I WOULD consider myself a strong-willed individual. When I put my mind to something, I generally see it through. And I was doing so well with my new meat-free lifestyle, too. Until last week.

You see, this week's column is something of a confession. Despite my conversion to a greener, veggie existence, temptation was thrown in my path - in the form of a new restaurant opening right underneath my office. Specialising in chicken. And, even worse, giving it away to offices nearby.

Blinded by the offer of free food, I was soon happily munching on half a roast chicken with extra-hot chilli sauce without a thought for my poor birds at home.

As you might imagine, I got a few odd looks from my co-workers and a couple of people come over to let me know how shocked they were at my apparent sudden lack of conscience.

Well, my friends, read on because there's more.

If I'm spilling the organic beans, I suppose I must also confess that on Christmas day I had a few slices of goose that I had cooked for the two boys.

Well, it smelled so good when it came out of the oven and I had cooked far too much for them that I thought it not very eco of me to throw it away!

In between Christmas and New Year was also a bad time for my vegetarian alter-ego. A few pork pies and a couple of burgers later and I was almost back to my old carnivorous self.

Well, I have seen the error of my ways and I am now firmly back on the vegetarian track. In my limited defence, I have 31 years of eating meat to fight against and I have always said I'm not giving up meat because I don't like it, I'm giving it up because I think the meat industry is cruel and unfair.

Cold turkey

It's hard going cold turkey, so to speak.

On the bright side, perhaps my confession will help other people in the same boat.

If you are new to the vegetarian life or even if you've been living meat-free for years, don't get caught up in guilt if you slip up and eat meat. As long as you realise and get back on the vegetarian path, then that's all anybody can ask for.

As for my own chickens, Penelope is looking really bad at the moment. She lost her tail feathers last week but now she has lost most of the feathers around her neck.

I think she is feeling the cold a little because she is very reluctant to come out of the coop and doesn't seem herself.

I don't think it's anything too serious because the other two are not showing any symptoms.

I'll keep my eye on her but I think it's nothing more than moulting. It's just a shame she could not wait until the summer.

I'm pleased to say my family have not broken anything this week, so I'm doing well on my resolution of not buying anything new for a full year.

I've also been told that I might be able to claim on the house insurance for the oven door so that will be even better.

I'd like to hear from other people who are trying not to buy as much or even nothing this year. What are you going to do when it comes to birthdays, or other special occasions where you're expected to bring a gift?

I could always give a fresh loaf, some home brew and a few dozen eggs but I don't think my two boys will be over the moon if they received those on their birthdays and I don't think my wife would appreciate me giving home brew to the boys either …

Contact Ben with your eco tips and ideas at ben.hughes@men-news.co.uk