Earlier this month we put out a call for an adventurous couple who wanted to make a healthy lifestyle change together.

Karen and Mark answered that call and, over the next twelve weeks, they’ll be giving us an honest, in-depth account about what life is like when you’re on the Weight Watchers plan. They’ll also be helping and supporting each other along the way.

This week, Karen and Mark are talking about first weigh-in nerves, learning all about the ProPoints plan and getting into the swing of things.

To read Karen and Mark’s story and all the things they hope to achieve from following the Weight Watchers plan, click here.

Mark and Karen have taken up the Weight Watchers challenge!

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Name: Mark

Starting Weight: 14st 5lbs

I went into my first Weight Watchers class on Tuesday and had my first weigh-in. I weighed in at 14st 5lbs and was told that my target should be to lose seven pounds over the next three weeks. I was given a daily ProPoints allowance of 43 ProPoints per day and then an extra 49 ProPoints to treat myself during the week, but I thnk would rather use those ProPoints on a night out or dinner in a restaurant.

I also learned that you can increase your ProPoints allowance by exercising, so if I’m going on a night out, I’ll probably go on a jog beforehand so I can have an extra drink or two.

Coinciding with Weight Watchers, I have recovered from some long lasting injuries and have started my training regime to build up to a half marathon standard. I ran my first half marathon last year in 2hours 3seconds which was a pretty good time for a beginner.

Since then I’ve restarted college and my routine went completely out the window and I put a considerable amount of weight, approximately 1st 6lbs.

To keep myself motivated I’ve signed up for a few running events over the next coming weeks. I find it easier to keep myself motivated to train when you have a few events to look forward to.

The Weight Watchers class was fine. I was the only guy there and I think I was also the youngest there by a few years. At first it was slightly uncomfortable but the ladies seemed nice and were chatty, so that took the edge off things. At the end of the day, we’re all there for the same reasons anyways so you just have to get over it.

Once the leader started doing her thing, giving tips on low ProPoints/0 ProPoints food items you can eat and other things that you may have thought would be alright but should avoid (fruit juices, even the fresh ones!).

So after my first class, the first plan of action was to rearrange my fridge and get rid of all the sweet stuff. I had a Moro bar and a Snickers still in the apartment and, God help me, I couldn't throw them out so I devoured them at alternate points throughout the day. Between the two it came to 16 ProPoints out of my day which is a large chunk. 

I started my day with a small bowl of Rice Krispies (which are only 3 ProPoints). Then I had a dinner of two saussages, two lean rashers and a burger bap, which came in at 11 ProPoints so I was still on target. I made some white pudding to go with my meal, but a quick ProPoints check on the Weight Watchers website showed how bad it can be, so I binned it.

I’m planniing on buying those small cereal multipacks so I don’t have to start weighing out my brekkie in the morning. I’m also planning on whipping up some 0 ProPoints soup as well.

*****

Name: Karen

Starting Weight: 12st 8.5lbs  

After having what I thought would be my last few treats on Tuesday night, I was dreading Wednesday. I knew the numbers would be bad however, they were worse than bad! I was filled with dread walking to my first class after work. Thoughts of diets, boring food, counting calories and no eating out were floating around in my head.

I walked into my first Weight Watchers meeting not really sure what to expect or what I needed to do. Luckily the ladies in there were really nice, friendly and helpful. I was told immediately that this isn't a diet - it's a lifestyle change. There were no rules saying that I couldn’t eat this or that - I can still eat what I want but I just have to be careful how much of it I eat. 

 The talk was also fantastic. It was obvious that some of the people attending the classes have been there for a while and a lot of them seemed to know each other and support each other.

When our class leader was giving out the 'Silver 7's' (stickers that you get for losing 7 pounds) there was great applause and encouragement. I've always been a little competitive so when I saw them being handed out I decided I was definitely going to make sure I got one of those!

She went on to talk about lunch times, which are always a major problem for me. I never plan ahead and end up going to the shops or a cafe to buy rolls, which would probably contain twice the ProPoints of something I made at home myself. Last night I am proud to say I made my lunch and brought it into work! 

 I am looking forward to getting stuck in this week and I hope this time next week I'll be looking forward to my weigh-in on Wednesday!

Do you want to join Karen and Mark? Find your nearest Weight Watchers classes here.