Hi all,
Ever thought of trying Weight Watchers to get rid of those extra few (or many) pounds? I’ve never done it myself but know people that have had a lot of success with it. Here is some info about how it works. Maybe it is the right thing to aid you in weight loss!
Since the 1960′s the Weight Watchers programme has been popular amongst those wanting to get rid of those excess pounds and look and feel healthier. Backed by body science and proving to be a great way to lose weight for many satisfied dieters, this is how it works.
It’s an eating plan which implements a points system to help dieters keep a tab on their eating habits. The dieter first completes a brief survey and based on the answers provided a pointed eating programme is allocated. As the weight loss begins, the amount of points allowed decreases. However, the good news is that all food and drink is assessed with a point value, so even if you are eating out in a restaurant you can have a little bit of what you fancy.
When you are watching how you use your points it becomes clear which of your eating habits need addressing in order for you to lose weight and become healthier. The programme offers support by way of meetings held each week affording dieters the luxury of being able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses with others following the regime.
The Core Plan came along next, a programme developed from the Points System. The Core Plan allows the dieter to choose food from a list of healthy foods instead of totting up the points each day. Those taking part can eat until they are satisfied as long as they only consume what is on the list of allowed foods, and they will lose weight in the same way as the Point System.
Weight Watchers then expanded to the World Wide Web and on line dieters were able to use e-tools to help manage their eating and exercise routines. Recipes became plentiful and information was available to determine how many points any given serving contained.
The latest step forward as far as Weight Watchers are concerned is their Momentum Program. This consists of a combination of the Points System and those little extras called filling foods. People on this diet begin with the basic point counting programme which helps them decide which foods to eat and teaches them all about portion control. They are then allowed to move to the next stage and introduce filling foods, those extras to give you an energy boost and to make you feel as if you are not starving yourself.
The whole attitude of Weight Watchers is to make the dieter aware of healthy eating. Its not simply about counting points as this only tends to make dieters stick to their allocated point allowance instead of actually changing their views about what they eat. For example, using up 30 points eating sweets is within the points allowance, but it is really healthy? The answer to that question is a resounding NO! Dieters need to use their points as healthily as possible on a balanced intake of food without any particular food being permanently banned.
Eating habits continue to be tracked whilst on the Momentum Programme and this helps the dieter to remain on track and stops any straying back to the poor food choices of the past.
The Weight Watchers diet provides the dieter with all they need to be successful. Additionally, the support system is invaluable in achieving the weight loss you are aiming for. A good coaching or mentoring system is useful no matter what your goal!
Is it a long term solution? My feeling is no with regards to the Points system, but possibly yes when talking about the Core Plan . I think it can be a good way to achieve some quick results and to help you change your eating habits and your mentality about food. Then once you’re on a role, you can just start eating sensibly on your own.
Has anyone out there tried Weight Watchers? I would love to hear your experiences and what worked or didn’t work for you.
To your health,
Kimberly
