Weight Watchers

[MCJiGS]

Okay, I know this is cooking light but we have such a diverse group I thought someone might be able to help.

Question #1
Anyone have anything good or bad to say about Weight Watchers? I'm really thinking about starting it. I've lost 50 lbs. but for my last 15lbs. thought I'd try them.

Question #2 and yes, I know this is a long shot.
Anyone ever go to a weight watchers meeting in Snohomish or Marysville Washington? I'm knew to the area and want to try WW but not sure which direction to travel.

Thanks in advance, ~mary~

[LynnSC]

Hi,
I have been a WW member since Oct. It is a wonderful program. I have lost 19 lbs. The only reason I haven't lost more is my own fault and lack of willpower at times. I keep going though and really enjoy the meetings. I figure if I wasn't going, I would be gaining. I am in SC so I can't help you as far as meetings in your area. Good luck! WW is a very healthy way to loose and maintain weight loss. You will gets lots of support!
Lynn

[MCJiGS]

Lynn,

Thanks for the input. And congratulations on your huge success, 19 lbs is great in that short of a period, no what I'm I saying in a long period 19 lbs would still be fabulous.

Do you use the calculator I've heard about or is it a waste of money?

I think I'll give them a go but I'm thinking of joining after the 4th of July so I don't start out such a hard week. But, maybe that would be good before so I'm more accountable for the 4th? Oh, I don't know oh what to do, what to do?

Thanks, ~mary~

[TigerShanny]

>>Question #1
Anyone have anything good or bad to say about Weight Watchers? I'm really thinking about starting it. I've lost 50 lbs. but for my last 15lbs. thought I'd try them.
>>

Weight Watchers is actually pretty good, that's if you can find a leader that you 'click' with. They have good recipies (however that's spelled) and the meetings are really informative! Hope this helped.

shanny

[NydiaC]

MCJiGS,

Weight Watchers has a web site where you can search for a meeting in your area. Check it out. http://www.weight-watchers.com/WWX/usa.asp

As far as the calculator goes (if you're referring to the electronic one that computes the point that a food is worth)I have it an have used it; however, it would seem to work better once you're on "maintenance". Even though I hate writing down what I eat, I find I can better evaluate my week (if I lost or gained weight and what I did to accomplish that)if I have it all written down.

[MCJiGS]

Thanks NydiaC for the web sight. I did find that before but they won't tell you who is a really good leader. I hate to waste my time going to a bunch of meeting if I could just cheat and find out before hand who is really good.

Also, you bring up good points about the calculator. I also do better if I see and do for myself rather then a machine so I think I'll wait before getting one. (I'm sure my husband thanks you to for not spending anymore money then I already have)~mary~

[Dutch53]

Mary, I just received my "lifetime" membership from Weight Watchers, having maintained my goal weight for 6 weeks (actually longer, but I wanted to see if I could lose more). I SWEAR by this program!!! As mentioned earlier, the recipies are pretty good on the WW sight, but I find the CookingLight recipies better. It's much more realistic IMO than Atkinson's, Jenny Craig, or Nutrisystem. You eat, basically, anything you want as long as it isn't MORE. (Watch your portions). Calculating points is very easy and takes very little time a day to do.
I found the calculator a waste of my time (again, IMO), because it made it difficult to remember which foods I had already entered in during a day and I get more benefit from, not only writing down my food and points, but my thoughts, disappointments and achievements.
I have lost 43 pounds on this program and feel that I have found a new way of life and can easily maintain this weight.
Please consider joining this program. IT WORKS! Hope this helps. Please feel free to write me again if you have any questions or comments.
That goes for everybody. I may not always log into the board.

Heidi

[Dutch53]

Sorry everyone. I didn't post my e-mail address: heidi@vandermade.com

[Tracy]

I am a true believer in the WW system. It is the most flexible. I recomend it over and over. You can eat anything by just watching portion size. Their frozen meals are good and I find that really helpful when I am pushed for time or need to get back on track again.
Don't be afraid to switch to a different WW class if you don't get the support you need from one instructor. Everyone is different but they have all lost weight themselves.

