Weight Watchers vs. MFP

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Replies

  • missjennifer1966
    missjennifer1966 Posts: 143 Member
    I joined WW in Jan of this year, not 2 days later I discovered MFP. Oops. I continued with WW (mainly because I paid for 16 weeks). I am so glad that I stayed with WW because I go to weekly meetings and get weighed-in and that keeps me accountable. I also learn from their meetings. Not once have they ever tried to sell me anything.
    But, I do not use their points system anymore. I found I wasn't losing like I wanted to. I struggled to eat all my points in the day (when I first started I was at 34 points I believe). I eat a lot of veggies and fruits which are 0 points so I had trouble.
    I love MFP because I can use my cell phone to log every day. I really like their iphone app.
    In my opinion, only use just MFP if you can keep yourself accountable, otherwise you'll be sitting at your computer late one night thinking "I'll just have one bowl of ice cream, just one." and the next thing you know you've gained 10 lbs back.
    I will continue to use both MFP and WW. It's working for me.

    That is me to a T! Exactly:))
  • dutchman24
    dutchman24 Posts: 108 Member
    I was going to go back WW, but had this site recommended to me by my brother-in-law. I find it's more convenient ( & far cheaper ), I especially like the "friends" part...you're right, friends make a BIG differance.
  • gisele00
    gisele00 Posts: 7 Member
    I've done WW before and yeah, it worked, but I didn't feel particularly healthy. I decided to cut out preservatives and try to eat more natural foods, which isn't something WW supports at all. Also, exercise helps me stay focused more than meetings. I like MFP because there is no pressure to eat pre-packaged poisons, it's FREE, and there are so many helpful accountability buddies! I'm MFP all the way!
  • RetiredAndLovingIt
    RetiredAndLovingIt Posts: 1,395 Member
    bump
  • m60kaf
    m60kaf Posts: 421 Member
    Weight Watchers is a calorie controlled diet by Heinz to promote Heinz products

    MFP is a calories control diet for everything
  • mollz007
    mollz007 Posts: 168 Member
    I came off jenny Craig onto MFP and I find I like having more control over my diet.

    Me too! I hated Jenny Craig! I was always starving!
  • Julicat6
    Julicat6 Posts: 231 Member
    I started with WW but not the online version, actually going to meeting and lost the first 40 lbs I needed to lose that way. I never felt like I was being pushed to buy packaged processed meals, actually felt like I was being encouraged to eat more nutrient packed meals. Our leader always shared which stores were having sales on fruits and veggies, who had chicken or fish on sale. Low points value recipes that were easy to prepare were frequently shared as well. Maybe it was just the group I was in and our leader were younger(upper 20's to 50's)? One girl was training for a 5k, everybody shared fitness tips. I don't think I could have done it entirely without the physical support that year( Major illness in the family) and some people on here were saying something about weighing in front of everyone..sort of, but the only ones who saw the actual # at our meetings were the leader or receptionist(all former WW members at goal) not everyone. That being said, I wouldn't discourage anyone from doing WW meetings locally, but WW online, this is better. I am having better weight loss here, but that is because I really amped up the exercise recently..main reason I am not going to go to WW meetings anymore, I want the $$ for Zumba and other classes.
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    I did get sick and tired of calculating everything into WW points.
  • Halleeon
    Halleeon Posts: 309 Member
    MFP, for sure. You're going to get real information from people who care about losing weight, adding lean muscle, and learning how to eat for fuel, not for calorie intake.

    I have heard many negative stories about WW as well, especially that they don't care about your health, just how many calories in and out.

    I'd much rather have a full whole foods meal and be satisfied than try and eat their processed crap and get it in under a certain calorie limit. No way.

    Also, being diabetic, I really hate their stance on "eat all the fruit you want, it doesn't count" mentality. Yes, it does count, thanks. Sugar is sugar is sugar, imo.
  • CooperA1979
    CooperA1979 Posts: 23 Member
    I lost just over 3 stone on the old WW plan between May 2010 - December 2010 and loved the plan. When they introduced the new PP plan and fruit became zero points I found it a lot harder to keep my weight off.

    So, I have gained an unwanted 10lbs through being complacent but having switched to MFP I am confident that those pounds will be gone in no time.

    I find the variety of food I am eating now is far better than before and I am more concious of the health benefits of what I am eating rather than going for lower pointed options! Amazing when you calorie count some fruits how much of your daily allowance they take up when on WW they are considered zero PP and not part of your daily allowance.

    Also, I have to say it is a great community on here and eveyrone is so friendly and helpful.

    So, for me it's MFP ALL THE WAY!
  • Minnie_Moo
    Minnie_Moo Posts: 239 Member
    I am so glad that I found MFP ! And the best part is that it's free ;-)

    WW isn't free :-/ and honestly I didn't have good success on WW after they switched over to the points programs :ohwell:
    I originally joined WW back when you counted bread, fruit, protein, fat, veggies, dairy,etc. and had lost 30 something pounds.

