Ran here from Weight Watchers

Savannah_416

I've was on Weight Watchers for the past week and ended up hungry, cranky, and light-headed. I know-- it was only one week but that was all I needed to realize how unrealistic and frankly, unhealthy the plan is. They are right, you WILL lose weight on Weight Watchers, but only if you're willing to eat processed foods and very few proteins.

I refuse to eat the processed foods WW suggests-- I try to eat clean and as close to nature as possible which is why suggestions to eat fat free cheese, reduced carb bread, and fat-free cool whip were not acceptable to me. So when I added 2% milk to my coffee, or ate 2% Greek yogurt-- it took away a lot of my allotted points. When I addressed this on their message board the only response I got was, "Umm, eating 2% is not part of the plan".

That freaked me out, but also made me realize that those on it, use it without critically thinking about it.

In addition, I'm nutritionally educated enough to know the importance of protein, but WW doesn't seem to feel simillarly. Three ounces of plain, grilled chicken was worth more points than one large round of pita bread. Really?? Without enough protein, I'm never full for long so when I Googled, "still hungry on Weight watchers", the suggestions I got were to fill up on a lot of fruits and vegetables and...(wait for it) WATER.

What?? How is this a lifestyle change if people are asked to fill up on fruits and vegetables, which are GOOD-- but aren't filling. The human body needs protein, but I felt penalized any time I added a protein into my food log--and it makes you want to avoid them so you aren't left with very few points to eat at the end.

Sorry that my introduction began as a rant, but I'm still cranky from not eating enough on Weight Watchers, lol. When I entered what I ate into My Fitness Pal, I was permitted 400 more calories!

kchiaramonte

I joined Weight Watchers three and a half years ago and lost 60 pounds! I was a bit surprised to read your post about Weight Watchers and how unrealistic they are. They encourage you to eat whole and real foods. You can pretty much eat what you want, but you track your food budget with points. So, if you want the 2% milk, you can drink it, but it will be more points than fat free or skim milk. I find My Fitness Pal and Weight Watchers very similar. If you track what you eat you will be more aware of what you're eating, and stay focused enough to make the right food choices. What I like best about MFP is that not only does it track my calories, but also my protein, carbs, fats, sodium, and sugar content. This week I gained a pound, but I when I looked back at my journal I realized I went over budget in my sodium, carbs, and sugar content. With the help of MFP, I can now pinpoint my reasons for potential weight gain vs purely guessing why I had a weight gain. Good luck on your journey.

KeepGoingKylene

Very much agree with you, WW along with the rest of the programs are not realistic. Glad you figured it out before wasting the money. Being on here makes it so much easier to live life normally! :drinker:

sargessexyone

I did WW for 2 yrs and lost 70 lbs until finances finally forced me to give it up. I went to meetings faithfully and never once was I encouraged to eat processed food. 3 ozs of plain grilled chicken is only 3 points a small pita is 2 points. Not much of a difference if you ask me. Furthermore, I have found that the points plus and calories were pretty comparable. Meaning lower calories = lower points. I do hate that I have to count the calories in my fruits and vegetables now when before I could eat them with abandon. Finally, there are plenty of other ways to get your protein. Vegetarians have been doing it forever. With any weight loss program it is a lifestyle change. Whether you are counting points or counting calories you should be learning to eat healthier.

sargessexyone

I joined Weight Watchers three and a half years ago and lost 60 pounds! I was a bit surprised to read your post about Weight Watchers and how unrealistic they are. They encourage you to eat whole and real foods. You can pretty much eat what you want, but you track your food budget with points. So, if you want the 2% milk, you can drink it, but it will be more points than fat free or skim milk. I find My Fitness Pal and Weight Watchers very similar. If you track what you eat you will be more aware of what you're eating, and stay focused enough to make the right food choices. What I like best about MFP is that not only does it track my calories, but also my protein, carbs, fats, sodium, and sugar content. This week I gained a pound, but I when I looked back at my journal I realized I went over budget in my sodium, carbs, and sugar content. With the help of MFP, I can now pinpoint my reasons for potential weight gain vs purely guessing why I had a weight gain. Good luck on your journey.

