Weight watchers vs MFP plan
PrettyLight111
Posts: 8 Member
Hi everyone,
I have been doing the weight watchers plan this past year somewhat successfully, lost some weight. I still have a few more pounds to go and I am thinking of using just the MFP plan only now. I started MFP a Month ago for I felt my points and so called Free foods they allow was keeping me from losing, I lost only 2lbs in 6 weeks prior, yes great to lose but felt it should have moved a little more. So when I stared MPF a month ago and kept the calories, excerise, etc in check, I lost 5lbs in 4 weeks.
So, my question; Is there anyone here who left weighters and has used the MFP plan and achieved successful results? Do you like it better? What are your tips for using mfp?
It’s time for me to renew my WW plan there soon and not sure I want too, cost etc. For I feel I do have a good handle on portion control now, excerise, so not sure it’s working for me anymore and need a change. Seem to be having positive results here thus far. What are your thoughts?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Wishing everyone continued success with there weight loss & fitness journey.
I have been doing the weight watchers plan this past year somewhat successfully, lost some weight. I still have a few more pounds to go and I am thinking of using just the MFP plan only now. I started MFP a Month ago for I felt my points and so called Free foods they allow was keeping me from losing, I lost only 2lbs in 6 weeks prior, yes great to lose but felt it should have moved a little more. So when I stared MPF a month ago and kept the calories, excerise, etc in check, I lost 5lbs in 4 weeks.
So, my question; Is there anyone here who left weighters and has used the MFP plan and achieved successful results? Do you like it better? What are your tips for using mfp?
It’s time for me to renew my WW plan there soon and not sure I want too, cost etc. For I feel I do have a good handle on portion control now, excerise, so not sure it’s working for me anymore and need a change. Seem to be having positive results here thus far. What are your thoughts?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Wishing everyone continued success with there weight loss & fitness journey.
12
Replies
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I'm not sure why you would pay money when you can do this for free. You seem to have figured it out, just keep at it, read the forums, be honest with yourself about your eating and exercise. MFP is a wonderful support group and there are so many successful and knowledgeable people that can help you if you have questions.
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Yes my thoughts exactly now. Though I will say, the in-person ww support group helped me a lot in the beginning which I enjoyed & needed. So served it purpose I suppose that I am grateful for, those whom help me. But, I do feel I may be ready now to move on and save some $$$.
Thank you kindly for your input.3 -
I lost weight years ago (45 lbs) and got to Lifetime so I’m “lucky” that WW is free for me however I want to lose 5 lbs and Freestyle is not very helpful so I’m tracking cals for a while (I’ve done it on and off) I have a pretty good idea of a healthy plan, I just need to be extra careful with my portions since I’m trying to get to the middle of the Healthy BMI chart 😉
Give it a try (to cals) and see how it works for you...Good Luck!1 -
If you look through the General forum, you'll find dozens of threads on this subject. A lot of people have switched from WW to MFP.2
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I just became a lifetime member of WW. I liked the program because I liked the accountability. I had a hard time just using MFP and weighing on my scale at home. I found that I wasn't as honest with myself. I lost 45 pounds on the program. Now that WW is free for me I will use both for maintenance and accountability.4
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Congrats, on achieving your goals, that is wonderful. 💯 I actually do like their online connect support. So, still giving it some thought, would love that for free! Thank you for your input❤️1
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I still go to WW for the weigh ins, and to support my mother who is also a member. I do all my tracking on MFP. I should reach goal this week so should be a lifetime member soon (I'm already well within the goal range, I'm just vain).4
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Yes was thinking just maybe waiting it out for life time~ ThxU for you input! Congrats on all your success!3
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I am back on MFP following a run with WW. The new Freestyle worked for me in the beginning but when I did both WW and a trial with MFP, I found out that the point system was putting me way over the 1200 calories I needed to lose successfully. It works for some but it did not work for me. After the first 6 weeks the scale was not moving. So, here I am. On my own again.6
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Yes, I totally relate, I came to mfp to see where the calorie range was with WW, and found very high too with the freestyle. You really have to watch those calories in the free foods. Thank you for sharing, I think With mfp being free it can work as an added bonus with the new weight watchers freestyle. So, may work both indeed.4
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PrettyLight111 wrote: »Yes, I totally relate, I came to mfp to see where the calorie range was with WW, and found very high too with the freestyle. You really have to watch those calories in the free foods. Thank you for sharing, I think With mfp being free it can work as an added bonus with the new weight watchers freestyle. So, may work both indeed.
