Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Alan Mullen

'I know I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I'm mentally determined to do it for myself'

When I applied for Operation Transformation I knew what I was getting myself into, writes Alan Mullen.

WE ARE IN week four and I hope that someone is getting help from my advice every week.

Yet again, a Tuesday morning doesn’t pass without a weigh in and we’re down 7 and a ½ pounds, which is yet another great week of hard work in the gym and on the road.

So, during the weekend I headed off to Manchester for some time to chill, but been determined to get the pounds down I was out running and exercising for the time I was there. Yes of course I had a night out and I ate a Sunday dinner. They are a rare treat to me.

England was great. Whatever restaurant I went to there are free salad bars for the customer to use as much as they feel like. I’ve never seen this done before and I think it’s a great idea for businesses, because of some people that might want to try and eat healthy do go out for a night.

934735_964405306959792_1852027708725976583_n

I got back from Manchester on Monday morning and headed straight back to the gym as I felt my body was craving it.

I suppose just to get a good burnout and clear the mind. I feel like it’s some sort of drug that gives you a high and it’s an even better high when you see the weight dropping.

I don’t mind saying that I used to have to shop in Tesco for my clothes because it was the only place that fitted me now. For a 20 or 21-year-old,  that is a terrible knock to your confidence that you can’t shop where all your mates shop.

12642615_965032210230435_7914214654229103991_n Alan Mullen Alan Mullen

For someone as heavy as myself, you blame everyone else, but yourself. When you really sit down and think about it you realise no one made you eat that food, that was your decision. It wasn’t forced down your neck and you have to be able to understand that.

No one else can help you lose the weight only yourself. It’s your mind that chooses what you want to do in life. You just have to pick the right path for you. I know I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I’m mentally determined to do it for myself.

Some people on this planet hate to see others succeed in life, because they can’t succeed. All you can ever do for these people is just laugh, because in the long term you will always be the better person.

Alan's meal diary
1 / 7
  • Alan's meal diary

  • Alan's meal diary

  • Alan's meal diary

  • Alan's meal diary

  • Alan's meal diary

  • Alan's meal diary

  • Alan's meal diary

So, I watched RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live on Monday with the debate about reality weight loss shows and Operation Transformation and there were some brilliant facts from both parties on it.

Something that stood out for me was, when I applied for Operation Transformation I knew what I was getting myself into. It never crossed my mind about being made a show of for wearing Lycra, and to be honest it never crossed my mind because it is all part and parcel of the programme.

Operation Transformation changed my life. I’ll admit that, but no one did this for me, only myself. I was giving the tools to lose the pounds and that’s what I have done. I will always carry those tools.

Claire Claire Byrne Live RTÉ RTÉ

In my opinion, I think it’s a great thing to be able to get all the towns and villages in the country out on them cold nights in January and February and get that health kick started for people.

My motivation for you guys this week is very simple, but very effective: When you feel like you want to quit, think about why you started this journey.

Anyone with any questions or wants to follow my plan and see my progress can check me out on Facebook at Alan Mullen OT Leader 2015 and until next week enjoy your health.

Alan Murph Mullen will  be keeping us up to date on his progress as he follows this year’s Operation Transformation. He’ll be writing about his fitness, his meals and his motivations. Keep up on Operation Transformation on their website here and catch up with the videos on YouTube here. You can also stay up to date on Facebook.

He’s also now on Snapchat:

alan

Tune in to the programme every  Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8.30pm on RTÉ ONE. Catch up on episodes on the RTÉ Player.

Read: ‘I weighed a colossal 27 stone aged 21. I was one of the fattest people ever on RTE’s Operation Transformation’>

Read: ‘Looking back at how much weight I’ve lost, it makes me realise that you really can achieve your goals’>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 20 comments
Close
20 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @Aoifs2707
    Favourite @Aoifs2707
    Report
    Feb 4th 2016, 9:24 PM

    Keep it up! You’re doing fantastic fair play to you x

    125
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinead Hanley
    Favourite Sinead Hanley
    Report
    Feb 4th 2016, 8:56 PM

    Keep up the good work Murph. You are my daughters favourite Operation Transformation leader.

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Augustus hoop
    Favourite Augustus hoop
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 9:57 AM

    Oh murph…… Can I, eh, have your autograph….. It’s….. Eh….. For my ‘daughter’. Thanks. Oh….. And any chance of a selfie too… Yeah my, eh, ‘daughter’ would love that…. And a hug?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Owen.K74
    Favourite Owen.K74
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 12:04 AM

    Well done I recently joined slimming world and I’m down 1.7 stone so I know how he feels well done again

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fiona Keating
    Favourite Fiona Keating
    Report
    Feb 4th 2016, 10:02 PM

    Great work, keep it up. Love hearing your story

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Oran Joyce
    Favourite Oran Joyce
    Report
    Feb 4th 2016, 9:25 PM

    Seriously.
    Who cares?

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Uncle Denise
    Favourite Uncle Denise
    Report
    Feb 4th 2016, 10:01 PM

    It’s good to see people sorting themselves out but why do we commend people for eating properly and exercising. Instead we should be harder on those that don’t.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle_Herbert
    Favourite Michelle_Herbert
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 1:22 AM

    Arseh*le

    28
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Destroyer
    Favourite The Destroyer
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 6:20 AM

    well said Oran and Uncle.. people dont like to hear the obvious, soon we will hear well done for getting out of bed.. The 6.20am here, and I am having breakfast, then off to gym.. Wheres my gold star??

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Augustus hoop
    Favourite Augustus hoop
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 7:13 AM

    I care – because (I) I’ve enough empathy to want people (whether I know them or not to be happy) (2) every less obese person is less strain on the health system and (3) it is unusual for someone once they put the weight off to keep it off, so anyone inspiring others to do the same benefits us all.
    Fair play murph.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute RICHARD Paul
    Favourite RICHARD Paul
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 7:56 AM

    Last year we had gay marriage. This year we have fat people losing weight. I can’t wait for 2017 !

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Len Brennan
    Favourite Len Brennan
    Report
    Feb 4th 2016, 8:14 PM

    I know what that fella eats for breakfast.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Ryan
    Favourite Sean Ryan
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 3:28 PM

    f******* sick of this operation transformation shite……………..its their own fault they end up obese in the first place

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Miller
    Favourite Miller
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 11:04 AM

    Good man keep up the good work

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Del Bear
    Favourite Del Bear
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 9:48 AM

    The meals look really tasty actually! I need some variety with my food! I always just end up making a stirfry when I’m trying to eat well which I get bored off and that’s when I end up having a bit of a pig-out! I follow the Bodycoach on Facebook and Instagram and he often posts meal ideas that look quick and tasty .. I have yet to try them out though.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john truman
    Favourite john truman
    Report
    Feb 5th 2016, 10:25 AM

    That picture reminds me of the movie stuck on you

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds