Since I started my journey with Weight Watchers in January, I’ve lost a total of 25 pounds. As someone who has struggled with weight issues my entire life, I can say with confidence that Weight Watchers does work. However, it is important to note that Weight Watchers is not a temporary diet; it involves making a lifestyle change. To truly make a change in your life with Weight Watchers, it’s critical to seamlessly infuse the plan into your lifestyle. In other words, it’s important to not make yourself a slave to the plan, but to find ways to make the plan work for you.
Here’s how I’ve done it:
1. Be an honest tracker: Don’t get “creative” when tracking. Be honest about the points you are using and track no matter what. Don’t overestimate or underestimate – be accurate. Invest in proper food measurement devices and food scales if you need to. Track all food you put into you body. This will help to alert you to mindless snacking that we all engage in from time to time. 2. Commit to exercise that you enjoy: Exercise does not have to be torturous. No one should have to twist your arm to want to exercise. If they have to do so, then that particular type of exercise may not be your cup of tea. Perhaps you loved swimming or enjoyed roller-skating as a child. Try these activities as an adult; you may be surprised how reflective and accomplished reliving an old childhood hobby will make you feel. My personal favorite exercises are yoga, a walk/run combo with my dog, and ballet. I love each of these because I have a connection to them beyond the fact that they are all exercises; I have grown up doing them. Find exercises you connect to. Most importantly, find activities that you enjoy doing and make them your hobby. 3. No restrictions – allow small indulgences: No food is off limits! Weight Watchers is wonderful because of its adaptability and flexibility. Anyone from an eighteen-year-old college student who has packed on the freshman fifteen to a busy working mother of four can use Weight Watchers successfully. Why? Because you can eat whatever you want. If your guilty pleasure is chocolate, then allow yourself one small chocolate indulgence per day. Whatever you do, do not restrict foods you enjoy or the unthinkable will happen. Instead of eating one small piece of dark chocolate per day (approximately 40 calories), you will likely splurge on a high calorie chocolate monstrosity instead. I’ve been there. Take it from me, allow yourself to indulge in small bits. You will feel more satisfied, stable, and less consumed with overwhelming cravings. 4. Don’t slam yourself if you’ve had a “bad week“: Everyone has “off weeks.” For me, I find that I will lose weight consistently for four weeks, and then remain stagnant for two or three. Be patient with your body and love it. Most importantly, don’t let the scale determine your feelings of happiness or success. Let the way you feel guide you. Remember: Weight Watchers is a lifestyle change, not a diet, so treat it as a healthy marathon rather than a “do or die” sprint.
These are just a few of the tips that I’ve learned along my weight loss journey. I hope that they can help you on yours, and I wish success to each of you. For more information on Weight Watchers, visit www.weighwatchers.com.