Weight Watchers VS Calorie Counting?

mrslondon · February 2011

Ok so I have been at this for weeks and havent lost any weight at all in the last 4 weeks. I have no idea what is going on with my body at all and it is very frustrating. So im thinking maybe I should try weight watchers, it seems people are alot more successful with that than calorie counting or is that just what it seems like? I need to figure something out, this is driving me crazy

meggonkgonk · February 2011

You arent eating enough- if your calorie goal is at 1200, you need to MEET that goal every single day. My advice is to manually set your cal goal to 1300 or 1400, so you have some room to be under without triggering your starvation response. Read this:http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
or PM me if you have questions

Fat2FitChick · February 2011

How many calories are you eating? Are you exercising as well and if so you may not be eating enough calories. Your body won't burn calories if you don't give it enough, it will hold onto them.

emilytgs24 · February 2011

weight waters IS calorie counting!

They just change it to different numbers and it probably has a little more to do with the make up of the food. So to stay within your points you must eat healthier items. I say two things: 1. a calorie is a calorie but the healthier you eat the more bang for your buck (the more food you can eat) because the healthier food is typically lower calorie. 2. do what makes sense-go try weight watchers if you need to!

emilysebastian · February 2011

I would recommend actually seeing your Dr--if you haven't visited with the Dr prior to starting, they can run some simple blood tests, etc. to let you know where you are "starting". And have faith that even though you might not see the numbers budging on the scale, your efforts are AT LEAST helping you lead a healthier life

If all else fails though, WW is certainly an option--whatever works best and helps you lead the lifestyle you are looking for! Good luck

gangstagirl625 · February 2011

for sure you need to eat more stay at 1200.

teribink · February 2011

I have been doing Weight Watchers for 5 weeks and have lost 7lbs. I will tell you that I did weight watchers online last year in January and had no success. I do believe that actually going to meetings and weighing in is what makes the difference. I use this website mostly just for the food database.
That being said...my next door neighbor is the person who gave me this website and she is using only it and has lost 8lbs.

ChoOcOoBunny · February 2011

I lost 5lbs on weight watchers. It is a very good program. My subscription actually expired and I haven't had the funds to keep it going so this is my alternative until I can get back on weight watchers, but the program for weight watchers is great because it educates you about the food that you eat and they tell you not to deprive yourself. However, on weight watchers I didn't lose any weight for the first 4 weeks I started, but my mom lost 3 lbs her first two weeks. I guess it just depends on a persons body. Are you eating in portion sizes? What are you eating exactly? At one of the meetings a lady said that she had stopped losing weight and she didn't understand because she was eating mostly fruits and the leader told her fruits are good in moderation because they consist of a lot of sugar, natural sugar, but still sugar nonetheless. I would give weight watchers a try if you feel that might work better for you. I know I will be joining the online weight watchers program as soon as my budget allows me to, Hope this helped a little.

PokenStick · February 2011

Agreed, you're not eating nearly enough. Not only that, you're not eating healthy either. If your diary is correct, on Sunday you ate four pieces of white bread for breakfast, skipped lunch & snack, and had a burger for dinner. You're starving yourself!

ronchap · February 2011

Need more vegies and get your calories up to the 1200, lean meats. I try to stay away from breads and sweets unless I make them or whole grain breads. Also water water water..

ajbeans · February 2011

I looked through your diary, and it looks like you definitely aren't eating enough. On your home page there's a math equation at the top that gives you your net calories (total eaten minus cals burned through exercise). That number shouldn't dip far below 1200, and out of the 8 days I looked at in your diary, you were below 1200 every day except one, and often you were far below. Your body isn't going to release weight because it thinks there's a food shortage and it wants to hold onto those energy stores. When your calorie goal increases due to exercise, eat them back. If I were you, I'd probably have a day where you net a little higher than 1200, just to let your body know that hey, I'm gonna feed you now, you can burn the fat. Then make sure you don't let your net fall below 1150ish from then on.