[MCJiGS]

Thanks to everyone for replying and all the helpful information. I was worried at first to post a WW question on a CL board but I'm so glad I did. I feel so pumped up and I know it will work for me knowing how it has helped so many of you. I'm not gonna join for 1 week because it just doesn't work out till then but I'll let you know how my first week goes in two weeks. Thanks again you're such a great bunch. ~mary~

[bevbradford]

I wanted to offer my encouragement too! WW is a great program--I've lost 13 pounds since late March. The meetings keep me motivated and on track. Good luck!

[Pat58]

I've been on WW for a little over a year and am almost to goal. I like the program because I can live with it - it's not restrictive. I actually discovered Cooking Light when WW Magazine went defunct and sent me two free issues. Good luck, you will find lots of support not just from your leader but from other members. I hope you get a good leader, I think mine is very motivating.

[jenniferharris1]

Hi, all
I didn't submit this original post, but you've all convinced me to join WW. I need all the encouragement I can get, because I lack in motivation. Thanks for giving me a little push. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[laden]

I have been a lifetime WW member for almost 20 years. I absolutely swear by it. It is the most flexible, health concious, best working program around.

I have had many different leaders over the past 20 years and granted some are better than others, but I find you can learn something from each one.

Good luck, I hope you like it as much as I do!

[LynnSC]

Originally posted by MCJiGS:
Lynn,

Thanks for the input. And congratulations on your huge success, 19 lbs is great in that short of a period, no what I'm I saying in a long period 19 lbs would still be fabulous.

Do you use the calculator I've heard about or is it a waste of money?

I think I'll give them a go but I'm thinking of joining after the 4th of July so I don't start out such a hard week. But, maybe that would be good before so I'm more accountable for the 4th? Oh, I don't know oh what to do, what to do?

Thanks, ~mary~


Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I don't normally check this board much, I usually check the Great Food board daily but it doesn't seem to be working well today. :-) I am glad you are going to join WW. There is never a best time so just go for it and do the best you can! Good luck! Oh, I don't use the points calculator. I had one of the old ones and never used it. I have friends that swear by it, so I guess it is a matter of personal preference. Lynn

[KDHeuer]

Just wanted to chime in. I've been doing Weight Watchers since mid-January, and have lost 47 lbs. The points system is really easy, and it's flexible anough for you to be able to personalize it to your lifestyle.

It hasn't exactly been a walk in the park; some weeks are harder than others (like this week for example: a rehearsal dinner, a wedding, two cookouts on one day, the annual Ribfest, and a 4th of July firewoorks picnic). But overall, the better you work the program, the better it will work for you.

As far as recipes go, I swear by Cooking Light. The WW recipes I've tried have been okay, but not nearly as spectacular as CL.

Good luck!

Kathleen

[MCJiGS]

Okay gang, mary here, I was the one who first started this post. I did it... I went to my first meeting tonight, thurs. July 6th. It was good but lots of information and I'm not sure what I'm gonna have for breakfast tomorrow much less the entire week.

One real big boo hoo is that out of my original 50 lbs. I had lost since January I've gained back 16 lbs. YUK... I knew I was getting out of control again but I had no idea I was 16 lbs more.... I'm so bummed... oh well so now instead of 10 more lbs I now have 26 lbs to lose. But, I have a positive attitude and I know I'm gonna do it. Anyone having any great recipes let me know, I'm gonna need them.... ~mary~

[NydiaC]

Mary,

I'm glad to hear you final joined WW. I'm going back with a new enthusiasm. I got a friend to join me at the meetings, and now I have a partner to help with motivation. It also causes me to be more accountable. After her first week she said she was really glad I talked her into going. You'll really be glad you went too.

As for what to eat for breakfast and other times - It helped me, when I first started out, to follow the sample menu plan that they have in the Week 1 book until I got used to it. Then I started making my own menu plans. Every now and then, if I feel like I've "fallen off the wagon" so to speak, I'll go back to those menus to get refocused.