Wish they had a like button to acknowledge that you agree with somebody else's post.

rat70

Your approach to eating sounds like mine. I have lost 20kg (44 pounds) - admittedly have put some back on :blushing: but I did this following a sensible eating plan and generous calorie allowance with MFP (I eat more than MFP suggests as I think MFP too low). I haven't tried WW so cannot comment on that (certainly not on the public forum) but I don't believe in very restrictive dieting. Friend me if you like.

tiptoethruthetulips

No need at all to eat processed foods on WW...and points are allocated before exercise, though you are encouraged to eat back exercise points if you choose to. In addition are the weekly points that you can use if you choose to...plenty of calories actually.

nancybuss

I've never been on WW but you're right, tracking your food, your Real foods here will help!!!!

Good foods in, exercise out and accountability with friends = Success!!!!

For WW the accountability is that weekly weigh in, here, we can keep up with you! or be in small groups to help keep track of how you're doing.

Welcome!!!!

prettyface55

I joined Weight Watchers three and a half years ago and lost 60 pounds! I was a bit surprised to read your post about Weight Watchers and how unrealistic they are. They encourage you to eat whole and real foods. You can pretty much eat what you want, but you track your food budget with points. So, if you want the 2% milk, you can drink it, but it will be more points than fat free or skim milk. I find My Fitness Pal and Weight Watchers very similar. If you track what you eat you will be more aware of what you're eating, and stay focused enough to make the right food choices. What I like best about MFP is that not only does it track my calories, but also my protein, carbs, fats, sodium, and sugar content. This week I gained a pound, but I when I looked back at my journal I realized I went over budget in my sodium, carbs, and sugar content. With the help of MFP, I can now pinpoint my reasons for potential weight gain vs purely guessing why I had a weight gain. Good luck on your journey.

totally agree

WrenEileen

I to am a WW and Welcome to the Board.

Bekkah1552

I've also discovered that MFP and WW are fairly similar, but the food database here is a million times better

xX_PhoenixRising_Xx

I lost 23kg (50lbs) with Weight Watchers but I didn't like the lack of emphasis on macros. I found it good to get me into a habit of tracking my food and weighing and measuring portion sizes, but I also found the meeting very repetitive after I'd been there a few months. I had one really good leader and then swapped meetings because we moved and struck one that didn't seem to be able to think by herself. The second one encouraged me to eat as little as possible, although both leaders encouraged eating as little processed as possible. They didn't particularly push low/no fat, but did try and show us, as a group, how we could get more food for the points by utilising lower calorie and lower fat foods in our diet.

In the end, I find that MFP lets me track my macros and my exercise much better, and it doesn't cost me anything. I like seeing the calories that I've actually eaten, and I've learned about what calories I should be eating, rather than going off a magic number that WW says is right for me. I've now lost 38.3kg (85lbs) using MFP to track since this time last year. I wouldn't go back to WW, although I think it can and does work for some people.

kittycatmeowmeow

Hello!

I did ww'ers back in the day before propoints and lost 25 kilos, I love the concept of saving points but I like mfp and counting calories much better - this database is so much better for starters. I also like the fact that accidently forgetting to say skim milk and getting a full fat cappuccino doesnt send me into a panic attack any more. I feel calorie counting does give you a little more leeway to enjoy chocolate and fuller fat greek yoghurt etc. without meaning you have to eat veggies only for dinner, although I do miss saving points!

