Control and moderation are the mantras David Paynter, The Royal Gazette's 100 Day Challenge columnist, says are going to carry him through the holiday weekend.

So even though fish cakes will be frying and hot cross buns will be served, David plans to get through the weekend with a plate and a plan.

No more picking, David is going to dish up a plate, eat and then continue with his day.

He said: "I will have my fish cakes and hot cross buns but I won't overdo it. It's like hors d'oeuvres. You get to the end of the day and you think 'How many things did I have today?'

"I am going to use a plate. You eat and you're done. It's just control. If you have a craving have some of it. So if you crave chocolate, have a piece of it."

So even though David is changing his lifestyle, his daughter Alyssa will still be getting chocolate from the Easter Bunny — he just won't be overindulging.

It's this discipline that has helped him over the half-way hump in the 100 Day Challenge and since last week he has lost another three pounds.

That brings him to a total of 33 pounds and a belt that continues to be trimmed. After already cutting it by almost six inches, David says his belt will need another nine inches off for it to fit him.

Because he has been consistently losing weight over weeks, though, David says he doesn't see a dramatic loss like many of his friends and family members.

He said: "I have set the time back. I am probably at the weight I was when I left school at 18. It's a cool feeling now I get double takes.

"I have see it come off in stages so it's not as drastic for me."