This is not the Weight Watchers you remember
Written: Jul 25 '01 (Updated Oct 19 '02)
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Pros: Based on latest medical understanding, using REAL FOOD, easy to live with...in the long haul.
Cons: None. Except that you have to do the work. No magic pill here.
The Bottom Line: A road map to fitness. A sensible, healthy eating plan that can last you the rest of your life, if you follow it. No food is off limits.
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| amyquilts's Full Review: Weight Watchers Winning Points |
I first joined WW in the mid-1970s. A tubby child, I needed help. Back then, it was strict. Foods were legal or illegal. You ate specific, weighed or measured amounts of everything and there was little flexibility. I lost weight, but didn't keep it off.
I rejoined in the mid-1980s, where I found much the same program. Had excellent liveable weight loss, but because of my own silliness (I let life stress prevent me from going on the essential maintenance portion of the program) and because I thought I still had a way to go to my goal weight at 135lbs, I just gave up.
So now it's 2001 and it's time. I've rejoined and what I've found is a hugely different and much more liveable program than ever before. I recently was involved in education on eating disorders (preventing and recovery) and what I learned there is built into the plan.
First off, they've revised the goal weights. This is a huge deal for me. In 1986, I wouldn't have been at goal till 125. Now they're suggesting a range from 130-150lbs based on my height. Notice I say "suggesting". This flexibility extends to the rest of the program, too.
I call the new WW my road map to fitness. It's a road map because it's not a plan. It gives me a guideline as to what amount (again a range, not a fixed number) of food is appropriate for someone of my current size in order to lose weight. As I lose, that amount gets decreased slowly, as it should. What I eat every day is entirely up to me. I spend my points as I see fit. And I find myself choosing vegetables over chocolate, because they're actually quite tasty and very filling. And if I want chocolate, I can still have it. Just less of it.
There is no such thing as an illegal food any more. As long as you can read the calorie, fat and fibre numbers from the Nutritional Information panel on any food product, you can figure out its points value and include it in your diet, if you wish.
For those who want a more structured plan, it's available. There are meal plans to follow, but you don't have to. And that's what I like most.
This time, I'm going all the way to maintenance. Finally, WW is the program I had always been hoping for. I lost 7.6 lbs my first week, so here I go!
By the way -- WW has started up a web-based service that I've also signed up with. eTools. It's great -- it allows you to track your daily points online (which I can do at slow times at the office or at home at night) and there's tons of community support and meal plans, etc. More than you can imagine for $30 for 3 months. Good deal. I highly recommend it.
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It's now one month into the program for me and I haven't changed a word of my review. This is THE program for me. When people ask how long I'll be on it, I say, "for life." This is a healthy way to eat and a sensible way to know what trade-offs you have to make if you *really* want that cookie for dessert.
If you're ready to lose weight, JOIN.
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It's now December and I joined July 17th. I've lot 47.8lbs so far and am still convinced of all I wrote above. It's a great program and will be my road map for life. Even during this challenging holiday season, I'm doing okay. Yee ha!
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It's now October 2002 and I've been doing this for a long time. I've lost 75 lbs and have about 12 to go to goal. I am aware of my points every day and do better some days than others. The best thing about this plan is that you understand the consequences of eating any particular thing or not exercising. You make the choices, but finally, they're informed choices. If I really want that dessert, I know what I have to do to compensate for the next few days. It's a great blueprint for life and I'll be staying on it forever.
Recommended:
Yes
Approximate Monthly Cost (US$) 40
Food Variety Restrictions You eat any food you want
Restrictiveness of Portions Satisfying
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Epinions.com ID:
amyquilts
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Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 7 members
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