Weight Watchers...I'm a believer

[amg35]

I know I've read some diet threads on here so I can converse with you guys....

Not to get all Oprah on you, but I think 2016 will be the year of my best body!

I put on 20 (or so...) lbs when I quit smoking 3 years ago that I've never really gotten rid of. I blamed it on being 42. I've often rolled my eyes at the idea of weight watchers, but I was looking at pictures of myself from our cruise in December and thought - enough is enough, let's do this. So last month on 1/4/16 I decided to try weight watchers because I like the idea of counting points rather than calories, and it just keeps me honest.

I still eat about what I normally do. The main thing is we are now cooking at home on the weekends instead of ordering out what I thought was "healthy" and I pay attention to portion control.
I am thrilled to find out I am actually a great cook! I follow a lot of the recipes from Weight Watchers and they are delicious! Yes, it takes time to do all the chopping, slicing, etc. and I had to stock the pantry and cooking utensils, but the food is great. Seriously.
I also find that I really enjoy cooking on the weekends, it relaxes me. Weekdays the meals aren't as involved.
I get 30 points a day and 28 weekly points. Plus my active points. I find that I'm fine with the 30 and I only dip into my weekly for my wine on the weekends (which is probably why I find cooking so fun ). Never touch my active points.
I don't feel restricted and I don't worry about if I go out to dinner.
I don't go to meetings, I do everything online.

Anyways, I started at 152.6 on 1/4/16, today I'm at 144.0 and my goal is 130-135!!!


I know it's not for everyone, but for anyone who was curious, I am losing weight with the smart point system on Weight Watchers.

 

[Vernie822]

That is AWESOME!! Good for you!! I really liked their PointsPlus system and I made the switch to SmartPoints as well. My subscription is up this month and I think I'm gonna switch back to PointsPlus via the Ultimate Food Diary (knock off) app.

SmartPoints is a double edged sword to me. I recently started tracking on My Fitness Pal (since my subscription is almost up, I wanted to see about maybe switching to calorie counting). I was eating my 30 SmartPoints a day and coming in at < 1200 calories. And this is with eating lean proteins, veggies, fruits, and of course some bread, bacon, cheese, etc. We work out 3-4 times a week for an hour with fitness classes, burning somewhere around 7-11 Activity Points.. so not eating those back and staying within my 30 points wasn't really working well for me. I'm not sure if I am going to stick with Points Plus after my subscription is up or if I'll switch to calorie counting.

Good luck with the rest of your journey and keep up the great work!

 

[Kae]

I know I've read some diet threads on here so I can converse with you guys....

Not to get all Oprah on you, but I think 2016 will be the year of my best body!

I put on 20 (or so...) lbs when I quit smoking 3 years ago that I've never really gotten rid of. I blamed it on being 42. I've often rolled my eyes at the idea of weight watchers, but I was looking at pictures of myself from our cruise in December and thought - enough is enough, let's do this. So last month on 1/4/16 I decided to try weight watchers because I like the idea of counting points rather than calories, and it just keeps me honest.

I still eat about what I normally do. The main thing is we are now cooking at home on the weekends instead of ordering out what I thought was "healthy" and I pay attention to portion control.
I am thrilled to find out I am actually a great cook! I follow a lot of the recipes from Weight Watchers and they are delicious! Yes, it takes time to do all the chopping, slicing, etc. and I had to stock the pantry and cooking utensils, but the food is great. Seriously.
I also find that I really enjoy cooking on the weekends, it relaxes me. Weekdays the meals aren't as involved.
I get 30 points a day and 28 weekly points. Plus my active points. I find that I'm fine with the 30 and I only dip into my weekly for my wine on the weekends (which is probably why I find cooking so fun ). Never touch my active points.
I don't feel restricted and I don't worry about if I go out to dinner.
I don't go to meetings, I do everything online.

Anyways, I started at 152.6 on 1/4/16, today I'm at 144.0 and my goal is 130-135!!!

I know it's not for everyone, but for anyone who was curious, I am losing weight with the smart point system on Weight Watchers.

You are doing great. I also am loving Smart Points. Down 7.8 since 1/13. And I have had major parties 2 of those weekends. I am trying to use up some of the food that I have in the pantry & freezer so choices could be better but I hate to waste food. Love love www.skinnytaste.com for recipes

 

[mdsouth]

Wonderful news on your great progress!

Thanks for starting this thread. I have never done Weight Watchers before but I have been seriously thinking about it. I was also considering doing the online version instead of the weekly check-in and meetings in person.

For me, having to schedule a separate time to go to the meetings is something I knew that I would most likely skip. I just have a lot to jungle time wise as it is and know the meeting would be added stress for me. I do like the idea of online to get the information and to also help motivate me.

I appreciated reading about everyone's experiences here to help nudge me into taking the plunge.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Great!!!
I am a big believer in eating home-cooked food when possible, and not processed stuff.

