When it comes to dieting, there are so many plans out there that it’s hard to know which is the right one for you. Do you choose low fat, low carb, no carb, low calorie, grapefruit, fasting, yes this list could go on for a long time. The truth is, if you want to lose weight and keep it off, then you don’t want a fad diet. What you want is a lifestyle change. You need a weight loss program that will help you make permanent, healthy changes in your life. Weight Watchers is one of the best plans out there.
Most people have heard of Weight Watchers, they have been around for decades. They are very popular for their meetings and foods sold in the local super market. But not everyone is familiar with their plans. In fact, they have not one, but two great plans that will fit any lifestyle.
Many people have heard about their flexible POINTS plan. The benefits of the POINTS plan is that you can literally eat just about anything you want within limits. With this plan, every food has a points value. Based on your current weight and activity level, you get a set amount of points to eat per day. You can choose whatever you like within these points. Obviously, the unhealthier an item is the more points it is. You can eat a lot more food by eating healthier. And certain foods, like many vegetables, are zero points. For the most part with this plan you eat very healthy. If you ate nothing but junk, you would not be eating very much! But the beauty of this plan is that you can go out to lunch or dinner to just about everywhere and not have to worry about whether you are “allowed” to eat anything. The downside of this plan is that you do have to do a little planning. But that’s a small price to pay to be able to eat things like pizza and still lose weight.
Their CORE plan is fairly newer and is not as well known. This plan incorporates healthy eating choices without all the counting and planning. With this plan you have a list of very healthy foods that are free to eat anytime. You can eat as much as you want up until you are satisfied (there is no stuffing yourself like it’s Thanksgiving day with this). You do not have to weigh or measure your food. If you are hungry, you just eat anything that is allowed from the list. Not every healthy choice is free thoough. Free choices are healthy foods that are filling and not trigger foods. For example, eating an orange is free but drinking orange juice is not. Eating the whole orange not only gives you the extra nutrients, but it helps fill you up, where as the juice is liable to make you hungrier. Some other free foods are natural fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seafood, eggs, fat free milk, and whole grains. You do still get a set amount of points to spend per week on non-CORE food items so that you can still treat yourself. The downside of this plan is that you have a bit less freedom when going out as fast food items are very limited (But maybe that is a good thing!). The benefit is that you don’t have to count, weigh, or measure your food. Another benefit is that you have to learn to listen to your body by eating when you are truly hungry. And after all, isn’t that the point of losing weight? You are looking for a permanent change that you can live with.
Weight Watchers is known for their supportive meetings. These meetings are great because you get support by others in your area who are going through the same thing. But not everyone is able to go to meetings. Weight Watchers now has a wonderful online program for people unable to attend meetings. Their online web site is a very valuable resource. In fact, you can go to meetings AND use their online system. Their web site offers daily recipes and support stories. And their online community is great. When you need someone to talk to you can go right to their message boards which are full of support! The Weight Watchers program is a great way to lose weight. It is not a diet, it is for life!