Good luck and keep in touch. It's great to share progress reports and successes. Everyone gets motived.

[Gwenniver]

Interested in this topic also as I'll be starting WW next week. How easy is it to figure out the points for recipes in restaraunts? After all, I'll have to figure out how many points to save for that addictive white salsa they serve in Mexican restaraunts here (great, I've already got the wrong attitude... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ).

[NydiaC]

Gwen,

Weight Watchers has a list of the point values for lots of different foods in their regular plan materials that you can use to "estimate" what the values are of the food you're eating out. They also sell a companion book that includes the values for foods at specific resturants. That might be helpful to you if you eat out a lot. If I remember correctly, however, it's pretty much just fast food. Anything that's not listed, though, you're leader can help you out with.

[This message has been edited by NydiaC (edited 07-10-2000).]

[CookingMom]

To Everyone, I am a mother of five who was 40 pounds overweight and went to weight watchers 1 year ago. I lost all of the weight and feel great. The one piece of advice I can give is to EXERCISE at least 20-30 minutes a day. I think this was and is my saving grace. That way if you are a little off on your points one day it is still OK. Also it keeps you from obsessing about just the food you eat. You are creating a whole new lifestyle for yourself. That will stick with you for life. Good Luck

[MCJiGS]

My first week is going good.

NydiaC, I also think it helps to join with a friend, more accountability, but no one would join with me. But, I just found out that until September, kids 17 and under can join free with a paying adult so I've persuaded my middle child to join. She's 14 almost 15 and starting high school this year and a bit frustrated that she's gaining and can't get into some of her cute clothes so.... I've got a partner. She'll start this Thursday when I go back for my second week.

Gwenniver, I did get the book for restaurants and was not very pleased with it. Most of the places we don't even have here I wish they would come out with one for your location but I guess that would be really hard. oh well, just look it over before you spend $7.00 I wish I had. ~mary~

[Kristilyn1]

I too had to chime in with how happy I am with Weight Watchers--I love it because with two small children and a husband who don't need to lose any weight at all--other diets didn't work well when it came to dinner time. I HATE making two meals. Weight Watchers allows me to eat very minimal points during the day (yes, I eat breakfast and lunch--just very low points) and I can make a delicious CL dinner and be within my points. I usually manage to save enough points during the day to earn a small bowl of ice cream after dinner. I like the fact that it is a plan that is so close to the way you should eat for life--so it makes it easier to maintain (I hope!) I have lost 8 lbs. in 3 weeks and am very pleased so far. It helps me that several women in my office are doing it too--gives a little more incentive. Plus, I bought a sexy dress to wear when I hit my goal. I try it on once a week......

[patti_potato]

I am new to this site and I'm so glad to see others going through the same things I am. I lost 70lbs. on another diet but my chol. went up to 287. Needless to say off that and on WW way of life. I find it easy to follow but the weight doesn't come off as fast for me. It is comming off though, and is a healthy way to eat. Stick to it,and let us know how you are doing. So far I have lost 5.5lbs on WW.

[Gwenniver]

Originally posted by MCJiGS:
My first week is going good.


Gwenniver, I did get the book for restaurants and was not very pleased with it. Most of the places we don't even have here I wish they would come out with one for your location but I guess that would be really hard. oh well, just look it over before you spend $7.00 I wish I had. ~mary~

McJiGS:

Thanks--actually I bought the restaurant and grocery store books the first day--I don't mind the restaurant book so much because I realized after looking at it that it confirmed I could reasonably eat a regular cheeseburger and small fries at Burger King, or 1 soft taco and Pintos N Cheese at Taco Bell, and still stay within my points. It is a national book, though--I think they should publish at least East Coast and West Coast books (I'm on the East Coast and have never heard of some of these restaurants).

I'm happy to say that at my 2nd week's weigh-in I've lost a total of 5 pounds in 2 weeks. If this continues it'll definitely be worth it.