I did just want to say that I just hate that latest commercial where Oprah is all "I.. LOVE... bread..."

 

[disney4us2002]

Good job. I haven't tried any of the WW recipes, but maybe I'll give it a glance. I've lost 6 lbs in 4 wks. I know I can make better choices and I know where I didn't (wine during snow blizzard weekend was a biggie, lol).

I do not enjoy cooking and I adore restaurant dining. This is hard for me because I am not willing to completely forgo dining out.

I also did not join because of Oprah and her commercials are annoying.

 

[roseaster]

Congrats.

It's the reason why WW is consistently rated as one of the top diets. It teaches portion control and making healthy choices with real food.

but I cannot stand Oprah. Uggggh.... even the sound of her voice makes my skin crawl.

 

[Sleepy425]

I love Weight Watchers - when I see people trying to sell their miracle elixirs on Facebook I thank my lucky stars I found Weight Watchers instead. They all claim their system is a "lifestyle change." Yep - the lifestyle they want changed is theirs- via your money. Weight Watchers is about support and eating normal food.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

Congrats on your great start.

 

[minniecarousel]

Woo-hoo! Great job, amg35! I'm a long-time WWer, but for some reason, I wasn't really doing the plan. I am now recommitted to it. I'm finding that accounting for sugar is a major deal for me. I decide if a five point cookie is worth it to me, then I have it (it usually isn't worth it!)

I'm old so it's even more difficult to lose the weight. I'm finding that making the time to exercise is very difficult. But I will get to it!

 

[PollyannaMom]

It's the reason why WW is consistently rated as one of the top diets. It teaches portion control and making healthy choices with real food.

I think that makes a lot of sense.

Congrats, @amg35 !

 

[goofy4prez]

To the OP and everyone else out there who have made a commitment to use Weight Watchers to change their eating habits and to improve their lives and health; I applaud you and am convinced you can and will be successful in achieving your goals with Weight Watchers. Not to sound like Oprah Winfrey ( not a fan of hers) or Joel Osteen, but you can achieve whatever you set your mind to do.

I come from a family which has been obese (beyond just heavy) for several generations... My grandparents were both obese. My mother (69) is over 275 lbs and has health problems; my father (72) is over 400 lbs, has major health problems and is confined to a wheel chair; my youngest brother (49) is about 75 lbs overweight and also has health problems. But what really woke me up and made me realize I needed to change was a phone call I received from my mother on May 1st, 2011. That phone call had a hysterical mom on the other end informing me that my brother (not the youngest one mentioned) had suddenly died of a heart attack while standing over a grill. He was 45 years old and was over 125 lbs overweight. After a few days of self examining, I knew I needed to do something; I wanted to see my little girl grow up, get old with my wife, and see my grandchildren.

I was 267 lbs, did not exercise, was in denial over high blood pressure, shortness of breath and overall discomfort in how I felt and looked as well as having low self esteem, but finally realized I needed to do something. A few months later I walked into a Weight Watchers store signed up, then went down the street and joined a Planet Fitness and went to work. I am now 52 years old, I have been a lifetime member at WW's since June 2012 and currently weigh 155 lbs and am 5' 11". I work out or run daily, have done two marathons, and have no health issues at all and am on no prescription drugs at all. I will proudly stand up and proclaim that I am convinced that WW's saved my life and pointed me in the direction of how to live a healthy lifestyle.

I know I may sound like I am bragging, but I only hope that I can help to encourage and inspire others to be successful. It was from others that supported and encouraged me with their own success stories that helped me stay focused even when there were times it was tough.

 

[dclpluto]

To the OP and everyone else out there who have made a commitment to use Weight Watchers to change their eating habits and to improve their lives and health; I applaud you and am convinced you can and will be successful in achieving your goals with Weight Watchers. Not to sound like Oprah Winfrey ( not a fan of hers) or Joel Osteen, but you can achieve whatever you set your mind to do.

I come from a family which has been obese (beyond just heavy) for several generations... My grandparents were both obese. My mother (69) is over 275 lbs and has health problems; my father (72) is over 400 lbs, has major health problems and is confined to a wheel chair; my youngest brother (49) is about 75 lbs overweight and also has health problems. But what really woke me up and made me realize I needed to change was a phone call I received from my mother on May 1st, 2011. That phone call had a hysterical mom on the other end informing me that my brother (not the youngest one mentioned) had suddenly died of a heart attack while standing over a grill. He was 45 years old and was over 125 lbs overweight. After a few days of self examining, I knew I needed to do something; I wanted to see my little girl grow up, get old with my wife, and see my grandchildren.

I was 267 lbs, did not exercise, was in denial over high blood pressure, shortness of breath and overall discomfort in how I felt and looked as well as having low self esteem, but finally realized I needed to do something. A few months later I walked into a Weight Watchers store signed up, then went down the street and joined a Planet Fitness and went to work. I am now 52 years old, I have been a lifetime member at WW's since June 2012 and currently weigh 155 lbs and am 5' 11". I work out or run daily, have done two marathons, and have no health issues at all and am on no prescription drugs at all. I will proudly stand up and proclaim that I am convinced that WW's saved my life and pointed me in the direction of how to live a healthy lifestyle.

