Weight Watchers was what I needed to reach my goal
Written: Jul 01 '02 (Updated Jul 01 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Support, tools to be successful
Cons: A little pricey, but worth it.
The Bottom Line: I will continue with the program. It's changed the way I live.
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| janetaba's Full Review: Weight Watchers Winning Points |
On my father’s side of the family, members, especially women are obese, some morbidly obese. My mother’s side are skinny. I was hoping for a nice even mix, but as I grew older, the obese side started to win.
I’m 5’2", and at 165 lb. I realized that I needed to do something, or I would never regain control. I made the decision to join Weight Watchers, after hearing first hand from my supervisors children that they were losing weight, and fairly quickly. My hubby’s boss is a lifetime member.
Each week for the first 12 weeks, you receive a booklet or a recipe card at your meeting. The booklets cover tips, and strategies for weight loss. The recipe cards are low point recipes to help in your quest. The plan stresses water intake, fruits and vegetables, calcium and vitamins, and a well balanced diet. What I didn't know before WW, was that your body will hold onto water if it isn't getting enough water. I lost 3 lbs the first week, most of that water that my body was holding onto.
The meetings cover strategies for weight loss, such as how to plan ahead for those holiday dinners and parties, portion control, eating because of stress, etc. The meetings are also a place to hand out awards. I received a paper book mark for my first 5 lb. loss and a gold star sticker to put on it for each additional 5 lb. loss. I was given a key chain for reaching my 10% loss goal, and a little gold charm for attending for 16 weeks. My goal after I loose those last 8 lbs is to become a lifetime member.
It’s not cheap, but neither were the health problems looming ahead if I didn’t stop the weight gain. Meetings, where I go, cost $11.00 a week. I was given materials to start the Winning Points program, and purchased additional materials because I felt that they were important. Not required, just necessary, in my opinion for my needs. I bought the set of point reference guides and holder for $20.00. I also bought a pedometer, so I could monitor my walking. I also bought the measuring spoon set.
All in all, since March, I’ve spent about $235.00 for meetings and supplies and another $60.00 for 6 months of e-tools, and I’ve lost over 20 lb. I made my 10% goal, and I’m fairly close to my 25 lb. mark. I’m within 8 lb. of my goal weight of 135 lb. I’m feeling better, and have more energy. I’m regaining my life. I’ve tried to loose weight on my own, but can’t stay with it. The meetings provide an environment of camaraderie, and useful tips. I’m changing my eating habits one food at a time. I’ve learned to eat things I would never have touched before, and can say no to things that are dangerous to my weight loss.. I can say no, because I don’t HAVE to say no. I can have ANYTHING I want as long as I count the points for it. Every day is a new day. If I go over points one day, I have a new slate the next day. It’s easy to stay on a program that doesn’t dictate to you what you must or must not eat. Even my hubby and youngest son are starting to ask how many points a particular food is.
There are adaptations for nursing mothers, teenagers, and diabetics. So far everyone I know that has asked a doctor about weight loss has had Weight Watchers recommended to them. Probably because it is a slower loss and a change in eating habits. Less shock to the body.
The Weight Watchers web site has a subscriber section called e-tools. There is a points calculator for both food and activity. I decided to subscribe to e-tools because it is easier to keep track of my daily intake of food online when I’m at work. I also have horrible handwriting, so I can actually read what is in my journal. The e-tools journal has a built in database of common foods, and you can add items to it that you use regularly, so saving the time to look it up in a book. It has a database of physical activities as well, so I don’t have to calculate the points for walking, or swimming, or even housework. There are exercises you can do as well.
The web site also has message boards that you don’t have to be a subscriber to access. You can check your body mass index BMI and see what your optimum weight for your age should be.
I’ve met a few people that haven’t had results with it. Some of that may be the meeting leader or the group. Check out various meetings in your area and find the personality that fits you best. If I can do it, so can you!
Recommended:
Yes
Approximate Monthly Cost (US$) 44.
Food Variety Restrictions You eat any food you want
Restrictiveness of Portions Satisfying
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Epinions.com ID:
janetaba
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Member: Janet Tabares
Location: Sugar Land, Texas
Reviews written: 88
Trusted by: 38 members
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