I also found out (by calling them, why didn't I think of this before?) that Olive Garden, at least, has nutritional information on their dishes. I'm going to call around to some restaurants and find out. That way I don't have to abandon checking points just because I'm eating out.

I can't resist just one more thing--for anybody who's a grilled cheese fan (like me, legacy of my childhood), you can make a great grilled cheese sandwich using 2% milk cheese slices (like Kraft), regular bread, and butter flavored Pam spray (just spray it right on the sandwich). Mmmmmmmmmm, 4 points! Great with tomato soup (rainy day food!).



[This message has been edited by Gwenniver (edited 07-27-2000).]

[julia]

Mary, you should check out the message boards on www.3fatchicks.com (http://www.3fatchicks.com) (3 Fat Chicks on a Diet). There is a huge Weight Watchers presence there, which you may find helpful as a new member. This particular message board is actually better than WW's own.

I also agree that Weight Watchers is a good program, but it's only as good as the work you put into it, like anything. I've had a problem with my will power lately as well, but if you work the program, it will work for you. Good luck.

Julia

[This message has been edited by julia (edited 07-28-2000).]

[This message has been edited by julia (edited 07-28-2000).]

[MCJiGS]

Julia, Thanks for the web site. I think I'll check it out

Gwenniver, I've had that grilled cheese but make it with Wonderlight bread and save a point. YUM

Well, I'm on week three and I've lost 10.5 lb and my daughter on week two lost 4.5. We're exercising everyday doing something like walking or riding bikes for an hour and everynight cooking with Cooking Light. I've got quite a few cook books of theirs and I'm really trying different stuff. Some have been flops like the Vegetable Pot Pie, wow that sucked. But everything else has been so good. I'm cooking the Chicken Bruschetta (pg. 128) recipe from August. Hope it turns out.

[pattikake]

I just joined WW last week & really feel good! I have about 10 more lbs to lose so it's easy for me to slack-off when I'm feeling so good. If you would like a really great website that calculates WW points for restaurants go to www.dottisweightlosszone.com (http://www.dottisweightlosszone.com)

[CATHIEA]

I'm excited to see all this discussion on WW. I am a lifemember of Weight Watcher's AND a part-time leader. I live in the Midwest, and I always thought the fast food companion was biased in favor of the East Coast! I have had members say that they find the Fast Food Companion helpful because even if the fast food restuarant they are going to is not in the book, they can find similar dishes in the Companion and that help them stay on track by tracking. The Grocery Companion has points for many common recipes that you may find in a restaurant (The points reflect an average recipe), so you can get pretty close to reality using that book.
Good luck to everyone! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif
CathieA

[Kathy]

I have been off and on WW for over 2 years (more off than on!) I was down 30 pounds, but my hubby got sick and I blew up. (Now he is fine, Thank God, but I am disgusted with myself!) Congratulations to you for all your successes! I just started back last Saturday and have not had a terrific week, but I will force myself to go on Saturday and face the humiliation! Let's do this together!
Cathie and others how much have you lost on WW?

[Jen]

I've just joined WW (on Monday) and so far am finding it pretty easy. I convinced my Mom to join with me, so I have some support. I think she is finding it harder - she's less willing to sit down with the slidey thing and figure out how many points her recipes have! I'm a lot less hungry than I have been when I've been trying to lose weight before - I think knowing that I can eat the occasional treat is helping a lot. I'll miss my one week meeting because Monday is a holiday in Canada...but I figure I'll give myself the first two weeks so that (hopefully) there's a big loss and I can keep motivated! I'm hoping to lose about 50 lbs total. (By next summer would be great - my 10 yr high school reunion!)

Thanks for all the support from everyone - it really helps!

Jen

[Madelyn]

Just found this site. I joined WW three months ago and lost then gained, lost and gained again. It is not WW's fault, it is my problem. I was thinking I needed to put my progress (up or down)in black and white, to be accountable in some way to real people. I suspect that exercise and writing down meals is the best way. It sure isn't a walk in the park but it is the most sensible way to make a life change. At my age, I guess I wonder if it is possible to do this (age 66).

