Who hasn’t heard of Weight watchers? This classic diet has been around for generations, and has its fair share of success stories under its (tightened) belt. Unlike so many other diets that restrict calories, don’t advocate exercise, try to sell people on “miracle” pills, or require the consumption of an orange “weight loss elixir”, Weight Watchers is about healthy eating and exercise without the frustration of favorite-food deprivation.
Essentially, the Weight Watchers plan works like this: dieters sign up and receive a daily budget of Weight Watchers points, which correlate to foods. Every food has a point value which the dieter is taught to add up, and can be arranged to allow for the occasional Ding Dong or juicy cheeseburger. Weight Watchers directs dieters to high fiber, low saturated fat meals that provide balanced nutrition, but understands that expecting dieters to forever forego chocolate or steak is just not realistic, which is why the point system is so useful. In addition to healthful meals, Weight Watchers members are encouraged to engage in daily exercise and attend Weight Watchers meetings for camaraderie and support. This combination has contributed to successful weight loss for many people.
The Weight Watchers company created frozen meals labeled with point values for the convenience of their members (and non-members), but dieters do not have to purchased the pre-packaged food. The point system allows members to find healthy, low calorie meals at home and even at restaurants.
CATEGORYSCORECOMMENTS
COST:* * Membership and meeting fees aren’t
horrific, but they certainly can add
up.
GETTING STARTED: * * *You can sign up online
STICKING WITH IT: * *For some, trying to keep track of
points can be too complicated,
making it easy to spend an entire
day’s points on hot fudge sundaes.
Additionally, if you like to go-it-
alone, you may be put off by the
weekly camaraderie meetings. Also,
those with greater amounts of weight
to lose may become impatient with
the “slow and steady wins the race”
attitude of a diet like this.
BUSY LIFESTYLE: * * *Weight Watchers is as convenient
as you want to make it. As long as
meal options meet point goals and
have nutritional value, you can
pretty much make this diet suit your
lifestyle. The truly busy however,
will need to remember to pencil in
the weekly Weight Watcher
meetings.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: * * * *You can enjoy family dinners
Without longing for your kid’s “real”
food, and no one has to adapt
their own diets or lifestyles to
accommodate anything out of the
ordinary-because there isn’t
anything out of the ordinary.
POTENTIAL: * * *Healthy, balanced eating with a
limitation on sweets and regular
exercise are the classic weight losstools that, as long as you’re willing
to keep up with, can be effective. As
long as you internalize good eating
habits and daily exercise, Weight
Watchers or no Weight Watchers,
lost pounds won’t creep back.
However, those who like to lose
Weight faster than 1 to 2 pounds a
week may get fed up with the slow
pace and call it quits.
HEALTH and SAFETY: * * * This is one of the safest and most
healthy diets you can buy. As long as
the point system is not abused for
dessert eating sprees, then you
should be getting adequate nutrition
with the bodily benefit of regular
exercise and the emotional support
of a group.
While some may not enjoy the communal Weight Watchers meetings, and others may take advantage of the eat-whatever-you-want nature of the program, Weight Watchers can be effective for weight loss. Although Weight Watchers only advertises a loss of weight at the amount of 1 to 2 pounds a week, it is being done the healthy way with proper eating and exercise. It is important however, to remember that not everyone will find success with Weight Watchers. As with most diets, the “before and after” pictures on the Weight Watchers ads quietly declare “Results not typical.” Additionally, you will be paying monthly membership and meetings fees, essentially for a group support meeting and instructions on how to use the Weight Watchers point system. Although for many, a “weight-loss buddy” is one tool proven to make or break the success of a weight loss plan.
Bottom Line:
Weight Watchers is a good plan for those who don’t want to undertake weight-loss alone, and who benefit from structure they don’t necessarily have to create themselves. For many others however, a gym membership, a low-fat cookbook, and a little initiative make for a custom weight-loss program with successful results.