Weight Watchers or just simple calorie tracking???

DanaM810

I'm hoping some people who have followed or are following Weight Watchers can give me some insight as to how helpful they think Weight Watchers is. Their commercials are inspiring to sign up and try it, however, I have a few times in the past, and I felt like the whole conversion of nutritional information to points was just one extra step that I didn't need to do. However, I do know some people who have lost a lot of weight with Weight Watchers and look great! Does anyone follow both Weight Watchers and continue to log their calories on MFP?

fionarama

I think it depends on what you are doing. to me it was just the same as calorie counting really except you count ppoins instead of calories. I didn't like it as it didn't work for me I was weight training at the time and totally exhausted the whole time it doesn't seem to allow for exercise. 29 points and a hard weight training session just aren't good!
its supposed to be better going to the groups.

GreenLifeGirl

I have done WW. It is a very simplified system and if you don't know much about nutrition, its an excellent way to get great results....they make it a no-brainer. They are the best program out there and I would recommend it to anyone who is wanting to begin eating healthier. Downside- you have to stay working the "system", cost, the mindset of being on a diet, rather than a life change. If you need this strong structure right now, go for it.

Personally, I LOVE MFP because there is so much freedom and my focus is no longer on just how to lose weight, its about fueling my body, fitness, and a way of life. This site allows me to customize my nutrition intake and has such a clean interface and great community. I would encourage you to read and research basic elements of nutrition and how our bodies use fuel, learn your macro nutrients (protein, carbs, fats) and how each is important, get excited and invested in your health and fitness goals and START.

Good luck! You are welcome to friend me if there are specific questions I can answer about WW or MFP... = )

bcattoes

This isn't really what you asked for because I have never tried WW, but I did read an article in a newsletter from the Harvard School of Public Health recently where they did a meta-analysis of studie on the effectiveness of types of weight loss programs. The results were that programs such as WW (not mentioned specifically) that use regular support meetings had the highest overall success.

Of course, whether it will work for you is another matter entirely. But I did find it interesting.

tbrewst

I have been lifetime for 10 years (and worked for them too) and finally kick WW to the curb in July. The plan is great and if you follow it you should lose weight. However; you have to pay attention to your body. I am nearing 40 and struggle with getting and keeping the last 12 lbs off! I went to a nutrionist who looked at my journals and told me even though I was following WW to a "T" my diet was 95% carbs. I started eating more raw veggies, less carbs, etc... and the weight came off. I put some of it back on and am trying to get it off again:grumble: You could always try WW and see if it works. I think WW would be a great tool to get you through the holidays as they offer lots of tips and personal support.

jaxson1974

I do both, I go to WW meetings for the support, and use MFP to track my food. That being said, WW is fantastic for teaching proper portion control and healthy eating (you are supposed to include Health Guidelines in your daily points -2 milk servings, 5 fruit and veggie servings etc), which I find this site doesn't do. The only reason I came to MFP was the new WW program didn't seem to be working for me, however they are changing it again in December, so we will see how it goes.