I also want to add that some days you're only logging like 300 cals -- I'm not sure if that's really all you ate on those days, or if you just didn't log. Log EVERYTHING you put into your mouth, even if it seems inconsequential like a Tic Tac. You need to log everything so you can have an accurate picture of what's going on with your body. You'll have to keep a log if you do WW too, so if you're not in the habit now, you need to get into the habit.

Don't give up!

Oompa_Loompa · February 2011

Isnt calorie counting and point counting pretty much the same thing?

Jourdan_Rystrom · February 2011

EAT MORE!!! That's your problem. Your body is going to react by HOLDING ONTO fat, not losing it.

I am 130 pounds and eat 1,400-1,800 calories a day (mostly healthy foods) and keep losing weight!!! You have to have the right intake and do this for awhile until your body becomes accustomed and starts shedding pounds slowly but surely.

ChoOcOoBunny · February 2011

I was thinking of doing the WWs online program, but my mom keeps telling me she thinks that it would be better for me to actually go to the meetings. Isn't the online version cheaper?. However, I'm a computer nut so I was thinking that the online program might work. So you really had no success?

PlanetVelma · February 2011

I was on weight watchers about 5 years ago, and it's basically calorie counting. They just simplify it and attending the meetings/weigh in holds you accountable and the program also helps show you what portion control is, what type of fat is good for you, etc....

I'm not sure if you're logging in all the food your eating in your diary because you are way under 1200 calories for some days. If that is all you ate, your body is going into starvation mode and you're not going to lose weight. In some instances you may gain weight or if you do lose weight you'll lose muscle. WW can help explain all that good stuff as well.

One thing that helps me is I check the food diaries of some of my buddies or other users who are more successful in their weight loss journey so i can see what they are eating (and I am not).

Good luck!

rvice2 · February 2011

I just went through a 6 week plateau as well and finally decided I really did need to try eating all 1200 calories PLUS at least 1/2 of my exercise calories back. That pushed me out of the plateau and I have successfully lost weight each week for the last 3 weeks. I know it is hard to wrap your head around, but you HAVE to eat your calories and you NEED to make sure they are healthy calories!

On another note, I did weight watchers and it was good for the first few pounds, but I became unsuccessful in losing the last ten pounds. If you know how to eat healthy and you hold yourself accountable and don't cheat you really don't need weight watchers. It is just a different way of counting calories. If you need someone looking at the scales each week to keep you accountable and you aren't sure how to really eat healthy then it would be a great program for you.

ladyhawk00 · February 2011

Looking at your diary, you are not being very consistent (way under some days, over other days). While it can average out over a week doing it that way, you are probably still under the cal amount you should be at and are getting high-carb loads all at once, which the body immediately stores as fat. (read the thread posted by meggon - I expect you are quite similar to the example.)

Also, the quality of a lot of your cals is quite poor. You're eating a lot of fast food. You're rarely getting enough fiber (because you're getting processed carbs, not good carbs). Sodium is quite high. And many days you're either not drinking water or not logging it - not good either way. The high processed carbs-high sodium-low water combination means you retain a lot of water. You need more lean protein, more good fats (fish, natural oils, nuts, avocado) and good carbs.

Consistency and commitment are what will make you successful. You need to commit to your plan and follow it every day, and be honest about your diary. Whether you use MFP or WW, neither will work if you don't improve your eating habits. Losing weight and being healthy is at least 80% diet. You CAN do it, but you need to stay focused and be strong and change your habits - not just be on a "diet." Good luck to you!

lenwie · February 2011

I would say up your cal intake a little and see if that jump starts your metabolism again and then take it from there. Best of luck x

Liatush · February 2011

I am going to second what everyone is saying - your diary shows that you are trying to stay under, but you are doing it in a very unhealthy way - you need to eat healthy - stay away from Wendys, Arbys, Subways, etc. Make your own food (I like to cook with weight watchers receipes) this way you are accountable for all of the ingredients - eat more veggies, fruits, etc. Stay away from unhealthy snacks (even 100 calorie snacks that are cookies is not as good for you as baby carrots or strawberries or something healthy like that). If you are serious about losing, you need to make a serious change - trying to maintain the same unhealthy eating habits will not yield results.

