I have been struggling with my weight since childhood and have tried more diets than I would like to admit. From extremely low-carb to eating nothing but cabbage soup (and many in between), none of these fad diets brought me any success and obviously could not be tolerated long term.
In 1999, I decided to give Weight Watchers a try. I went to local meetings and found the plan to be easy to learn at a cost of $12 per week. Because there are no special foods to buy (unless you want to) there are no other hidden costs. All in all I lost 25 pounds and managed to keep it off for a few years; even after I stopped going. Although the meetings are an important part of the plan it was nice that I could follow the program on my own if I needed to.
Here it is nine years and one pregnancy later and I have been struggling with my weight again. Just like I did in the past I kept looking for some quick fix but ultimately went back to Weight Watchers. This time I decided to go with the online program because it better fits into my schedule. I also prefer it because it is even more affordable at $16.95 per month after the initial sign up fee of $29.95.
By now just about everyone has heard of the points system which is an alternative to counting calories. Each food is assigned a points value based on the calories, fat and fiber. Basically anything lower in calories and fat and higher in fiber will have a low points count. After being on the plan for a while counting points almost becomes second nature. If you do need to figure out the points for a recipe or a specific food a points calculator is provided.
Weight Watchers is constantly improving on their plan. Right now you can choose between the flex plan or the core plan. Personally I chose the flex plan. With the flex plan you stay within a set number of points each day depending on your weight plus you get an extra 35 points per week to use as you like. You can divide them up over the week or maybe save them for the weekend. If you have a special event planned you could even save them for that without feeling like you cheated. With the core plan you are limited to a list of foods that you are allowed but you do not have to count calories or points. In addition you also get an extra 35 points per week to use on non core foods.
The online program offers many interactive tools such as a points calculator, recipe builder (allows you to input your own recipes and get a points value) forums, recipes and more. You can also switch between the flex plan and core plan anytime. While some need the support of live meetings I find that the forums are a great place to find motivation and support.
What I like best about the Weight Watchers flex plan is that there are no forbidden foods. You are encouraged to eat healthy and are given a guideline of what you should eat each day and if you plan it right you will have some points left over each day for a treat. Most vegetables are 0 points and most fruits are just 1 point so if you plan a lot of fruits and vegetables into your diet you will feel satisfied. Waste your points on high fat, high calorie foods and you will go through them very quickly.
Exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle. Activities are given a points value depending on the length of the activity and the intensity. No need to join a gym or buy expensive equipment. Pick something you enjoy like walking. You wont lose the points you have if you don’t exercise but you are encouraged to live a more active lifestyle.
Is there anything that I don’t like about Weight Watchers? Well at first I felt that my portions were too small but that is only because like most Americans, we are accustomed to eating super sized portions. Weight Watchers teaches you how to eat the right foods in the proper portions. After a while it becomes second nature and you will start feeling satisfied on less food. It helps to be creative by finding satisfying foods with low point values. You will find a lot of creative ideas on the site and from other members.
When it comes to weight loss there really is no magic cure. Sensible eating coupled with an active lifestyle is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Choose a plan like Weight Watchers that allows you to eat the food your enjoy in moderation so that you don’t feel deprived and your chances are better that you will succeed.