Tootslarue202

I hear you, I've been on WW since I was 9. I would loose some then gain it. Tracking is a big key. I know what you mean about how they push you to eat Fat free this and that because they did at my meetings, then they used to push their product. I felt annoyed but until the leader told us that corporate was going to fire her if she didn't mention it every time. People made a point in the meeting thou that a lot of their products are processed foods. And much more expensive and a lot less product for the buck. People are cutting back now a days, it's tough to eat healthy foods because they are expensive.
My opinion I don't like WW. I think they just want your money and they can be restrictive. Now this is my opinion the reason for this is because a good friend of mine was a leader for years! She ran 4 meetings, she helped people get to goal, she went out of her way to set up walking clubs, etc. She even called the people who wanted accountability to offer help when they needed it. Since she was getting people to goal corporate cut her hours down to 1 meeting. People were furious! Everyone tried to jam into her classes they made people leave because of capacity. She told me that they cut down her hours because they told her they weren't making any money by people getting to goal. Which is true. But she said well, don't you want people to get to goal they said to her NO! We aren't making any money. When she told me that I thought well, that's a big cooperation for ya who are money hungry.
I was sad for her but she was sad because she loved the WW program but when it got to being greedy she quit and she told people why.
Now she is going back to school to be a Nutritionist. She'd be a great one too!
I lost all my weight by a Nutritionist. Protein first! I ate about 100 g of protein a day. That's what helped me.
Good luck!


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svsl0928

Wow! They must have really changes. I did WW and lost 65 pounds by eating real food and some process which was my choice not their emphasize. My problem was not following what I learned after I lost the Wgt. Enjoying MFP! My Wgt is the lowest it has ever been my adult life. We all have to do what works for us. Welcome to MFP!

Savannah_416

I did WW for 2 yrs and lost 70 lbs until finances finally forced me to give it up. I went to meetings faithfully and never once was I encouraged to eat processed food. 3 ozs of plain grilled chicken is only 3 points a small pita is 2 points. Not much of a difference if you ask me. Furthermore, I have found that the points plus and calories were pretty comparable. Meaning lower calories = lower points. I do hate that I have to count the calories in my fruits and vegetables now when before I could eat them with abandon. Finally, there are plenty of other ways to get your protein. Vegetarians have been doing it forever. With any weight loss program it is a lifestyle change. Whether you are counting points or counting calories you should be learning to eat healthier.

I know there are plenty of people who do enjoy/appreciate Weight Watchers, but I was feeling very poorly every morning when I was on it. I tried upping all the 0 points fruits and vegetables that I could to maximize what I ate, but they didn't keep me full for long. It was just demoralizing to enter hummus and have it be 4-5 points, that's a lot when you're on just a 27-29 point diet.

Savannah_416

I hear you, I've been on WW since I was 9. I would loose some then gain it. Tracking is a big key. I know what you mean about how they push you to eat Fat free this and that because they did at my meetings, then they used to push their product. I felt annoyed but until the leader told us that corporate was going to fire her if she didn't mention it every time. People made a point in the meeting thou that a lot of their products are processed foods. And much more expensive and a lot less product for the buck. People are cutting back now a days, it's tough to eat healthy foods because they are expensive.
My opinion I don't like WW. I think they just want your money and they can be restrictive. Now this is my opinion the reason for this is because a good friend of mine was a leader for years! She ran 4 meetings, she helped people get to goal, she went out of her way to set up walking clubs, etc. She even called the people who wanted accountability to offer help when they needed it. Since she was getting people to goal corporate cut her hours down to 1 meeting. People were furious! Everyone tried to jam into her classes they made people leave because of capacity. She told me that they cut down her hours because they told her they weren't making any money by people getting to goal. Which is true. But she said well, don't you want people to get to goal they said to her NO! We aren't making any money. When she told me that I thought well, that's a big cooperation for ya who are money hungry.
I was sad for her but she was sad because she loved the WW program but when it got to being greedy she quit and she told people why.
Now she is going back to school to be a Nutritionist. She'd be a great one too!
I lost all my weight by a Nutritionist. Protein first! I ate about 100 g of protein a day. That's what helped me.
Good luck!


Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

First, congratulations on your success! Amazing results!

What you share about WW corporate not wanting people to get to their goals makes a lot of economic sense, but not a lot of humanitarian sense.

While WW does allow you to eat all you want, you are left with very few daily points if you do. I have heard they recently reduced the amount of daily points they allocate to people, which might explain why so many of their recipe's call for fat-free/reduced carb items. For example, on their new 2- week Simple Start plan, a breakfast suggestion is an Egg Pizza which uses, reduced carb English muffin, egg beater, and fat-free cheese.

