A TRUCKER has told how his “belly doesn’t hit the steering wheel anymore” after his massive 40 Day Health Challenge weight loss.
Garry Corbally, from Dublin, is one of 16 people working with GP Dr Sumi Dunne, clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, personal trainer Karl Henry and dietitian Sophie Pratt to improve their physical and mental health.
The exciting challenge in association with The Irish Sun and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio – and you can follow along at thesun.ie.
In this week’s episode, Garry said he is delighted with his progress so far.
Karl revealed the dad’s latest stats and said: “You were 107kg on day one, today you are 101.5kg.
“You are 15 pounds down. Next we’re going to have a look at your waistline. Very important.
“Your waistline day one was 50 inches. Four inches down in 20 days.”
Dr Sumi added: “That is incredible. And you need to say, I did that. Yeah, I think you’re amazing. I really do.
“I really, really do think you’re amazing.”
And Garry said he can really see the changes in himself.
He said: “I actually, I looked down at myself Thursday.
“My belly doesn’t hit the steering wheel anymore.
“Yeah, yeah. And you know, for having done it in 20 days, it’s just I can’t believe it.
“Honest to God. Such a change and I’m loving it. Honest to Christ, yeah, I’m loving it.
“That’s not something that I’ve felt in a long, long time.”
The 52-year-old said he has “energy that I don’t think I’ve ever had” since starting the challenge on January 6.
He added: “I’m not saying that lightly, you know I have a laugh and a joke but I really have felt at the half way point, my life has just turned upside down.
“Even in the evening after a day’s work, for me to look to want to go out and feel that if I don’t get out I’m after cheating myself.
“It’s unreal, I can’t explain it.”
IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Meanwhile, recruit Caroline Murphy has opened up on her struggles with imposter syndrome.
On a mission to lose some weight that she gained with menopause and during Covid, Caroline wants to be a “better version” of herself.
Businesswoman Caroline, owner of West Cork Eggs, told 40 Day Health Challenge pro Chris how she battled with her self-belief and self-confidence.
She said: “The hardest bit about it is you have to face things perhaps I didn’t want to face.”
Some 70 per cent of professionals suffer from imposter syndrome at some stage, according to impostersyndrome.ie
The pair discussed how sometimes it’s “easier to speak negatively about yourself”.
Caroline said: “I’d be the one like – there’s 10 questions, you get nine right. I’m still looking at the one that I got wrong.”
The mum-of-four questioned why imposter syndrome occurs but discussing it with Chris, they realised it’s a battle for many.
The experts said: “Sometimes our struggles become bigger when we don’t speak about them, but as you can see from this clip, a problem shared is a problem halved.”
HOW TO WATCH THE EPISODES
THE latest episodes of the 40 Day Health Challenge are now available at the 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.
Readers can also follow all the action and get the latest updates, meal plans, exercises and mental health tips from Thesun.ie and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio during the 40 days.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy explained five psychological tips to help combat imposter syndrome.
Dr Eddie suggests talking back to your inner critic.
He said: “Challenge negative thoughts that make you feel like a fraud.
“For example, when your mind says, ‘I’m not good enough’,counter it with evidence of your achievements, like a project you nailed or praise you’ve received.
“Remember, your inner critic is just one voice—it doesn’t define reality. It’s not you.”
The 40 Day Health Challenge coach explained why keeping a “wins” journal is important.
He said: “Write down your accomplishments, no matter how small.
“Reviewing these can help you see patterns of success and build confidence.
“It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come, so a journal acts as a personal cheerleader when self-doubt creeps in.”
Glazed Pork Chop with Baby Potatoes
Serves 2 (each serving contains approximately 500 kcal)
Suitable for vegetarians if alternatives to pork chops are used.
Ingredients:
1 garlic clove (4g)
2 tbsp honey (30g)
Pinch of chilli flakes (1g)
2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce (30g)
2 boneless loin pork chops (well-trimmed of excess fat) (150g each)*
300g baby potatoes
1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil (15g)
150g asparagus
*Suitable vegetarian alternatives for pork chops are:
350g tofu
530g mycoprotein such as Quorn vegan pieces
445g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
The method:
Peel and mince the garlic and place in a shallow dish with the honey, chilli flakes and soy sauce.
Mix to combine and then add the pork chops, mix well to ensure they are well covered. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to develop if time allows.
Cut the baby potatoes in half if large and place into a saucepan pan of boiling water.
Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the oil and then add the marinated pork chops (reserving the marinade) and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
Pour in the reserved marinade with a splash of water and spoon over the chops to create a nice glaze.
Meanwhile, trim the asparagus and place in a saucepan of boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
Drain the potatoes and asparagus and serve on plate with the glazed pork chops, drizzling over a little of the sauce left in the frying pan to serve.
Dietitian Sophie Pratt said: “Garlic is a powerful anti-inflammatory food which can help reduce the risk of harmful diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer etc.2