I know I may sound like I am bragging, but I only hope that I can help to encourage and inspire others to be successful. It was from others that supported and encouraged me with their own success stories that helped me stay focused even when there were times it was tough.

Great job. How long did it take you to lose them 100 plus pounds?

 

[disney4us2002]

To the OP and everyone else out there who have made a commitment to use Weight Watchers to change their eating habits and to improve their lives and health; I applaud you and am convinced you can and will be successful in achieving your goals with Weight Watchers. Not to sound like Oprah Winfrey ( not a fan of hers) or Joel Osteen, but you can achieve whatever you set your mind to do.

I come from a family which has been obese (beyond just heavy) for several generations... My grandparents were both obese. My mother (69) is over 275 lbs and has health problems; my father (72) is over 400 lbs, has major health problems and is confined to a wheel chair; my youngest brother (49) is about 75 lbs overweight and also has health problems. But what really woke me up and made me realize I needed to change was a phone call I received from my mother on May 1st, 2011. That phone call had a hysterical mom on the other end informing me that my brother (not the youngest one mentioned) had suddenly died of a heart attack while standing over a grill. He was 45 years old and was over 125 lbs overweight. After a few days of self examining, I knew I needed to do something; I wanted to see my little girl grow up, get old with my wife, and see my grandchildren.

I was 267 lbs, did not exercise, was in denial over high blood pressure, shortness of breath and overall discomfort in how I felt and looked as well as having low self esteem, but finally realized I needed to do something. A few months later I walked into a Weight Watchers store signed up, then went down the street and joined a Planet Fitness and went to work. I am now 52 years old, I have been a lifetime member at WW's since June 2012 and currently weigh 155 lbs and am 5' 11". I work out or run daily, have done two marathons, and have no health issues at all and am on no prescription drugs at all. I will proudly stand up and proclaim that I am convinced that WW's saved my life and pointed me in the direction of how to live a healthy lifestyle.

I know I may sound like I am bragging, but I only hope that I can help to encourage and inspire others to be successful. It was from others that supported and encouraged me with their own success stories that helped me stay focused even when there were times it was tough.

Brag, brag, and brag some more. Shout it from the rooftops and carry on. Good on ya!!! That is soooooo incredibly awesome and inspiring. Wow! I'm so impressed and in awe. I don't know where I want to land or what I want to weigh; I only know that I want to feel good and not be out of breath and feel like I don't want my picture taken.

 

[minniecarousel]

Yay goofy4prez! Good for you. That's great. I hope to get to goal this year. This WILL be the best year of my life! One thing I can control is what I put in my mouth!

 

[goofy4prez]

Great job. How long did it take you to lose them 100 plus pounds?

It took me about 8 months to reach 100 lbs. I will admit though, I was pretty aggressive in the gym as well as following Weight Watchers. I stuck too it and didn't have any setbacks during my weight loss. It wasn't until I became a lifetime member and thinking I've got this down before I had any setbacks... At times, it was easier to lose the weight than to maintain it.

Brag, brag, and brag some more. Shout it from the rooftops and carry on. Good on ya!!! That is soooooo incredibly awesome and inspiring. Wow! I'm so impressed and in awe. I don't know where I want to land or what I want to weigh; I only know that I want to feel good and not be out of breath and feel like I don't want my picture taken.

Thanks. Eventually you will get to a point of knowing where you want to land and what you want to weigh will become clearer. I also did not have a set goal in mind when I joined WW's; I kept going and eventually I knew my goal. I also understand and can relate to not wanting a picture taken; I hated my picture taken... Best of luck.

Yay goofy4prez! Good for you. That's great. I hope to get to goal this year. This WILL be the best year of my life! One thing I can control is what I put in my mouth!

I have no doubt this will be the best year in your life. The power of determination and self will can be a pretty powerful thing. Good luck on hitting your goal! On second thought, it's not luck... You've got this!


Sorry OP, I won't hijack your thread anymore.

 

[lustergirl]

I have been doing WW for over a year now and am down 72 lbs. Over the holidays I kind of relapsed and fell off the wagon, lol. But now I am back at it and have lost 7.4 lbs in three weeks. Tomorrow is my weigh in. I like the new points system and the main goal I think is that they are steering us away from more sugar based foods.

 

[mrsstats]

Dr just recommended low carb due to high blood sugar readings. Do you think WW would help with this?

 

[Lulubelle17]

I did WW twice and lost about 10 lbs each time. I am not overly overweight, but now that I'm 40 my metabolism is pretty much dead. I need motivation to get back on track, thank you for sharing!

 

[PollyannaMom]

@goofy4prez - What a fabulous story!! I was practically in tears. Congratulations and thank you for sharing!