[CATHIEA]

Kathy-
My little WW joke is that I lost 56 points on WW. The first time I joined I was in complete denial. I went with a REALLY fat friend. She was 10 pounds over her weight goal-I was 20 pounds over! I lost that 20 pounds, got lifetime and never weighed in again. Guess what. I gained that 20 pounds right back. Then, the 20 pounds had such a good time that they invited 16 more pounds to join my hips, so the next (and I hope last time) I joined WW I had to lose 36 pounds! It was after I had lost the 20 pounds the second time that it occurred to me that I had essentially paid WW twice to lose the same 20 pounds. How depressing! That's one reason I think I've been able to maintain my weight loss now for 4 years.
I hope this helps. Have you visited the WW website?
CathieA

[Kathy]

CathieA, I visited it a while ago..I think I will take another look. One thing I have noticed is that I really binge on carbs. I have toyed with the idea of low-carbing but I miss them! Have you heard similar things in your meetings or felt similar yourself?

[CATHIEA]

Kathy-
Most nutrition plans suggest no more than 50% -60% of your daily calories from carbs. I'm a big pasta eater, and didn't notice a problem with losing weight. If you are eating higher in carbs, try adding some protein back in to your diet. I know lots of people when they start WW are afraid to eat protein for some reason. Did you know that fruit has carbs? You may be eating more high carb fruit like peaches and nectarines than watermelon. You also might want to journal how your body feels after carbs at various times of day. I have a friend who says she feels sleepy after carbs in the afternoon and that carbs after 8 PM really mess up her metabolism.
Hope this helps.
CathieA

[Kathy]

Thanks, CathieA..that helps a lot! My doctor actually suggested Atkins because I am having weight related health issues and I have to lose the weight! Once I said WW, he said even better, but that I should watch the carbs. I did not realize that peaches and nectarines are especially high in carbs...makes sense though because they are so sweet and wonderful this time of year! (And they were my fruit of choice!) I suppose I have to give up my Snickers too! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I have started back to the gym and actually stuck to the program yesterday!Yippee!I have to admit, I get discouraged when the weight doesn't fly off when I stick to program. Does it take a bit to kick in? Thanks so much for your help! I truly appreciate it! I feel embarrassed talking about it at meetings when many seem to be finding it easy! A man lost 80 pounds since Sept! I am happy for him, but feel like a failure because I am having a tough time and have been going for much longer! Sorry about the novel!

[skylarc]

My two cents on WW & CL:
I lost 53 lbs. on WW 123, reached goal in Feb. & lifetime in April. It worked extremely well for me and while I don't rigidly count points these days, I know the point value of everything that goes into my mouth. What I learned with respect to portion control, conscious choices, and changing my relationship with food is of immeasurable value!

I found the cookbooks sold through WW to be of varying quality. Some of the smaller ones -- such as "All Things Sweet" -- are published by Southern Living Books. I realized after I bought it that I've seen most of the recipes in CL. A lot of the recipes in other cookbooks are not particularly well written (like they never tell you what temperature the stove burner should be http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif ) & the cookbooks poorly indexed (some are not indexed at all!). My point here? 90% of the time I use my CL recipes along with recipes from the old "Eating Well" & Sunset Magazine's "Quick, Light & Healthy". I calculate the points & write it in next to the recipe the first time I try the recipe.

I did buy the (old) electronic calculator -- I found it worthwhile & still use it to calculate recipes. I use a Palm Pilot and downloaded a "freeware" program that is a journal & calculator -- I highly reccomend this if you use a Palm because then you have everything with you wherever you are. I have seen a new calculator at the WW center -- it looks like it's better -- and more $$ http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif -- than the old one.

