weight watchers v calorie counting

CrazyTrackLady

I have done Weight Watchers.

The basics of WW is no different to MFP, you just count points rather than calories. If you can do WW, you can do MFP.

MFP is free. WW is not.

WW encourage you to buy processed, expensive, chemical riddled food in portion sizes big enough for a small child. MFP teaches you how to eat healthily without the need for microwave meals.

MFP teaches you about macros, healthy amounts of protein, fats, carbs, and sodium levels. WW simply concentrates on points.

Switch to MFP. You won't regret it.

My co-teacher and I are both on fitness plans -- he is doing WW and I'm doing MFP. So far, the difference in weight loss has been right around the same amount. The only difference I see between the two of is appears in the points vs calories counting. He also seems to be eating a lot of food that he is not able to count as points (no bar scans on the school lunch food!) and he also still goes out to buy fast food. I don't think WW focuses as much on nutrition as MFP does. Even though technically I can eat whatever I want as long as I'm within calorie goals, I still see MFP as a great way to SEE what I'm eating and analyze the food choices so I can say "Hmmm, too much fat and sugar today, gotta watch that". I think MFP holds us more accountable for our choices. I need the discipline.

bulbadoof

They're both essentially the same thing - they're a method of measuring what you eat. Personally, I prefer to count calories because it seems more straightforward to me, but perhaps WW makes things simpler for you. Neither is intrinsically better or worse, in my opinion - whatever keeps you motivated to continue with your healthier lifestyle is the best choice you can make.

changejen2013

I've never done WW but have successful maintained and lost weight on numerous occasions with MFP. It definitely works, don't want you thinking that it doesn't and you're giving up something you know that does. MFP is the BEST site I've seen that's free!

krlong2

First, I am inspired and encouraged by the successes many have posted on this forum.

I have never used WW. I am very familiar with the food exchanges. Similar to others who have posted, I have trouble estimating calories looking at a plate (a real problem in a restaurant), but I can estimate the exchanges very easily. Even better, I plan my meals with exchanges. For example, when I pack my lunch I know I need 3 proteins, 3 breads/starches, 2 veges, and I can have a fat. Not too difficult after l learned the exchanges. I have to assume points are similar in concept.

After using exchanges to plan my meals, I track my calories with what I actually eat on MFP. I don't need to track my exchanges, because I am tracking the calories, etc. on MFP.

I haven't been doing this long, but so far it is working for me.

CynthiaMetallic

I am a WW member and successfully lost 60 lbs. using their program - and it's a great program! They teach the basic guidelines of what your body needs each day (protein, fruits, veggies, etc.) - but you have the freedom to eat whatever you'd like (if you so chose) - just like we have that ability right here.

In January, I switched my monthly membership to eTools only. I decided not to quit altogether because I enjoy the articles on eating well/fitness, recipe/shopping ideas, the success stories - among other tools that are available to me, so right now, it's worth it. But, I no longer use the points system and their tracker for logging my food diary. I have hypertension so I have to watch my sodium intake and that's what I like most about MFP. I'm able to tweak my calories, carbs, sodium, etc. to what my doctor recommends. That's something that WW didn't offer. You just paid attention to your points values and nothing else.

My husband has to watch his carbs closely, as he has Diabetes 2. He had no idea, until he started using MFP, how many sugars were in the fruits he was eating. Because he was able to customize the food diary, he's swapped out some favorite fruits that were higher in sugar with others and he's eating more vegetables.

At some point, I may end up canceling eTools, but for now, I find that it compliments MFP. Why not give it another month and see if you're still using WW. If not, then cancel. If so, then stick around for another month. However, if it's causing a financial hardship, then you should definitely cancel it. You can always start it back up at a later date.

olores

Today makes a year since joining WW!!! I LOVE it!! The meetings are the BEST!!!! I double track, just don't like paying but so far 71 lbs. lost! Go me!!!

olores

I have done Weight Watchers.

The basics of WW is no different to MFP, you just count points rather than calories. If you can do WW, you can do MFP.

MFP is free. WW is not.