I was also getting stuck with the 0 points foods and couldn't understand the reasoning behind it - I mean an egg is 'free' at WW but it's 70 cals. That cannot be right. Now on MFP and feel like I have a better grip on what's going into my mouth.
Early days but I am excited!8 -
I am a lifetime WW member so I go to the meeting for accountability but I have been with mfp for years and I find it to be the best for me. I workout a lot so #freestyle, and beyond the scale (free fruit) were not for me. There were many days I had way too many points left over and was over my calories and days I had no points left over and under. I find this to be the best bet for me.6
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I'm a WW who got stuck and came to MFP to track and see where the problem was. I also met with a fitness coach who gave me some suggestions (perk of having a wellness focused workplace!). I am sticking with WW, but using MFP to make sure I don't eat too many carbs (beans = 0SP??? not for me!) and get more protein. I modified my stats here to up the protein and drop the carbs while being within the calorie range.
And if anyone wants an accountability buddy, feel free to ping me!7 -
Weight watchers is a diet based system and you have to believe in this system for it to work. Their science and formulas are basically hidden so you have to take their word for it and believe in it. MFP is straight forward calories in and calories out. Every bite, lick, and taste matters including fruit, veggies, and 70 calorie a piece eggs.
I did WW for 3 months. Since I had done MFP in the past I just couldn't buy into the system. I couldnt' wrap my head around zero point items. Here is what WW can do that MFP can't. In person group accountability and support.
The MFP community is great and powerful and can be substitue however in person face to face accountability and weigh ins are that much better and may even be worth the price. In fact, I'm considered starting my own local FREE accountability group for anyone wanting to lose weight that includes a weigh in and weekly discussion.12 -
I don't know if my experience will be of any help to you. I quit Weight Watchers Online in January of 2015 when the new Freestyle Program came out. I had been a member for many, many years. I came to MFP via Calorie Count and lost 106 pounds. Which I have maintained within 5 pounds for over a year now. What I needed was to get serious and also to figure out what works for me. I took my time and am much happier now.15
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@PrettyLight111 I think in my own opinion and experience (never used weightwatchers) MFP is a community that allows you to bond, fail and get back up. What I am saying is the app is not the real reason why you lose weight it’s to relationship the inspiration that others give day to day interactions. You must be dedicated food and exercise have to be balanced one can’t out weigh the other3
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@PrettyLight111 I haven't done WW. What I can say though is MFP doesn't help you plan your meals. That can be daunting. It is total accountability. I had a piece of white chocolate and black coffee this morning. Totally up to me what I eat within my daily allowance.
You've done WW so it seems you've learnt a few things and can properly plan your meals. If you use MFP, plan and log your meals in advance whenever possible so you know how to adjust to stay within your calories budget. You have the support of the community here. If you like the accountability, get some supportive friends here, maybe open your diaries to your friends so if you are stuck they can support you.2 -
Weight management is very simple (but not always easy) thing. It's an energy balance. Supply more energy (calories) than you use, your body will store that excess energy as fat. Supply less energy than you use, your body will begin to burn those excess energy stores.
MFP makes this transparent, clear and straight forward. It calculates your targets, lets you log your energy intake and expenditure and does the math for you. It's free and using the app will educate you about nutrition and teach you how to manage your food directly.
WW takes the same energy in/energy out equation. Puts a gimmicky wrapper around it to hide how it all works and sells that gimmick. Because it hides and obfuscates whats actually happening in the background you can't learn how to do it alone and therefore become reliant on their system. The entire thing is designed to give you a temporary fix that works while you're paying them. As soon as you stop, you're back to square one because you haven't learned anything except their system. You regain the weight and think 'Oh WW helped me lose weight last time I'll do that again' and spend more money.
WW is designed to keep you on the hook with a lose-gain cycle. They're in it for the money. Selling people a 'plan' makes money through repeat business. Teaching people how to do it them selves doesn't. I've watched friends and family members yo-yo on WW for over 40 years. I asked some of them why they keep going back and they all said the same thing 'Oh it works. I lose weight when I'm on WW'. If it really worked, they wouldn't have had to keep going back periodically for four decades.15 -
Weight management is very simple (but not always easy) thing. It's an energy balance. Supply more energy (calories) than you use, your body will store that excess energy as fat. Supply less energy than you use, your body will begin to burn those excess energy stores.
MFP makes this transparent, clear and straight forward. It calculates your targets, lets you log your energy intake and expenditure and does the math for you. It's free and using the app will educate you about nutrition and teach you how to manage your food directly.
