OUR 16 candidates have faced the tough first hurdle of Week One in the Journal Weight Loss Challenge – and they're still smiling.

The 16-week challenge is underway and Wayne Large of Absolute Training and Nutrition in Barnstaple has introduced our volunteers to a whole new approach to exercise and food.

He said: "Some people wonder why we do calorie counting, but it teaches them about portion control and how to recognise the size of a portion. Most people eat much more than they need."

Despite early struggles, our determined candidates have agreed to return to The Studio on The Strand, in Barnstaple, at least three times a week.

And they are also throwing themselves into the fundraising for North Devon Hospice.

In their first-week diary, readers can follow their progress and find out more about how you can help their fundraising efforts.

There's also more on their progress at Wayne's blog:

http://blog.exercisenutritioncoach.co.uk

Charlotte Overney, 37, lead nurse for cancer services at North Devon District Hospital, was the first to check in.

Charlotte, from Ilfracombe said: "We had our first session last night, don't feel too bad this morning. Feeling very motivated although a bit concerned about my 1,400 calorie restriction."

Her job has made Charlotte determined to raise as much as she can for North Devon Hospice and she has set up a Just Giving site, where you can support her, at: www.justgiving.co.uk/charlotteoverney

Determined Danielle Meeks 26, dropped us an e-mail to say: "The first lesson was a little tough but 'no pain no gain' and definitely feeling a bit achy this morning."

Danielle, a health care assistant and mum from Braunton, has also set up a web page for donations, at:

www.virginmoneygiving.co.uk/daniellemeeks

Lisa Cotterell, 30, our mum-of-three from Lynton has been a little poorly in her first week, but has been working her way through it with doctor's advice.

Lisa's distance from Barnstaple and the gym is proving a bit of an obstacle, but she's come up with a solution.

"I'm doing the three sessions a week, but then I'm also going to go for walks around here. Everywhere is uphill and the scenery is lovely," she said.

She's put a sponsorship form in Lynton Post Office for supporters and is hoping to get a collection tin from North Devon Hospice to take on her walks.

"People won't miss me, I'll be carrying my youngest in a baby carrier and she'll be wrapped up in her bright pink snowsuit."

James Webb, 33, from Barnstaple has thrown himself into the challenge and vigorous exercise, which has included taking his children to the park for an hour of swing-pushing, climbing and generally running around – just as effective as the gym sessions.

And he has also downloaded an iPhone App called My Fitness Pal to help him with his calorie counting.

You can also follow James' progress on his blog at: www.worldwidewebby.blogspot.com

Abi Robinson, 21, from Chivenor said she'd had a good first week: "I have found the calorie counting harder than the training sessions.

"I find I'm hungry all the time. But it is teaching me to think about getting the most food out of my calories though, as in five apples equals one chocolate bar."

Barnstaple taxi driver Paul Winter, 47 has the full support of wife Debbie and the whole family, who are also cutting down on their food intake in support.

Paul, who works for Dave's Taxis has a collection box in his taxi and sponsor forms. He is also getting support from his wife's company, Galaxy Cleaning Services who are sponsoring him.

Danielle Hynd, 24, a health care assistant from Barnstaple works several night shifts, but has been persevering.

She said: "It's been good. I've just finished my fourth training session in a row. I'm really enjoying it and the coaches are really good and helpful."

Lynsey Wade, 38, is a farmer's wife from Bradworthy. She has been adding her training sessions to the work she does around the farm and said: "I didn't think I would be able to walk after a week of working out, but I feel fantastic."

Terry Barton, 20, is a sports development student from Northam. He said: "I'm keeping a diary of everything I'm doing, and I'm sticking religiously to my new calorie intake, although I can't quite get my head round when and what I'm supposed to eat and as a result I'm always hungry. But I think I'll eventually get it right.

"I've been to all but one session so far. All the extra exercise is fine really – that's not to say its easy, far from it, its horrible when I'm doing it. The first few mornings after were difficult but I'm feeling less and less sore and generally feeling better."

Rachael Smith, 46, from Ilfracombe has sustained the first injury, pulling a ligament – but is determined to carry on in the face of adversity and the temptations of cake from her son.

"I can't run but have been doing some sit-ups at home. I've done my best and stuck to calories, but my goodness it's hard doing all that counting."

Ashley Barker, 34, a canvasser for North Devon Hospice, said: "I'm a bit sore and stiff after a workout, but really enjoying the sessions. I'm actually having to eat more to meet my calorie requirements."

Sharna De Gabrielle-Phillpotts, 38, has really plunged in to the fundraising with several events lined up for the New Year.

She also has 37 Hospice collection boxes ready to go into shops around Barnstaple so look out for them and support her efforts.

Loanna Ball, 26, is a mum who lives in Muddiford, with four children to keep her active.

She said: "I'm really loving it – and missed it over the weekend, which I never thought I would."

Sally Dawson, 43, lives in Marwood and is a nurse at the Queen's Medical Centre in Barnstaple.

She said: "I've really enjoyed the first week. Training is challenging but fun and everyone is being supportive since reading it in the Journal.

"I'm looking forward to the next 15 weeks."

Charley Chugg, 21, a groom at Keypitts Stables and Quads, Ilfracombe, said: "I just keep thinking to myself: 'pain is just the weakness leaving the body'. It's very enjoyable – but hard."