    Maybe WW should re-think and go back to what worked and wasn't broken :wink:
  • Thickasgrits760
    Thickasgrits760 Posts: 5 Member
    I did WW and Lost 70 pounds gained 40 pounds back with pregnacy. I like MFP because it's free. You can't bet that.
  • FattieBabs
    FattieBabs Posts: 542 Member
    MFP because I don't have time for weight watchers and would feel a bit too exposed. Having plucked up the courage to publish my diary to friends on MFP I find it keeps me on track as people can comment on my diet! I LOVE food and would therefore find WW restrictive. I also like seeing other people's diaries to get some ideas about how to vary things. I have a lot of weight to lose and will need to stick to this for a year or longer so fingers crossed!
  • sunflowerkids
    sunflowerkids Posts: 8
    I agree with you 100%.
    As a lifetime WW member, I have returned a couple of times to try to get back to my goal weight. WW doesn't seem care much about returning lifetime members. You don't even get rewards for your weight loss unless you go up and make sure you tell the instructor.
  • EatClenTrenHard
    EatClenTrenHard Posts: 339 Member
    MFP > all

    Strong this
  • AmyFett
    AmyFett Posts: 1,607 Member
    I don't understand why people pay for WW or anything like that when you have sites like MFP for free.
  • Julicat6
    Julicat6 Posts: 231 Member
    I don't understand why so many people knock WW as restrictive or pushing packaged meals. That was not my experience with them at all. I did WW for a year and a half. I don't think I could have lost that first 40 without the meetings and the accountability and support at meetings. I ate almost exactly the way I do now on MFP. I may actually be eating just a bit more bread now actually. I never did WW on anything but Points Plus and the fruit and veggies being "free" is what made me successful to start with as I was getting into the healthful part. I weighed 251 when I joined WW and I really don't think at that point MFP would have been successful for me. I am down to 205 and only now am feeling ready to switch to MFP. If it wasn't for needing to find $$ for ZUmba classes and the Gym now, I would never stop WW. It does work, if you work it. Just like MFP works, if you work it.
  • Krizzle4Rizzle
    Krizzle4Rizzle Posts: 2,704 Member
    I am currently doing WW..and well..I really like it. I think there are benefits to both. *prepares for stoning*
  • shutterbug282
    shutterbug282 Posts: 588 Member
    I did WW when it was on the old points system, and I did really well. I haven't tried the new point system. I think they're both good. :)
  • ilikepandasyay
    ilikepandasyay Posts: 96 Member
    I'm doing both. I count my calories here, and I also calculate my points. When I have money/time I'll start doing meetings but right now I'm going rogue and using a calculator app.

    Only been going for about a week so haven't really noticed much difference yet, but we'll see :)
  • gailmelanie
    gailmelanie Posts: 210 Member
    I've done the same thing. This is free and the support is much better and more comprehensive.
  • jenim23
    jenim23 Posts: 9 Member
    I only started with MFP 2 weeks ago and am already a great fan
  • barbaraluke
    barbaraluke Posts: 2
    some one once told me that WW sucess was down to the fact that is does not work long term. If it worked members would not 'yo yo' weight gain/loss . I am fairley new to MFP but feel that any sucess or falure is soley down to me and i like the responsibility this gives me.
  • erinup
    erinup Posts: 53 Member
    I echo the sentiments of a lot of folks here. I did WW in 2002 and lost about 30 lbs. I really learned to pay attention, watch portions, increase fiber and decrease fat. But it was also kind of like a game - "what's the max calories/fat/fiber combo I can get and still be under 2 points". I appreciate what I learned and it had it's place in my journey. I have sinced gained back some of the weight (about 20 lbs) and I am working on losing it. But now I am working on eating less processed foods, no artificial sweetners and ingrediants I can pronounce. I am watching my macros and I am focusing on understanding what/why I am eating certain foods and how I feel when I eat them. I feel like I am taking the time to educate myself rather than plaing a game of points.
  • kjw1031
    kjw1031 Posts: 300 Member
    I don't understand why so many people knock WW as restrictive or pushing packaged meals. That was not my experience with them at all. I did WW for a year and a half. I don't think I could have lost that first 40 without the meetings and the accountability and support at meetings. I ate almost exactly the way I do now on MFP. I may actually be eating just a bit more bread now actually. I never did WW on anything but Points Plus and the fruit and veggies being "free" is what made me successful to start with as I was getting into the healthful part. I weighed 251 when I joined WW and I really don't think at that point MFP would have been successful for me. I am down to 205 and only now am feeling ready to switch to MFP. If it wasn't for needing to find $$ for ZUmba classes and the Gym now, I would never stop WW. It does work, if you work it. Just like MFP works, if you work it.

    I agree. Although I prefer MFP at this point, I do like WW and think they have a lot to offer.