WW takes the same energy in/energy out equation. Puts a gimmicky wrapper around it to hide how it all works and sells that gimmick. Because it hides and obfuscates whats actually happening in the background you can't learn how to do it alone and therefore become reliant on their system. The entire thing is designed to give you a temporary fix that works while you're paying them. As soon as you stop, you're back to square one because you haven't learned anything except their system. You regain the weight and think 'Oh WW helped me lose weight last time I'll do that again' and spend more money.
WW is designed to keep you on the hook with a lose-gain cycle. They're in it for the money. Selling people a 'plan' makes money through repeat business. Teaching people how to do it them selves doesn't. I've watched friends and family members yo-yo on WW for over 40 years. I asked some of them why they keep going back and they all said the same thing 'Oh it works. I lose weight when I'm on WW'. If it really worked, they wouldn't have had to keep going back periodically for four decades.
I have never heard it said more perfectly. That is exactly what's going on!4 -
Yes its all about basic of calorie in and out, energy balance. Indeed WW is a business, like all businesses have a way of structuring their sell. While MFP is free, it post tons of ads in order to be so, in hope you click or go premium for a Fee if one wishes to pay. WW like any weight loss plan indeed has it pros and cons.
For me, Justin714 mentioned above, the in person meetings and weigh-in's where of very of great value for accountability in the beginning. Wonderful support in helping you along in changing behaviors and ideas's shared, at least at mine, a positive experience for me.
Example, Sharing with others about being a "Caregiver" at one meeting and how to handle the stress eating one feels when so alone, was of so valuable to me. The support others give me and shared their caregiving experience and relationships with food was priceless. We all learned a lot that day. A true sense of love and care, is a wonderful thing to have in person. So one great attribute WW has I feel to their credit, that I am grateful for.
I do believe no matter what "gimmicky wrapper" (as Danp wrote above " companies wrap themselves in, I feel whatever plan you choose once you have good balance habits formed one should to follow what works best for them indeed.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful input!
Great success & happiness to all~6 -
I don't want to pay anymore than I have to to lose weight. And WW is just a fancy way of counting calories. MFP is free, there's no contest! Its free and it works.7
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carolpollina wrote: »I am back on MFP following a run with WW. The new Freestyle worked for me in the beginning but when I did both WW and a trial with MFP, I found out that the point system was putting me way over the 1200 calories I needed to lose successfully. It works for some but it did not work for me. After the first 6 weeks the scale was not moving. So, here I am. On my own again.
Almost nobody needs to eat only 1200 calories to lose weight.
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I have been doing WW since mid July and have lost 25 pounds to date. A slow, but steady loss. I also track on MFP which is so much more meaningful for me than the points plan. Nevertheless, I do find the personal and community approach in meetings beneficial. MFP alone worked for me in the past, but I find the connecting I do via the meetings to be invaluable. I am, however, thinking of quitting once my 6 month membership expires and just sticking to MFP.3
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I first lost all my weight just with MFP and a gym called Koko fitness. Then I moved and gained it all back and then some. Kept trying to get back into the swing of everything on MFP but I wasn’t honest with myself and didn’t keep myself accountable. So after a long on and off struggle trying to lose by myself, I signed up for WW. Lost 16 pounds so far. Woot woot. I do the group meetings and having someone else weigh me in, keeps my focus and accountable more so than by myself.
Yesterday I decided to start tracking on MFP along with WW. I like seeing the calorie intake and what calories I have left.
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I have gone back and forth. There are aspects of WW that I like, primarily the “free foods” however nothing is really free is it? I did loose weight because my friend held me accountable. She has gone off the wagon now and I am bored with WW so it is no longer benifiting me. I gained back seven pounds. I never met my original goal. MFP is definitely the most accurate in that you can monitor the percentages of dietary requirements.3
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PrettyLight111 wrote: »Hi everyone,
I have been doing the weight watchers plan this past year somewhat successfully, lost some weight. I still have a few more pounds to go and I am thinking of using just the MFP plan only now. I started MFP a Month ago for I felt my points and so called Free foods they allow was keeping me from losing, I lost only 2lbs in 6 weeks prior, yes great to lose but felt it should have moved a little more. So when I stared MPF a month ago and kept the calories, excerise, etc in check, I lost 5lbs in 4 weeks.
So, my question; Is there anyone here who left weighters and has used the MFP plan and achieved successful results? Do you like it better? What are your tips for using mfp?
