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.

Knowning 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 points 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 begins for our volunteers this week, but first - meet our new team!

 

Sarah Smyth

My name is Sarah. I am 29 and 30 in December, I was in Weight Watchers before and lost weight but due to work and laziness I didn’t keep it up. I’m back again with the aim to lose 4 stone in total. I am dress size 16/18 and would like to be a 12/14. I’m ready to change my lifestyle for the better; I am nervous but ready for this challenge.

Height: 5:5

Current weight: 15 ½ stone

Planned weight loss: 2 stone

 

Warren Barry

I’m looking to join Weight Watchers in order to develop healthy eating habits that will help reduce my BMI. I have had gradual weight gain over the last year or so and following a back injury I was advised to reduce my weight to lessen the likelihood of any complications in the future. I really don’t know what to expect from Weight Watchers classes but I’m open minded and looking forward to following the program. Over the course of the next 12 weeks, I would like to achieve my 5 and 10% goals.

Height: 5'9

Current weight: 15 stone 3

Planned weight loss: 1 stone

 

Laura Kavanagh

The reason I’m joining Weight Watchers is to start eating healthier, getting more educated about the nutritional value of the food I eat and of course to lose some weight while doing this. I go to the gym during the week so I need to learn what foods (not bread) will help me perform the best. I’m looking forward to the challenge of eating well, staying off alcohol and learning different healthy recipes.

Height: 5:3

Current weight: 11 ½ stone

Planned weight loss: 1 stone

 

Sarah Moore

A few years ago I started with Weight Watchers and really benefitted from it. Unfortunately due to a change of job location and not taking the time to research other classes, I just dropped off attending. I’m looking forward to getting back into it and learning all about the Plus Pro points and what I can and can’t eat. I’m also kind of dreading it as I know there are things which are going to have to go/be reduced. I’m going to match going to Weight Watchers classes with going to the gym (hopefully) so I plan on reaching my goal (to lost 1-1.5 stone). I have never been a skinny person and I’m not aiming for that now, I want to just slim down and fit my clothes (or one size smaller) better than I am currently.

Height: 5'7

Current weight: 13.5 stone

Planned weight loss: 1.5 stone

 

Sarah, left, and Laura, right

 

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.