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Published 17:00 17 Sept 2013 BST
Updated 07:30 18 Dec 2014 GMT
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Embarking on a healthier lifestyle is tough at the best of times, but it's a whole lot easier with your buddies by your side.
Knowing that to be true, we paired up with our pals at Weight Watchers to offer a group of friends who live together a free place on a 12 week Weight Watchers programme.
Households across the country got in touch, and now we've found our new Weight Watchers ambassadors for Her.ie!
The emphasis is on eating healthy meals, not starving yourself or pushing yourself beyond physical limitations, and nothing is ‘forbidden’ as long as you stick to your ProPoints allocation.
These housemates will be sharing their story and inspiring others by writing a weekly blog for Her.ie, giving an honest first-hand account of their efforts.
The lifestyle change began for our volunteers three weeks ago... here's their third report!
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WEEK THREE
Sarah Smyth
This week we are learning to cook, the Weight Watchers way. This is great way to learn to cook all your favourites, like lasagna and Shepard's pie in a more low-fat way that still tastes good. I find the weekly classes really good too, as you get to hear other people’s stories of success and struggles. I bought the Weight Watchers calculator, which helps a lot to calculate your ProPoints in more accurate way. I also purchased the shopping book, so I know what ProPoints are in all foods when I’m going to the supermarket. I'm finding healthy eating great, and trying to keep up with exercise at the same time. I’m starting to see results too, a pair a jeans that never fitted before fit me now, wahoo! I’m gaining more confidence too, so I just need to keep up the hard work to get to the landmark of losing that first stone.
Height: 5:5
Starting weight: 15 ½ stone
Planned weight loss: 2 stone
This week: Lost 2lbs
Warren Barry
This week’s class was about the importance of pre-planning when it comes to weekly food shopping. The benefits of sticking to purchasing planned meals include healthier meals and spending less on impulse buys.?Progress this week was not on the same level this week for me, but this was largely due to the fact that I was on a stag weekend over the weekend.?Best get back tracking so I continue to see results!
Height: 5'9
Starting weight: 15 stone 3
Planned weight loss: 1 stone
This week: Lost 1/2 lb
Laura Kavanagh
In this week’s class we spoke about family friendly meal plans. It’s obvious that cooking separate dishes for yourself and your family (or roomies) will drive you crazy. So by making plan-friendly recipes it’s not only delicious but cost effective. This week I knew I would be busy with work so I wouldn’t have time to make a lasagne or curry, so instead I bought some Weight Watchers ready meals. As I thought, I came home tired and didn’t want to cook for 30 minutes, so instead I ate a Weight Watchers lasagne for 8 with a salad. I was full and delighted I didn’t make the bold move and get a takeaway or not eat at all. Purchasing these meals allowed me to not make poor eating decisions.
Height: 5:3
Starting weight: 11 ½ stone
Planned weight loss: 1 stone
This week: No change
Sarah Moore
So this week in Gwen's class we learnt about the importance of planning. I find this is one of the most important, but also one of the more difficult, things to do. Being prepared means that you don't make bad choices! I think I probably wasn't as prepared for the entire week as I could have been. In the beginning I was, I had snacks and ingredients for lunch and also some things for dinner but as the week dragged on and the food disappeared, I resorted to buying my lunch in the shop near work or eating something for dinner which may not have been as 'filling and healthy' as it could have been. Gwen also took a look at the different values which are found in various meats. Even switching the type of meat you use in a recipe can save you a number of ProPoints.?Exercise is also extremely important. I know it's getting more difficult with the evenings getting shorter and colder but it plays a big part in your weight loss. I've been neglecting this a bit, but am on the way to making more of an effort from now on.?At the beginning of each week, plan your meals! Decide on what you want for each day or evening and buy the ingredients, that way you won't make bad choices. It's also easier in the evening if you have already decided what you're going to have for dinner. I also tried and tested some of the Weight Watchers ready meals this week. They are quite tasty and to make them even more filling, add a side salad. Delish!?The thing to remember is… fail to plan = plan to fail.
Height: 5'7
Starting weight: 13.5 stone
Planned weight loss: 1.5 stone
This week: No change
Check back on these pages weekly for regular updates from the foursome, and if you want to find out more about Weight Watchers classes in your area, you can do so here.
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