WW encourage you to buy processed, expensive, chemical riddled food in portion sizes big enough for a small child. MFP teaches you how to eat healthily without the need for microwave meals.

MFP teaches you about macros, healthy amounts of protein, fats, carbs, and sodium levels. WW simply concentrates on points.
oh, YES! WW does definitely focus on nutrition! You are in control of you own journey as we are in MFP, healthy choices are the major focus. but nothing beats FREE!!!


Switch to MFP. You won't regret it.

My co-teacher and I are both on fitness plans -- he is doing WW and I'm doing MFP. So far, the difference in weight loss has been right around the same amount. The only difference I see between the two of is appears in the points vs calories counting. He also seems to be eating a lot of food that he is not able to count as points (no bar scans on the school lunch food!) and he also still goes out to buy fast food. I don't think WW focuses as much on nutrition as MFP does. Even though technically I can eat whatever I want as long as I'm within calorie goals, I still see MFP as a great way to SEE what I'm eating and analyze the food choices so I can say "Hmmm, too much fat and sugar today, gotta watch that". I think MFP holds us more accountable for our choices. I need the discipline.

Bevigal

Both programs are excellent...what it boils down to is whether or not you can afford WW. This economy is tough and its sometimes hard to make ends meet and only you know what you can afford.

njgirl50

I have started and stopped wight watchers too many times, for me it all depended on the leaders and those who attended your meetings. I had two great leaders and did well, but others times not so much. I found many times I would eat great during the day, but always saved points for junk food. That usually led to a slide and I would gain my weight back. Finally it got to the point I couldn't afford to do it anymore. I like MFP, its basically the principal, its just calories instead of points & I get a lot of support from my friends here. Its really a choice, if you can be disciplined, then this site will work for you & its free!

rainaj30

I was part of a weight watchers group when I was younger, I didn't really get much success with it then but maybe it has changed. I have lost 40 pounds and kept it off for a year now with fitnesspal and calorie counting. Results of each type of program are different for everyone though. I have friend who has lost alot of weight and had great success with weight watchers. It is really about finding what works for you and changing your lifestyle.

amandapye78

I did weight watchers last year and I didn't see a difference between it and MFP. I honestly prefer MFP and its free

Donna6017

My sister is a member of WW and has lost 15 lbs. so far. I had her get me the complete kit for $40.00 and I'm doing WW and MFP together. Why??? I don't know, just because I want to and I want to see how points and calories compare. Just started so I don't have any statistics yet. For $40.00, nothing ventured, nothing gained. JMO (you can get the complete kits on Ebay if you don't know anyone in WW).

stratcat45

I've always said you have to find the program that works for you-everyone is different and what works for one won't for another.

I've been doing Weight Watchers since 2010, I think the program is excellent and I eat healthier than I ever have. I have never been encouraged to purchase their packaged processed food, there is much more to the programs then just staying within your point range. Fruit may be counted as 0 points but they do not encourage you to eat as much of that as you want, as a matter of fact, if you are gaining or stalled they tell you to relook at the amount of food you are eating. If you are not going to take the time to actual learn how to do the program correctly, it is probably not for you.

I joined here just to give it a try...tracking both calories and points.

richh963

I was on ww until the begining of this year. in Just over a year I lost 50lbs, then I stalled, even though i was still following my points I started gaining a little weight @ that point my sugars went out of wack, and befor I knew I had gained 25lbs back. I doing the online program. when I found this site and started hearing about tdee and other tips. I quit ww in a matter of hours, the baords here are much more informative and it so easy to follow your marcos, on ww you had this point system how many calories is a point, an veggies and fruit being free surely can add up. so on WW for six months i didnt lose a pound. I have now lost weight again in five weeks ive been doing this plus Im diabetic and my sugars are now lower than they were on my best months of weight watchers.

kellyyy1408

I have been doing MFP for a while now and got to a point where i was stuck within the same 5 pounds for months. I did WW last year but stopped due to a new job and not being able to do the meetings. Once you have the tools, paying isnt necessary and I found a free app for my phone that calculates the points for you. I have found WW really helped me get past my plateau. While on MFP I would eat whatever I wanted as long as it fit within my calories, even if it wasn't healthy. On WW you can have two foods both worth 100 calories and depending on how healthy it is one can be a lot less points due to that so it really helps makes me make healthier choices. I think it really comes down to what works for you, but I have loved WW so far.

stratcat45

an veggies and fruit being free surely can add up.

