fantastic guide to organic delivery services (p. 33). Find out which one is best for you. Dr. Bryce Wylde ruminates on the benefits of social media as a health resource (p. 23). Jesseny Rojas tells you how to get a great workout at your desk (p. 42) and Julie Watson dispels myths on breastfeeding and exercise (p. 29). Tonic is the print media sponsor for two fantastic events that I’d like to draw your attention to; All Together Now (p. 4) and the Picnic at the Brick Works (see. p. 65 for details). As always, if you want to provide words of encouragement or you have weightloss tips, or you simply want to comment on Tonic, feel free to contact me.