anyone been to weight watchers?

Flare, ASN, BSN · Dec 15, 2008

I've done weight watchers for the past few years. Once i got used to keeping track of points, i stopped going to meetings and now just do it on my own. For me it's more of a lifestyle change and learning to say "NO" to eating a whole bag of fritos. And anyhow...you'd be surprised how quick you remember point values of foods. You start looking at everything that comes across your plate as a point value

My biggest tips:

Water Water WATER!! just keep drinking

Pay attention to the fiber in the foods you eat.

there will be setbacks. don't dwell on them. Just like the first time you made a mistake in nursing - learn from it and move on.

Good luck!

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

It's nothing magic, WW just simplifies all of the sound nutritional advice and packages it into a system. The essence is eat less and move more.

I think the most important part of WW is "journaling," or writing down everything that goes into your mouth. It can be a hard habit to start, but it's necessary to succeed.

You can do the program at home, without paying anything if you know someone who has the "supplies;" however, I think the meetings are encouraging, educational, and a great idea if you're just starting out...visit the website...you can find meeting locations.

Wish you the best!

Jess

allnurses Guide · Dec 15, 2008

I've done it before and it worked great for me. Lost 63 pounds. But, I got tired of keeping up with the points and stopped doing that, but still kept moving, drinking water, and watching what I ate. Gained about 20 pounds back but I was mostly OK with that. Then I got pregnant and gained it ALL back, with interest.

For the most part, I would definately recommend it but again, it can get tiring, having to keep track of points. Back when I did it, they also had a program where you didn't have to keep track of points, but you could only eat certain foods. It reminded me a lot of the Atkins diet.

OC85 · Dec 15, 2008

Weight watchers is actually a really solid program. It should be common knowledge by now that fad diets don't work (at least not long term). The good thing is that WW isn't really a "diet" plan, per say....its more just good, common sense advice spun together into one package. Everyone I've ever known who has gone on weight watchers and actually followed to rules (you're allowed occasional indugences, of course) has seen positive results. Good luck with whatever method you decide to go with.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

Back when I did it, they also had a program where you didn't have to keep track of points, but you could only eat certain foods. It reminded me a lot of the Atkins diet.

The "Core plan" is still a choice. I tried it myself and went nuts, but it works for a lot of people.

Jess

RNAnnjeh, MSN, CNS · Dec 15, 2008

They just changed the program effective Dec 7 and the Core is no more. Still a good program though. We have one through work which is very convenient and very supportive.

I've done the program on and off for years. I need the discipline so I don't overeat. Nice to have the support of some of my colleagues and a leader that understands the "food fight" (as she calls it).

Good luck.

Sandwitch883RN · Dec 15, 2008

I've tried weight watchers in the past and loved it! I lost 13lbs which my total goal was 20lbs so I was half way there. Then I fell off the WW wagon!! lol It really is a great plan though because you have to think about what you eat. The more healthy you eat, the more you can eat for your number of points. It really easy also. No special food or restrictions.

OC85 · Dec 15, 2008

Back when I did it, they also had a program where you didn't have to keep track of points, but you could only eat certain foods. It reminded me a lot of the Atkins diet.

The "core diet" is nothing like Atkins. Aktins was a rediculous and dangerous plan that completely ignores the imortance of a balanced diet in overall health. The core diet is more like saying, if you're eating healthy things that are good for your body, then you don't really have to worry about gaining weight. One of the things I tell people is to try to buy as many of your groceries as possible from the outside ring of the supermarket (produce, deli, bakery, etc) and avoid the inside aisles (packaged/processed food) whenever you can. Aside from losing weight, a diet higher in whole/unprocessed foods will contribute to better overall health.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

I am doing weight watchers right now! It cost 65.00 for three months online so I figured what the hay! I gained 20 pounds after quitting smoking and I need to lose it because I can not afford new clothes!

I like that the "momentum plan" is very flexible and you do start remembering the points values pretty quick. I am still trouble shooting but I like it so far...

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

I've been going to Weight Watchers since 1973! I won't bore you with all my ancient history but back then you had to saw a piece of bread in half to make a sandwich. And eat mandatory liver. It's so much better now! :yeah:

I'm still in the program. I've been lifetime for 20+years and I come and go. It's a good program. I have to weigh in otherwise I'll never adhere. Advice: don't pick a crazy low goal weight. Also, if a leader doesn't seem to work for you shop around. In my area there are at least 10 meetings.

Reminder: WW is a business first. It helps to keep that in mind.

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Dec 15, 2008

I did WW at the beginning of last year and lost about 10% of my body weight. I have gained back some (~8lbs) and I'm going to start again in the new year. It is a great program once you get the hang of the points. I just bought a starter kit off ebay and did it on my own. I also researched diets and of all of them out there WW was shown to have the weight kept off the longest, a sure sign its a learned lifestyle change.