None if these ingredients are evil, per se, but they are highly processed foods that I opt to stay away from. When I eat the real thing, my points really get added on. So essentially I CAN eat when I want, but have to severely limit myself later.

They do give you extra points to eat if you exercise, but given how weak I was this week, I simply couldn't make it to the gym. And I normally run 3 times a week.

Like I said in my original post, you can lose weight, but how sustainable is it if people are pushed to eat as many fruits and vegetables as they can? It just wasn't realistic for me.

Savannah_416

Wow! They must have really changes. I did WW and lost 65 pounds by eating real food and some process which was my choice not their emphasize. My problem was not following what I learned after I lost the Wgt. Enjoying MFP! My Wgt is the lowest it has ever been my adult life. We all have to do what works for us. Welcome to MFP!

From what I've read, they have changed a lot. My guess is that with all the celebrity endorsements (Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson) they want people to see immediate results, and as a result, they've cut the number of points you can have a day and encouraged eating a lot of fat-free foods.

Nothing wrong with that, but if you prefer to eat reduced fat foods instead (2%), I felt very penalized. And for some reason, proteins are a lot of points...they say 3 oz of plain, grilled chicken is 3 points, but most eat 4 oz, and that ups it to 4 points. I don't know, it's not a lot on it's own, but when allocated 27 points total, that feels like a lot.

rockmama72

I lost baby weight very quickly on WW in the late 90's. And then tried again with WW Online a couple of years ago. I found that I'd learned a lot about nutrition and my tastes in a decade, and also had developed my cooking skills too. It is very tedious to figure points when you don't eat many packaged foods. I mean, it's a little tedious here too, but not quite as much. I've found MFP to be very liberating for that reason.

I also found the message boards there to be overrun with gangs We have them here, but over there it was like people were paying to get beat up by mean girls. At least here I get it for free. (And they're not as bad here.)

That said, I know many who have been successful with WW because it fits their lifestyle. And that's really the key, we all just need to find our home.

mumblemagic

My mum and brother are on Slimming World, which is the plan WW stole their Pure Points thing from! Actually it drives me nuts. Examples of conversations:

Mum: "Have more of this, it's free on SW so you can have as much as you like"
Me: "I'm not hungry and it still has calories in it so no, I can't have as much as I want."

Me: "I'm having covent garden soup for lunch"
Mum: "That's 10 sins, which is about 500 calories because 1 sin is about 50 calories. You should be eating the SW approved soups"
I say nothing, google later and discover covent garden is abou 186 calories, same as slimming world approved.

And the most irritating
Me: "The Mayo clinical (and other advice) says you should aim for about 30% fat in your diet, which for me works out at 400 - 500 calories
Mum: "That's half a tub of margerine! That's totally wrong, that can't possibly be right" Gets the margerine out to prove her point,
Clearly not understanding that 1g of fat is not 1 calorie, or that you actually need fat in your diet, and indeed that fat is not "fattening", but calories are!

/rant

Sorry, this has been bugging me.

Although the NHS has its faults, some of its advice is good. Its review of SW and WW said that they do not teach about calories and portion sizes so for a long term diet change are not good. I have noticed that some of the stuff they advocate is completely unscientific twaddle. The primary purpose of those diets is not to help people lose weight, it is to make money. This is probably why 80% of people on SW or WW do not acheive and maintain their goal weight over a 2 year period, and 86% do not over a 5 year period. It is not designed for long term healthy life change, it is desiged to keep people paying and coming back.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23463006

sargessexyone

I did WW for 2 yrs and lost 70 lbs until finances finally forced me to give it up. I went to meetings faithfully and never once was I encouraged to eat processed food. 3 ozs of plain grilled chicken is only 3 points a small pita is 2 points. Not much of a difference if you ask me. Furthermore, I have found that the points plus and calories were pretty comparable. Meaning lower calories = lower points. I do hate that I have to count the calories in my fruits and vegetables now when before I could eat them with abandon. Finally, there are plenty of other ways to get your protein. Vegetarians have been doing it forever. With any weight loss program it is a lifestyle change. Whether you are counting points or counting calories you should be learning to eat healthier.