Exactly....this is where people fail, WW never says anything is FREE - certain veggies do have point values (potatoes, peas, corn); other veggies and fruits are 0 pts. 0 pts/Free does not mean eat all you want (if your leader wasn't telling you that, she/he shouldn't be a leader). The WW Healthy Guidelines say 5 servings of fruit or vegetables a day; and remember you do need to still weigh or measure those portions.

WW isn't for everyone; but I had online accounts at many free sites (like this one) and was very unsuccessful. It took WW group meetings to get weight off - now I can do better with the free sites, but I never would of been able to before.

CM9178

an veggies and fruit being free surely can add up.

Exactly....this is where people fail, WW never says anything is FREE - certain veggies do have point values (potatoes, peas, corn); other veggies and fruits are 0 pts. 0 pts/Free does not mean eat all you want (if your leader wasn't telling you that, she/he shouldn't be a leader). The WW Healthy Guidelines say 5 servings of fruit or vegetables a day; and remember you do need to still weigh or measure those portions.

WW isn't for everyone; but I had online accounts at many free sites (like this one) and was very unsuccessful. It took WW group meetings to get weight off - now I can do better with the free sites, but I never would of been able to before.

Yes, probably the biggest complaint I've heard about why the new Points Plus "doesn't work" is because of the "free" fruits and veggies.
I'd say probably 90% of people who try the plan don't understand that only applies to 5 servings per day and they must be measured. they think they can eat 14 apples a day and that's fine and then blame it on WW when they don't lose weight.

LovelyLibra79

I'm doing weight watchers and I also use MFP to log as well. It's double documenting but it keeps me disciplined!

courtneywiens

I did weight watchers about 8 years ago, and i had some success with it, i lost maybe 30 pounds or so. however i gained it back and when i decided last year to get healthy, i did it with MFP and other free resources. i prefer calorie counting to weight watchers...the points seem imaginary to me lol (i understand the logic but it still is like a secret formula that makes me feel like it's out of my control and i feel like it's best to be in control of what you're consuming, if that makes sense?) and i think unless you want to be on weight watchers for life, it's better to get into the habit of calorie counting because it's free and you can do it on your own without a subscription to anything. that being said, there's no one method that works for everyone, and you should test out your options until you find one. maybe you can put your membership on hold and try just calorie counting for a month?

CM9178

I did weight watchers about 8 years ago, and i had some success with it, i lost maybe 30 pounds or so. however i gained it back and when i decided last year to get healthy, i did it with MFP and other free resources. i prefer calorie counting to weight watchers...the points seem imaginary to me lol (i understand the logic but it still is like a secret formula that makes me feel like it's out of my control and i feel like it's best to be in control of what you're consuming, if that makes sense?) and i think unless you want to be on weight watchers for life, it's better to get into the habit of calorie counting because it's free and you can do it on your own without a subscription to anything. that being said, there's no one method that works for everyone, and you should test out your options until you find one. maybe you can put your membership on hold and try just calorie counting for a month?

weight watchers is supposed to teach you how to eat properly - in a simplified way of counting points. Once you've learned how to eat and maintain your weight loss, you don't need to count points for the rest of your life or pay for anything. So in the end, it is the same as counting calories on MFP, assuming you will learn how to eat properly and no longer need to count every calorie for the rest of your life either.

Unknown

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ldrosophila

They are the same portion control and calorie counting. WW just has to call it a point system for proprietary reason. If you feel more comfortable using WW continue both should get you to the same goal.

kimmyrn42

I recently tried WW online. Honestly I think MFP is just as useful with the benefit of being completely free.

jonnythan

Weight Watchers *is* calorie counting. They weight each macro slightly differently (protein and fiber get fewer points relative to their caloric value, fat gets more) but it's still calorie counting at its core.