Weight Watchers

10/13/2005

Weight Watchers are one of the most consistent weight loss programs in history. Their programs have helped thousands of people to lose weight, generally in a sensible way. Weight Watchers have continued to stay up-to-date offering more and more flexibility with their plans. No longer do they just run the "Points" system.

They also have an entire range of branded food products, scores of recipe and cookbooks, and even produce a magazine!

Basics
Weight Watchers latest innovation is called TurnAround. This encompasses healthy nutrition, effective calorie control, and livability. The goal is to lose weight and keep it off.

The philosophy behind Weight Watchers believes that dieting is just one part of long-term weight management. A healthy body results in a healthy lifestyle (both mental, emotional, and physical health). They do not tell you what to eat, but provide the information, tools, and motivation to help you make good eating decisions.

Weight Watchers Diet Plans
Flex Plan

Full range of food options using the points system (the on-line program includes a complete food database for points values, and a daily tracker).
Choose any food as long as you control how much you eat.
Learn how to easily handle any food challenge - even when choices are limited. The on-line tools include a complete database of Points values, and a daily tracker to keep track on daily points values.
Core Plan
Eat from a list of wholesome foods from all the food groups.
Enjoy satisfying eating without empty calories.
Have the occasional treat (in controlled amounts).
Weight Watchers On-line
Weight Watchers on-line provides all the tools you need. Weight tracking, recipe database, meal ideas, a restaurant guide, and many other aids.

The on-line program also has a very strong community - chat rooms, numerous message boards and recipe swaps. All are extremely active and very helpful.

Meetings
An alternative to the on-line format is the Weight Watchers Meetings. One of the strengths of this program is the ability to meet regularly with others - in an environment of mutual encouragement and support. This is a powerful motivator to stay the course - and many people prefer this format of the Weight Watchers program. The Weight Watchers web site has a complete database of all meetings worldwide.

Does Weight Watchers work?
Weight Watchers is a sustainable (2 pounds weight loss per week) and workable program that has been successful for over 40 years. It is common to see a number of people try different diet fads, only to return to Weight Watchers when things don't go so well. It is also refreshing to see that their on-line will NOT accept people who are on (or 5 pounds above) the minimum weight range for age and height.

The Flex plan works out to about $5 per week (with a 3 month plan) - which is actually quite comparable (if not better) than some competitors (if you compare feature for feature). In addition to this, Weight Watchers is completely free of the commercial overload and clutter that comes with other sites such as eDiets.

Downsides?
No diet program will work for 100% of the population - but Weight Watchers is most certainly one of the best choices out there