I know there are plenty of people who do enjoy/appreciate Weight Watchers, but I was feeling very poorly every morning when I was on it. I tried upping all the 0 points fruits and vegetables that I could to maximize what I ate, but they didn't keep me full for long. It was just demoralizing to enter hummus and have it be 4-5 points, that's a lot when you're on just a 27-29 point diet.

Yes it can be and I do find that I am eating foods now that I wouldn't have when I was on WW. I realize that WW is not for everyone and I am just saddened that you had such a bad experience because it is an awesome program (at least for me). In any case, the important thing is you didn't let it deter you from your journey. Good luck to you.

62smt

I am a WW "alum" too---and am new to MFP. You are welcome to add me as a friend!

cici1028

Hmmmm. I lost 30 pounds with WWs years ago, I thought it was a really balanced and healthy plan. The plan is flexible enough to allow for you to eat processed 'diet' foods or whole, healthy foods... your choice. Of course 2% milk is going to be more points than skim milk. And quinoa isn't going to be cheap in the points either. I love whole foods but they tend to be higher in calories than diet foods... which just means you eat less of them (volume wise!) Portion control is key. The only way to lose weight is reducing caloric intake, and if you want to do that with whole unprocessed foods, just be prepared to eat less of them than you normally would. Obviously.

I think you'll do great here... it's the same concept just with calories instead of points! Good luck and best of success to you!

knitapeace

I also had this issue with WW, that so many of the recipes I found for them had fat free cheese, fat free sour cream, margarine, fat free Cool Whip, etc. I don't eat "clean" by any definition and I often bring frozen lunches to work for convenience, but I've lost 35 pounds so far without the help of anything that said "diet" or "fat free" on the label. Not saying it as a judgment on people who use those products, it's just not my choice and the weight can come off without it if it's what you want. I won't use Hungry Girl recipes for the same reason...processed cheese food is not food to me.

geebusuk

I refuse to eat the processed foods WW suggests-- I try to eat clean and as close to nature as possible which is why suggestions to eat fat free cheese, reduced carb bread, and fat-free cool whip were not acceptable to me.

I'm not a fan of weight watchers, but also... this amused me.
Is it those products, or the fact they are fat-free/low carb which worried you?
Because the vast majority of the 'processing' would also be in place for the 'normal' versions.

I would suggest there's also no decent evidence for 'clean eating' bar the basics of getting appropriate amounts of nutrients.

katmix

I've was on Weight Watchers for the past week and ended up hungry, cranky, and light-headed. I know-- it was only one week but that was all I needed to realize how unrealistic and frankly, unhealthy the plan is. They are right, you WILL lose weight on Weight Watchers, but only if you're willing to eat processed foods and very few proteins.

I refuse to eat the processed foods WW suggests-- I try to eat clean and as close to nature as possible which is why suggestions to eat fat free cheese, reduced carb bread, and fat-free cool whip were not acceptable to me. So when I added 2% milk to my coffee, or ate 2% Greek yogurt-- it took away a lot of my allotted points. When I addressed this on their message board the only response I got was, "Umm, eating 2% is not part of the plan".

That freaked me out, but also made me realize that those on it, use it without critically thinking about it.

In addition, I'm nutritionally educated enough to know the importance of protein, but WW doesn't seem to feel simillarly. Three ounces of plain, grilled chicken was worth more points than one large round of pita bread. Really?? Without enough protein, I'm never full for long so when I Googled, "still hungry on Weight watchers", the suggestions I got were to fill up on a lot of fruits and vegetables and...(wait for it) WATER.

What?? How is this a lifestyle change if people are asked to fill up on fruits and vegetables, which are GOOD-- but aren't filling. The human body needs protein, but I felt penalized any time I added a protein into my food log--and it makes you want to avoid them so you aren't left with very few points to eat at the end.

Sorry that my introduction began as a rant, but I'm still cranky from not eating enough on Weight Watchers, lol. When I entered what I ate into My Fitness Pal, I was permitted 400 more calories!

