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 missing normal bread, training for races and enjoying the odd indulgence!

Mark and Karen have taken up the Weight Watchers challenge!

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Name: Mark

Starting Weight: 14st 5lbs

Current Weight: 13st 3lbs

So I’ve had my third weigh-in. Down 11.5lbs from when I first started. I didn’t think that this week was going to go as well considering I was out drinking twice and also went out for a meal to celebrate some exam results.

I think the thing I’m missing the most at the moment is normal bread. I’ve been using the Weight Watchers bread because it is only 1 ProPoint (normal bread is 2 ProPoints per slice). As much as I love normal bread, if you have a few sandwiches during the day and toast for breakfast those ProPoints add up pretty quickly and it’s just not worth it.

My BMI has now dropped to 25, so I am back in the normal weight range for my height.  My Weight Watchers target weight is only 2.5lbs away, but I still wat to lose another 14 or 15lbs. I’m not sure if that will happen by the end of the 12 weeks because my weight loss will start to slow down shortly. I’m beginning to notice that some of my clothes are becoming baggier which is always nice.

The classes are still going alright. I’m not sure if they are for everyone but there seems to be quite a lot of support there if you need it. 

In Weight Watchers when you lose 7lbs you get a silver 7 – a sticker that’s meant as recognition of your progress. Normally they hand these out during the class. 

I have another race this weekend. It’s a trail run a round St. Anne’s Park, it’s 8.5km so I’ll be hoping to beat my time earlier this year of just under 52 minutes.

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Name: Karen

Staring Weight: 12st 8.5lbs

Current Weight:  11st 13.5lbs

I’m never sure coming up to the weigh-in whether I’ve had a good week or not. This week I had a takeaway plus a delicious roast dinner for Mother’s Day, so naturally I was worried that this would have an affect on my weight loss. I tried to be sensible. I stuck to lean beef, half the amount of mash and roast potatoes and only a few honey-covered parsnips.

I tried to keep it all within my ProPoints budget for the day because the takeaway earlier in the week had eaten my weekly ProPoints allowance away. Other than that I feel like I’ve been pretty sensible with my choices.

Our class this week was about making the right choices and being prepared for the triggers that will usually cause you to overeat, for example that 3pm slump in work, going to the cinema, parties etc. I work in an office so anytime I see leftover cakes or sandwiches in the kitchen, I run the other way!

It’s hard if somebody brings in treats so it’s important to have something you like on han for those situations so you aren’t tempted. I haven’t been to the cinema yet so I’m not sure how I plan on surviving without a giant popcorn in my hand.

This week I lost another 2.5lbs – I really can’t believe it. It must be the combination of really sticking to the ProPoints and the gym. I’ve been going to the gym three times a week since I started to help my weight loss.

I got my silver 7 sticker and hit my first weight loss goal of 5 per cent. I’ve lost 9lbs altogether so I’m only 5lbs off the stone mark – my aim is to hit that within four weeks. That may be difficult with St Patrick’s Weekend and my first night out on the Weight Watchers plan this weekend!

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