Who’s up for JOE’s New Year Weight Watchers challenge?

If you’re back in the office today it's possible you're feeling the invigorating energy of the New Year, right? The anything-is-possible mantra that follows Christmas, yeah?

Well grab that genie while you can, because if past experience is anything to go by, there’s every chance he’ll be gone before you know it. Right now, though, Blue Monday is still a week or two away. And you’ll be able to avoid it altogether if you take affirmative action today.

It’s the New Year, and we want to help you create the New You. JOE and Weight Watchers are teaming up to find three Irish men to grasp the nettle – or grab the genie – and help them transform their lives over the next three months.

Not just for girls

If you had a perception that Weight Watchers is just for girls, you’d be wrong. More and more Irish men are taking part in the Weight Watchers programme – and finding that its balanced approach is the perfect way to live well and feel your best, without having to discipline all the fun out of your life.

Men are welcome to attend all Weight Watchers meetings and the number of Irish men doing so is growing all the time. Still, if you’re the type who balks at climbing on the scales in front of a healthy scattering of women, there are also ‘men only’ meetings available around the country.

One of the most basic tenets of the Weight Watchers ethos is that no food is forbidden. You can eat whatever food you like, and the only discipline required is to keep a track of it.

Indian takeaways? Bring it on!

Unlike other rigorous and often barmy dieting disciplines, you won’t be castigated if you happen to sneak in a slice of bread. With butter. So if well feel like an Indian takeaway with all the trimmings, you can go right ahead and have it – all you have to do is make sure if fits in with the rest of your intake as per the Weight Watchers ProPoints™ plan.

The Weight Watchers experience is all about eating the right food – and if you’re anything like JOE.ie Editor Shane Breslin, who lost around a stone and a half during his own Weight Watchers programme two years ago, you’ll find that you’ll possibly eat as much or more than ever, and still lose weight.

Not only that, but because Weight Watchers is founded on developing healthy habits, when it comes to both eating and exercising, you’ll find that keeping the weight off won’t be as difficult as it can be with some of the more extreme regimes.

Joining Weight Watchers couldn’t be easier. You find out the date and venue of the meeting nearest you – there’s a snazzy interactive map over on the Weight Watchers website – and then all you need to do is turn up and register.

You’ll be weighed by your group leader and given an introduction in how the unique innovations of the ProPoints plan can work for you. With each passing week you’ll get some informative pointers on a range of subjects to keep your eye on the prize: a leaner you. Whether it’s a leaner, meaner you is down to yourself.

If you’re interested in joining JOE and Weight Watchers, and providing us with a brief weekly update on your progress, send us an email at getinshape@joe.ie. Your goal might be anything from being able to walk the mile to the nearest shop without being out of breath, getting your weight down to a level you think will allow you to break your personal best for the marathon or maybe just to fit comfortably into your favourite pair of jeans.

It doesn’t matter. Whatever your objective, we can help you get there. We’ll pick three lads and be with them every step of the way as they take the Weight Watchers challenge over the next few months. And on top of all that, we'll also be providing fantastic healthy recipe ideas every week too.

So who’s in?