It is possible you didn't get past the initial weigh-in and intro meeting (if you only did WW for one week)... Have never heard WW (at any of the many times I've attended) promote and encourage processed foods. I personally quit WW because I didn't want to pay the fees.

But then, I've had an acquaintance say that MFP doesn't work, either...well, duh! When you give up too soon or eat everything you think you're entitled to eat (in whatever quantities) NOTHING will work.


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Chris45925

Hello! I am a WW alumni and though it worked well for me (when I followed the plan and recorded daily), I found the online interface to be awkward and irritating. Of course, that led me to avoid it, all while paying the monthly fee. I thing this is a much better interface and I'm excited to be part of the community.

ready2beme

I refuse to eat the processed foods WW suggests-- I try to eat clean and as close to nature as possible which is why suggestions to eat fat free cheese, reduced carb bread, and fat-free cool whip were not acceptable to me.

I'm not a fan of weight watchers, but also... this amused me.
Is it those products, or the fact they are fat-free/low carb which worried you?
Because the vast majority of the 'processing' would also be in place for the 'normal' versions.

I would suggest there's also no decent evidence for 'clean eating' bar the basics of getting appropriate amounts of nutrients.

Except for the fact that most reduced/fat-free versions of anything have more sugar and artificial sweetener than their less processed and more "original" form counter parts.

SunofaBeach14

I refuse to eat the processed foods WW suggests-- I try to eat clean and as close to nature as possible which is why suggestions to eat fat free cheese, reduced carb bread, and fat-free cool whip were not acceptable to me.

I'm not a fan of weight watchers, but also... this amused me.
Is it those products, or the fact they are fat-free/low carb which worried you?
Because the vast majority of the 'processing' would also be in place for the 'normal' versions.

I would suggest there's also no decent evidence for 'clean eating' bar the basics of getting appropriate amounts of nutrients.

Except for the fact that most reduced/fat-free versions of anything have more sugar and artificial sweetener than their less processed and more "original" form counter parts.

For milk and cheese? lol

I love these processed vs. unprocessed discussions. They are so full of B.S.

nm212

I refuse to eat the processed foods WW suggests-- I try to eat clean and as close to nature as possible which is why suggestions to eat fat free cheese, reduced carb bread, and fat-free cool whip were not acceptable to me.

I'm not a fan of weight watchers, but also... this amused me.
Is it those products, or the fact they are fat-free/low carb which worried you?
Because the vast majority of the 'processing' would also be in place for the 'normal' versions.




I would suggest there's also no decent evidence for 'clean eating' bar the basics of getting appropriate amounts of nutrients.

Except for the fact that most reduced/fat-free versions of anything have more sugar and artificial sweetener than their less processed and more "original" form counter parts.

For milk and cheese? lol

I love these processed vs. unprocessed discussions. They are so full of B.S.

I think She's also referring to the WW products that they try to sell along with the program. WW snacks are low points, but highly processed. I was on it a few years ago and I ate "clean" organic foods, like I normally do and I lost weight, but ended up gaining most of it back. The ambiguous points system bothered me. I like MFP because counting calories make sense to me and I can see exactly what I am putting into my body and why it's good for me or not. (too much sodium, too much cals, carbs...etc...)

daniellabella986

I tried Weight Watchers twice and I wasn't a fan both times - I don't like the whole points system and whatever points I was allowed was apparently not enough calories, so I think the whole thing is just frustrating. And I agree all the crap they try to sell you just because it has the name Weight Watchers plastered on it is just junk. I think Vitamuffins/brownies are way tastier/better for you than those stupid Weight Watchers snack cakes that wouldn't even fill up a bird, and I'm choosing foods that are better for me as opposed to eating crap as long as it makes up my points for the day. I mean really, i know people on WW who eat pizza and other crap because WW said they can as long as their points are ok! lol not worth it. I'm way more accountable on here, but WW have it's good points I'm sure and does work for some people so more power to them - if it helps you lose weight then stick to it. At least MFP is free