Yesterday I was so infuriated when my client emailed me discouraged and ready to quit all because of one comment a weigh-in person made to her. It still steams me up, but I got to thinking about Weight Watchers and decided today I would post all the things I appreciate and love about their program.
Weight Watchers is one of the best programs available to people who need to lose weight. I would not be here today, a Phitter and Phatter woman if it had not been for their online program. The message boards, the journaling, and the community support really helped me become a healthy and fit Momma. So, to be fair to all the hard working, caring, and dedicated leaders out there…here are my reasons why you SHOULD do Weight Watchers:
1. Journaling. This is so key to losing fat and establishing accountability. They teach you how to write it down and they teach you why to write it down.
2. Group Support. Losing fat is hard. Going to meetings and listening to like minded people talk about their successes and struggles helps you to see that you aren’t alone. Unfortunately for some women, the only support and cheerleading they will recieve in their health journey is through a weekly meeting. It’s important for each person to have someone believe in them.
3. Core Program. Weight Watchers is one of the only programs out there that is making the attempt to teach people how to eat nutritious foods and not just junky-low calorie foods. Although I think they need to emphasize this portion of their program more, they do offer it and that is a lot more than most.
4. Flex Program. Clean eating just isn’t for everyone. Many people need convenience foods. Without them they would just continue to practice their self-destructive behaviors. The beauty of Flex is that it gets you going in the right direction on portion and calorie control. Once that is achieved it’s easier to start considering a better way of eating. A lot of my clients start out as Flexies and then slowly start incorporating more Core foods because they see what a difference it makes in their workouts.
5. Leaders. As with any program, Leaders are essential to anything. One reason my clients value my service is because I’ve walked in their shoes and know those struggles. WW uses people who have lost weight to mentor the next women to do the same. That is so important to you when you are losing weight. It’s much easier to make good choices when you see what the end result can be.
Weight Watchers truly is a wonderful program and a great investment in your health. If you aren’t getting what you want or need out of those meetings, demand for better or try online. Don’t ever let someone else dictate how you feel about who you are. You control the path you will take; not Ms. Skinny Fat who just needs an education on marrying fitness and good eating habits.
Workout: Arms with various Core Stability Ball work in between each superset to only have active rest. Today I really just kept moving.
SS 1: 3 sets balanced on a Bosu Ball
Running Curls
OH Extensions
Bearcrawls
Stability Ball Pull Ins
SS 2: 3 sets
Skull Crushers
BB Curls
Spiderwalks
Rev Crunches
SS 3: 3 sets on Bosu Ball for dips and curls
Dips
Curls Wide
Jack Knives
Cardio: 20 min. Hill Climb – level 18 of 20 at 3.8 MPH and later 50 min. moderate walk in neighborhood with friend.
Food Journal: I’m going to start posting from my sparkpeople page. I’m trying this out and may or may not continue. I’m looking at buying my own software, but I do want to see how good their system is for my clients to use as an optional tracking tool when they have no formal food journal.
| Quaker Instant Oatmeal, prepared with water, 150 grams | 140 | 3 | 25 | 5 |
| Fage Yogurt, 1 serving | 80 | 0 | 8 | 13 |
| Blueberries, frozen (unsweetened), 0.5 cup, unthawed | 40 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Smuckers Sugar Free Jelly-Strawberry, 1 tbsp | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
 |
269 | 3 | 47 | 19 |
| Snap peas, 1 cup | 28 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Broccoli, fresh, 1 cup, chopped | 25 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Romaine Lettuce (salad), 3 cup, shredded | 24 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Tuna, Canned in Water, 1 cup, solid or chunks | 179 | 1 | 0 | 39 |
|
255 | 2 | 13 | 46 |
| tofu grills, 2 serving | 112 | 6 | 4 | 14 |
| Flat Out Multi-grain pita, 1 serving | 150 | 3 | 29 | 13 |
| Green Beans (snap), 1 cup | 34 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Cottage Cheese, 1% Milkfat, 0.5 cup (not packed) | 81 | 1 | 3 | 14 |
|
377 | 10 | 44 | 43 |
| South Beach Diet High Protein Cinnamon Bar, 1 serving | 140 | 5 | 15 | 10 |
| Atkins Advantage Bar, Chocolate/Peanut Butter, 1 serving | 240 | 12 | 12 | 19 |
| Cantaloupe, 1 cup, balls | 62 | 0 | 15 | 2 |
|
442 | 17 | 42 | 31 |
 |
1,343 | 33 | 147 | 139 |
I did have an additional fruit cup today of 100 calories more than this total. I just didn’t copy the updated version.
Corinne, I agree with you on these points too. Although I am having a hard time fathoming 19 WW points, with 6 of them supposed to be dairy & oil, I would not be where I am today without their program. I’m ready to take fitness to the next level with your help and I think WW has taught me good habits (like journaling & portion control) that will certainly aid me in getting there!
Comment by Paula — May 11, 2007 @ 9:33 am
I agree WW is the BEST program out there. It is a great teaching tool.
I know there are some low Daily Points recommendations, but they expectation is that you are eating those daily points AND your flex points AND your activity points. And if that is not enough calories then there is no rule that says that you can not use a higher Daily Point amount. I did that for much of the time I was losing. You are paying for the program…make it work for you.
Comment by kerry — May 14, 2007 @ 7:18 am