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Published 10:45 23 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 four weeks ago... here's their fourth report!
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WEEK FOUR
Sarah Smyth
Christmas! Yes, we have 13 weeks to go.
This week we have been set a challenge; "Take something from your wardrobe that doesn't fit anymore and hang up somewhere in your bedroom so you can see it everyday."
The aim is to fit back into this item for Christmas. I have picked a blue dress I wore to a wedding once, and it hasn't gone near me since. My aim is to lose a pound a week. This should be achievable. But in order to lose one pound a week I need to PLAN my shopping and dinners for the week ahead, stick each day’s plan to the fridge so I know when I come home from a busy day what I’m making and that have all ingredients there to make it. You could also cook a low fat Shepard's Pie and freeze some of it, that way if you’re tired or running late you don't have to cook! Your backup is there, ready to go and you know what's in it - all good, healthy, low-fat food.
Height: 5:5
Starting weight: 15 ½ stone
Planned weight loss: 2 stone
Weight loss to date: 7 lbs
Warren Barry
In this week’s class Gwen set the group a challenge. There are 13 weeks until Christmas, so with this in mind Gwen spoke about the pitfalls of this period. Several options were put to the group; a stone in 13 weeks was the one I could relate to, as dropping a dress size didn't really hold any attraction for me!
Gwen broke down how to achieve this challenge. It all comes back to similar topics covered in previous meetings: committing to the challenge, having the knowledge on how to realise the goal and self belief.
Height: 5'9
Starting weight: 15 stone 3
Planned weight loss: 1 stone
Weight loss to date: 2.5 lbs
Laura Kavanagh
This week I dropped 2Ibs and the two main reasons were planning my meals, and exercising three times in the week. By following some of the Weight Watchers recipes, such Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetable Curry this allowed me to get out of what they call ‘food boredom’ and become adventurous! Both dishes were extremely delicious and were both under 10 . By planning to have the ingredients in, helped me to avoid making poor meal decisions. In addition to eating properly, exercising played a big role. I trained three times in the week and walked on my lunch hours with work mates as much as I could.
This week’s class:
So, it’s 13 weeks to Christmas! This week’s class was about setting a target until Christmas and sticking to it. Gwen explained, no one should go aiming for 3 stone by Christmas as that would be a set up for failure! My aim is 1Ib a week. I’m committing to the full 13 weeks, that's 13Ib lighter by the time Santa arrives and I've still got holidays to get through!
For this to happen I will have to follow the four steps that Gwen pointed out in our meeting:
1. Commitment
That’s mean not missing any of Gwen’s classes and staying focused on the plan ahead (mine is on losing 13lbs).
2. Knowledge
It’s all out there. You just have to find it! Weight Watchers website has brilliant success stories, recipes and tips. Their Facebook page is also there for support and guidance. There are people telling their story, asking questions and looking for support.
3. Preparation
The key to success is to plan ahead, positive thinking and staying focused. This can only be done by shopping with several meals in mind for the week ahead in mind and sticking to it.
4. Belief
Positive thinking along with confidence will help you achieve your goals in weight loss.
I’ll take one week a time, and hopefully 1Ibs at time.
Height: 5:3
Starting weight: 11 ½ stone
Planned weight loss: 1 stone
Weight loss to date: 3 lbs
Sarah Moore
So we have 13 weigh-ins until Christmas and we were set a task - losing at least a pound a week up until then. This is possible but I’m finding it difficult to measure my weight loss as the weigh-ins come around. Last week I stayed the exact same weight, but this week I lost 2.5 pounds. I’m delighted with that result and I can only assume it is down to snacking on the right foods during the day.
To succeed in our Christmas challenge, we have to focus on 4 areas: Commitment, Preparation, Knowledge and Belief. I shall let you know how I get on with this next week.
Height: 5'7
Starting weight: 13.5 stone
Planned weight loss: 1.5 stone
Weight loss to date: 3.5 lbs
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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