I would friend a few people who seem to be serious about getting healthy and then try to mimic what they eat (I always try foods that I see on my friends' diaries).

Good luck

megano_d · February 2011

I eat at 1200 cals and (when I stick to it) lose weight just fine. However, like folks said all calories are not made equal. Eat a healthy, nutrient rich 1200 cals and you'll lose weight. Eat 1200 cals of crap and your body will start starving for nutrients as it doesnt think its being fed at all. Big difference.

As for weight watchers, what I didnt like is that you arent actually getting educated about the calories in food. Is it a 5 point food because the cals are high? the fat is high? or it doesnt have enough fiber. This site is where I really got educated on food in general.

For instance, at 6 feet tall, my goal weight is somewhere between 160 and 170. That means that to maintain my weight, I'll eventually be eating somewhere around 1700-1800 cals. Right now I eat 1200. If I look at the food I eat now and look at how much more I can eat (500-600 cals) at my goal weight I realized that if I just add back my morning latte (140 cals), a slightly larger meat portion (300 cals), and maybe the amount of cheese I would actually like on my sandwich (100 cals) I am almost at the max goals. And all I did was drink a latte, eat a piece of cheese, and have a full chicken breast. That tells me that when I get to goal weight, it wont be a free for all with food. How I am eating now is pretty close to how I will eat at goal weight with a few perks and I need to get used to it. I never would have figured that out with WW (and didnt). So I am a big fan of counting calories. You are actually getting educated with facts, not points that dont really translate to anything in science. JMHO.

mrslondon · February 2011

Ok so after reading what everyone has written, you are all right. My biggest problem is that I find it hard to stick with it. I need to find out exactly what to cook and go buy those ingredients. And no more eating out. I need to start planning my meals everyday and sticking with it, eating all my calories too. This is such a huge learning curve for me, its tough, but with knowledgeable people on here like you guys i think i can do it

lenwie · February 2011

Ok so after reading what everyone has written, you are all right. My biggest problem is that I find it hard to stick with it. I need to find out exactly what to cook and go buy those ingredients. And no more eating out. I need to start planning my meals everyday and sticking with it, eating all my calories too. This is such a huge learning curve for me, its tough, but with knowledgeable people on here like you guys i think i can do it

fantastic, you set your mind to it and you will do grand, but dont allow it to stop you eating out etc, just make better/cleaner choices, that way you wont feel deprived or feel like your missing out.

Wish you all the best in your journey.

jclji4 · February 2011

weight waters IS calorie counting! They just change it to different numbers and it probably has a little more to do with the make up of the food. So to stay within your points you must eat healthier items. I say two things: 1. a calorie is a calorie but the healthier you eat the more bang for your buck (the more food you can eat) because the healthier food is typically lower calorie. 2. do what makes sense-go try weight watchers if you need to!

I agree with this post...it IS calorie counting....It just may be easier for you....I will say this..because they have counted the calories for you, and given them points, it may be easier. But, calorie counting is free. Just do what ever works for you.

ladyhawk00 · February 2011

Ok so after reading what everyone has written, you are all right. My biggest problem is that I find it hard to stick with it. I need to find out exactly what to cook and go buy those ingredients. And no more eating out. I need to start planning my meals everyday and sticking with it, eating all my calories too. This is such a huge learning curve for me, its tough, but with knowledgeable people on here like you guys i think i can do it

fantastic, you set your mind to it and you will do grand, but dont allow it to stop you eating out etc, just make better/cleaner choices, that way you wont feel deprived or feel like your missing out.

Wish you all the best in your journey.

Quite true! You don't have to STOP eating out altogether (or at least not forever.) It sounds like you have some issues with on-the-spot choices. Better planning will help a lot with that. If you are going to eat out - PLAN AHEAD. Pick someplace that has at least some good options, pick what you're going to have, WRITE IT DOWN, and then stick to it. It can often help to look things up in MFP before you go/order. It will help you be aware of how much it is costing you - before you pay the price. Sometimes it's worth the price, but most of the time it's not if it's not a healthy choice. And planning daily/weekly meals can help a lot with the "I don't know what to make for dinner so I'll just eat out" problem.