I can't stress enough the importance of regular exercise, especially strength training, to your success. I have never in my life had a regular exercise routine so this was a much bigger change for me than the eating -- but I can say now that I am an athlete! I regularly walk, in-line skate & lift weights. I turn 40 next year & plan to walk a marathon to celebrate my birthday http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/cool.gif If the idea of strength training is completely foreign to you, an excellent starting point is any of the "Strong Women" books by Miriam Nelson. You can begin a strength training program in the privacy of your home with minimal investment in equipment.

A comment about leaders: (honest, I'll stop soon) there are good & not so good leaders; some of it is just a personality match issue but really, it has to come from inside of you -- you're only in that meeting for a half hour a week, the rest of the time, you've got to be "walking the walk".

Last comment -- several excellent online resources have been mentioned by other posters. Two more that I found very helpful are www.cyberdiet.com (http://www.cyberdiet.com) -- some great tips & support ideas -- and the "Fit or Fat" center in www.healthcentral.com (http://www.healthcentral.com) -- see "10 tips to start exercising".

Hope this helps!
Skylar

[This message has been edited by skylarc (edited 08-13-2000).]

[skylarc]

Originally posted by Kathy:
I did not realize that peaches and nectarines are especially high in carbs...makes sense though because they are so sweet and wonderful this time of year! (And they were my fruit of choice!) I suppose I have to give up my Snickers too! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Kathy,
If I recall, a "fun size" Snicker is 2 points -- probably not what you had in mind, but, yes, you can have your Snickers. Ultimately, you're trying to shift away from large quantities of simple carbs -- refined sugars & grains -- & towards complex carbs -- fruits, veggies & whole grains. But you can eat a lot of protein & still be in range with WW -- lean meats & dairy products, even bacon (turkey or regular, it's 1 pt. per strip).

My own experience with snacks is that a snack that is only carbs will give me a quick boost & then a "crash & burn". If I have a snack of carbs & some protein, it will carry me longer: fruit & yogurt, fruit & string cheese, etc.

Good luck!
Skylar

[Kathy]

Congratulations, Skylar! It sounds like you have really had a lifestyle change for the positive! I used to be much more active and I miss it. I find it hard to get the time in to exercise, but with the kids getting back to school it will be easier. I am a MAJOR stress eater! That combined with lack of exercise and an especially stressful year have not made for a slim Kathy! My head is finally clearing a bit and it seems to be time to take of myself (for a change!) Thanks for sharing your success and inspiration! I really appreciate it!

[CATHIEA]

Kathy- Sorry to take so long getting back to you. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!!!!! Look around at other members in your meeting, I'm sure you will find others who have been in the program as long or even longer than you. People vary in how long it takes to lose weight. 80 pounds since September is a terrific accomplishment, but so is 10 pounds. It takes the same effort and commitment. Heck, sometimes NOT gaining weight is the accomplishment! If you feel frustrated about slow weight loss, talk to your leader first.

You should never feel intimidated to speak out at a meeting.

That's the point of having a group-support is so important. I'm sure there are other members who would be glad to share their own slow weight frustration stories with you and may have suggestions for how to stay motivated when the scale's not moving.

CathieA-I'm done preaching now!

[smvalvo]

Originally posted by CATHIEA:
Kathy- Sorry to take so long getting back to you. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!!!!! Look around at other members in your meeting, I'm sure you will find others who have been in the program as long or even longer than you. People vary in how long it takes to lose weight. 80 pounds since September is a terrific accomplishment, but so is 10 pounds. It takes the same effort and commitment. Heck, sometimes NOT gaining weight is the accomplishment! If you feel frustrated about slow weight loss, talk to your leader first.

You should never feel intimidated to speak out at a meeting.

That's the point of having a group-support is so important. I'm sure there are other members who would be glad to share their own slow weight frustration stories with you and may have suggestions for how to stay motivated when the scale's not moving.

CathieA-I'm done preaching now!

You are sooooooo right CathieA...I couldn't have said it better myself. I have been going to WW since April- lost 30 pounds and struggle every week with the motivation thing. The times that a member speaks out is so helpful to the the rest of us.