    No one ever tried to sell me anything and you certainly don't get weighed in front of anyone or shamed. I don't know why people have this idea about WW.

    I do agree that the focus is on points and not on comprehensive nutrition. You're encouraged to eat a minimum amount of fruits and veggies, "healthy oils", and dairy products, but that's it. No protein recomendations. Everyone can work it to meet their needs, but on the new Points+ Program, I was eating a very low cal, very low fat diet. I feel better and more satisfied eating the way I do now.

    I could have done it with WW if I had eaten every daily, weekly, and activity point and been successful. I do think MFP has a larger database of foods and tracking here is easier IMO.

    I also exercise daily and as already said, WW does not put enough emphasis on that.

    So for this middled-aged woman (who was that snarky young man anyway!), MFP works better for me right now. If I didn't like to exercise and just cared about eating between a total minimum and maximum without bothering about macros, WW might be a good choice.
  • mearlie
    mearlie Posts: 224
    I too came from weight watcher to MFP. Here's some of my reasons:
    1) I personally wanted complete control of my diet, not someone's watered down version of calorie counting. For instance, I do not like the fact that a banana has no point value, and that there is no way to force it, even if I wanted.
    2) They push the active link like it's magical. But if you do a little research, there's probably more bad reviews than good ones. AL costs $5 a month to use.
    3) I can buy a fitbit and using it is free. OK so its initial cost is a little higher than Active link. Over a few months, I will save money.
    4) Weight watchers is too expensive for what they are doing for you. The meetings are nice but for me, they were not worth $40 a month.
    5) Their eTools should be free for lifetime members. They are not, so even if you lose all your weight and become a lifetime member, to continue to track with their eTools will still require that you spend money. Not Cool.
    6) Their database, as far as the foods that I, Mearlie, track, is not as well populated as MFP. When I input something into the MFP database, I cannot remember one item that didn't at least have a couple choices already in the database. With WW eTools, I was constantly having to input foods or adapt/settle on something that was already there.

    Here on MFP, I can do everything I did with Weight Watchers, only better. Here, I'm losing weight. On WW I was not, and I firmly believe it's because of their watered down calorie counting system.

    I prefer science over simplicity.
  • gailmelanie
    gailmelanie Posts: 210 Member
    WW has a system to teach people how to eat healthfully and keep track of it. For some people, learning what portion sizes are, how much they should be eating compared with how much they are eating, and keeping track of it with the help of the "leaders" and other members is all they need to lose a little, or a lot. It's the brick and mortar place for the meetings, the printed material and the paid meeting leaders, as well as staff that creates the need for the fees. This site provides better support, in my opinion, but it tacitly expects some knowledge of what kinds of foods are healthful. I guess those that don't have that knowledge learn by tracking what they do eat, but it's a little faster with some guidance.
  • missytrishy
    missytrishy Posts: 203 Member
    My 17 week pass for weight watchers is up this week and I've been contemplating renewing it. After I started WW, I re-joined MFP so I've been doing both. For several reasons I have decided not to renew WW and make MFP my main source of inspiration. I find the tracking here much easier to use. I find the support I get here is helping me more. So I'm coming in full fledged and hoping to get the results some of you have had on here.

    I let my WW scubscription go at the beginning of the year too :) And i agree with "Free is Better" :)
  • BogQueen1
    BogQueen1 Posts: 320 Member
    In my opinion, and I've said this before, the points plus system is flawed. Case in point. Grapes: 1 cup of grapes has roughly 60 calories. But. 1 cup of grapes is 0 points. 2 cups of grapes is 120 calories. 2 cups of grapes is also zero points. 4 cups of grapes is 240 calories..... and 0 points. 1 large banana is 120 calories.... and zero points! So you concievably sit there and eat a large banana and 4 cups of grapes, 360 calories, which is a typical full meal for me.... and not log a single point.

    Anyone who doesn't see the problem with this is crazy.
  • mearlie
    mearlie Posts: 224
    I echo the sentiments of a lot of folks here. I did WW in 2002 and lost about 30 lbs. I really learned to pay attention, watch portions, increase fiber and decrease fat. But it was also kind of like a game - "what's the max calories/fat/fiber combo I can get and still be under 2 points". I appreciate what I learned and it had it's place in my journey. I have sinced gained back some of the weight (about 20 lbs) and I am working on losing it. But now I am working on eating less processed foods, no artificial sweetners and ingrediants I can pronounce. I am watching my macros and I am focusing on understanding what/why I am eating certain foods and how I feel when I eat them. I feel like I am taking the time to educate myself rather than plaing a game of points.
    Totally agree. WW has it's merits and it is great for people who are just getting started in their weight loss journey. The meetings are motivating, the staff helpful and friendly, and they teach about healthy vs unhealthy foods in a non-threatening environment.

    Here on MFP, a newbie can ask a genuine question and get nailed to the cross by some of the members. That won't happen a at a WW meeting. WW has it's place, it just wasn't for ME.

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