Week 28. Seven months on this journey starting today. Last week was my first up week. For the first time in almost seven months I gained weight: up 1.2 pounds, weighing in at 185.6. So what did I do? Did I get down on myself and slip? No. I got back to work.

Walks with my two favourite girls

Walks with Alright Robyn and Gold Medal Patsy have become a regular thing, and I absolutely love them. Seven months ago I wasn't doing this at all. Now it's time with my wife and our puppy, and it helps with everything.

Staying active outside the plan

• I joined a step challenge with a friend to push my daily steps.
• Weekly tennis is going strong. We've been lucky to never have to wait for a court.
• I tried to cut my ditches and grass. The push mower kept dying, so that turned into a workout of its own.
• I helped clean up the overgrown pond at my mom's place with my brother and a friend's mini excavator. Weeds taller than me.

Healthy barbecue

I've been grilling vegetables with just olive oil, salt, pepper and a little cayenne. I also tried peaches on the barbecue for the first time. The sweet ones were amazing. Next time I'm trying cinnamon and nutmeg.

Willpower moments

We grabbed Firehouse Subs for lunch while working. I had a salad and didn't take a bite of anything else. After our shawarma review, the Right Choice crew went back to Shawarma House in Welland. No shawarma for Joe. A lot of willpower this week. Watch to see if it paid off on the scale.

Joe is not a doctor or a dietitian. This is his personal journey. Talk to your healthcare provider before making big changes to your diet or exercise.