There is a LOT to learn when you're trying to eat healthy. It is definitely a learning process and it takes time. Don't be intimidated. Often, your mistakes teach you more than doing it right the first time. When you make a choice you regret, figure out why you made that choice. Ordered a HUGE, fat-loaded lunch? Look at what you had for breakfast. Breakfast should include good protein and good fat - that helps decrease the cravings/hunger at lunch and that can help you make better choices. A big part of fixing our bad habits is learning what the reasons are behind them. Yes, sometimes you just wanted that damn piece of cake. But sometimes the craving for it is masking something else - lack of good carbs, lack of protein, too low cals, etc.

Eating habits are built over time - it took time to set the undesirable ones, and it will take time to reverse that. It's not always fun, sometimes you have to make the tough choices. But eating healthy doesn't have to be bland or boring - and, if you're like me, once you cut out a lot of the over-sweetened, over-salted, high fat processed junk, you find that your taste buds are more alive than ever.

And remember that losing weight does NOT require being deprived or starving. If you try to cut out ALL of something, that often backfires when you eventually give in and binge. Try to choose something that will satisfy your taste but that is a little bit healthier (dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate), and keep portions reasonable. And plan ahead so you can make room for treats. Everything in moderation.

As someone else mentioned, add some friends with good diaries. If you don't have a good grasp yet on WHAT to eat, that can be a huge help to see what others are eating regularly and give you some ideas for stuff you haven't tried. Also, look through the Recipes topic on the boards - lots of good stuff in there. And do a search for "protein" and "good fats" on the boards and you'll get lots of threads that list some great things to put on your grocery list.

I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but remember that you have taken the first steps and now you just need to educate yourself. That education holds a lot of power and control - and that's what you need - to take control and use the power to make good choices. Do that and you will be successful!

Annie5859 · February 2011

I have done the weight watchers program and had success. And yes it is calorie counting. In my view, approximately 50calories is 1 point. I can pretty much count points in my head knowing this. Fibre will decrease the points of a food. I personally think that if you up your calorie intake, you will start to lose weight again. Try not counting calories for fruit and vegetables. Maybe those can just be freebies. Whoever got fat eating peas and carrots?

BrittaniDeRosia · February 2011

I found WWs very helpful!!! I went on it back in 2007 when I was getting married and I lost weight. I got off of it but decided to go back on the website in 2009. It helped me a great deal but then I hot a plateau. I just recently went back on it and tried it for 3 mnths. I think that it has helped me loose the majority of the weight but now I am trying to loose my LAST 10 lbs and I cannot do it. I have been on WW's 3 times and it does help manage your food intake and helps you make better choices. This is my 1st day on this website so we will see....GOOD LUCK!!!

megano_d · February 2011

One more idea too, make sure you are drinking enough water. Water is required to break down fat. I personally drink about 100-120oz of water a day.

You would be well served by also figuring out what your trigger foods are (the ones that cause you to derail completely.) For me, its sugar, hands down. If I have too much I am a mess and have a hard time getting back on track. So now I eat sugar free desserts - the skinny cow ones are awesome. And anyone who needs to lose 30+ pounds could use to take restraint to heart. Those with long lasting weight loss had to alter their lives to keep it off. It takes sacrifice, period. And note I said sacrifice, not suffering! You should absolutely skip some of those things you feel you 'deserve.' The mentality that food is a treat is what got most of us here. Next time you have fast food ask yourself the next day if you are still glad you had it. Likely not. Would you still be happy a week later about lost weight? I guarantee it.

Losing weight takes something, and sometimes what it takes is recognizing that you need to cut out the crap food. And believe it or not, those of us who did cut out all the crap no longer find it as hard to resist. And believe me, if you derail and have a crap meal you'll likely not ending up having any calories left that day and will go to bed hungry. The best thing you can do is go to bed hungry. Next time you want that bad for you meal you'll remember how much it sucked to have to go to bed hungry and think twice. Maybe not the first time you do it, but soon enough.

You'll get there, keep with it!

Weight Watchers VS Calorie Counting?

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