It’s time for me to renew my WW plan there soon and not sure I want too, cost etc. For I feel I do have a good handle on portion control now, excerise, so not sure it’s working for me anymore and need a change. Seem to be having positive results here thus far. What are your thoughts?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Wishing everyone continued success with there weight loss & fitness journey.PrettyLight111 wrote: »Hi everyone,
I have been doing the weight watchers plan this past year somewhat successfully, lost some weight. I still have a few more pounds to go and I am thinking of using just the MFP plan only now. I started MFP a Month ago for I felt my points and so called Free foods they allow was keeping me from losing, I lost only 2lbs in 6 weeks prior, yes great to lose but felt it should have moved a little more. So when I stared MPF a month ago and kept the calories, excerise, etc in check, I lost 5lbs in 4 weeks.
So, my question; Is there anyone here who left weighters and has used the MFP plan and achieved successful results? Do you like it better? What are your tips for using mfp?
It’s time for me to renew my WW plan there soon and not sure I want too, cost etc. For I feel I do have a good handle on portion control now, excerise, so not sure it’s working for me anymore and need a change. Seem to be having positive results here thus far. What are your thoughts?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Wishing everyone continued success with there weight loss & fitness journey.PrettyLight111 wrote: »Hi everyone,
I have been doing the weight watchers plan this past year somewhat successfully, lost some weight. I still have a few more pounds to go and I am thinking of using just the MFP plan only now. I started MFP a Month ago for I felt my points and so called Free foods they allow was keeping me from losing, I lost only 2lbs in 6 weeks prior, yes great to lose but felt it should have moved a little more. So when I stared MPF a month ago and kept the calories, excerise, etc in check, I lost 5lbs in 4 weeks.
So, my question; Is there anyone here who left weighters and has used the MFP plan and achieved successful results? Do you like it better? What are your tips for using mfp?
It’s time for me to renew my WW plan there soon and not sure I want too, cost etc. For I feel I do have a good handle on portion control now, excerise, so not sure it’s working for me anymore and need a change. Seem to be having positive results here thus far. What are your thoughts?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Wishing everyone continued success with there weight loss & fitness journey.
I’m about to drop WW after 10 months gaining and losing the same 10 pounds with no insight from them as to why. Did WW years ago and it worked. Made lifetime and gained 90 pounds. Now have about 5O to lose. Good luck to you and me too hopefully.0 -
I just moved from Slimming World, which is pretty much the same as Weight Watchers, to mfp and I am finding it so freeing. I was in a cycle of doing well on it, feeling restricted and leaving, returning a month later to find I had put all the weight back. I did this for about a year and a half and in that time I was only 5lb lighter than when I started.
I also found the competitive side of who could lose the most exhausting. I've learned since being on here that it isn't necessarily healthy to lose lots of weight in 1 week, yet there you're rewarded with free food, certificates and shiny stickers if you lost the most that week2 -
I had great and rather unexpected success (lost 40 lbs and made lifetime) with WW circa 1999-2000. I was able to keep it off for a couple of years, but gained again. I liked the program where I lost weigh originally. Probably for me it was really more of a simplified calorie counting program, points based on fibre, fat and calories with only greens and other non-starchy vegetables being "free" not fruit. The nutritional guidelines were built in, as I think they always have been, with number of serving requirements for veggies/fruit, milk (!?!), water and so on. I was already in those days an avid exerciser.
In more recent experience with them, around 2006/7 I struggled for a long time to lose ten pounds (dealing with menopause), and then they completely overhauled their system (I found tracking much more complicated) and I drifted away (and put on more weight).
It is easy to get sidelined by "new studies" and popular diets. I think these can be misleading. Yet, somehow, I know in my heart of hearts that too much of eating chocolate, potato chips, and drinking wine and behaving in a sedentary way. With most people I doubt that a lack of understanding about nutrition and health is the problem.
MFP is CICO (Eat less, move more).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKs0oEIVOck
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I was also getting stuck with the 0 points foods and couldn't understand the reasoning behind it - I mean an egg is 'free' at WW but it's 70 cals. That cannot be right. Now on MFP and feel like I have a better grip on what's going into my mouth.
Early days but I am excited!
Yes yes yes this is exactly how i feel. I did WW yeeeeears ago when absolutely everything had a points value and i lost weight EVERY week. The new system i find much more restrictive even with "free" foods. I paid a subscription to WW just before christmas so i'll see it through but im using MFP to keep me in line.
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