weight watchers vs. counting calories

Did WW using ProPoints, reached goal weight & under about 4 years ago, maintained but weight started creeping up. Got tired of paying so tried MFP in tandem for a couple of months, did great. Ended WW subscription, it's MFP got me. Superb tool, easy to use.

I did WW in the 90s. Our meeting took place on my work campus, so that was convenient. I found knowing I was going to be weighed in public helpful. IMO, that's really the only thing WW has going for it over MFP, and if you can't make the meetings, that's out. You can get support here and MFP is free. I prefer getting actual calories and macros over points. I think WW served a purpose (making calorie counting easier) that is no longer necessary now that there are sites like MFP.

lemurcat12 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

I did WW in the 90s. Our meeting took place on my work campus, so that was convenient. I found knowing I was going to be weighed in public helpful. IMO, that's really the only thing WW has going for it over MFP, and if you can't make the meetings, that's out. You can get support here and MFP is free. I prefer getting actual calories and macros over points. I think WW served a purpose (making calorie counting easier) that is no longer necessary now that there are sites like MFP.

That's how I think about it. I also dislike the idea that they decide what you should eat based on the points allotted and try to push you toward certain choices. To me, that's not respecting you or treating you like an adult. I want to eat a nutrient dense diet with lots of vegetables, and so I do, and it offends me that they think I wouldn't or couldn't make a good choice based on the actual calories and knowledge about diet and would have to be tricked into it by the point values assigned. I know not everyone reacts this way, but to me that would feel really demeaning and offensive, like I said, not being treated with respect as someone who has the capacity to make a good decision just based on the information at hand.

Yes, this was exactly my experience in the 90s but I didn't mention it in the hopes that it had since changed. Probably not

I used WW about 13 years ago and was successful. At that time it was using the points system, which was based off of fiber, calories and fat I believe. Honestly, I think that MFP is basically the same thing. I've been actively using it for about almost 4 weeks and have successfully lost 10 lbs with MFP and exercise. So I think it's basically the same either way, except MFP is free (unless you purchase the premium).

I've lost weight (total 70 lbs) on both WW and MFP. I'm double tracking on because MFP maintenance points on WW are too high. Also the new plan pushes too much animal protein and I just don't eat like that. I learned a lot of good food habits on WW, so the plan is worth something. But tomorrow I am going to a picnic and I can't survive that on 48 measly pts. But I can do it on 1200 plus an extra 600 or so exercise calories! Yay, MFP!

WW is what had me lose the bulk of my weight in the beginning. I still think it's a good program for those who need a simplified weight loss regime. However, I've learned bundles more here on MFP then I ever did on WW. Plus, this is free. Whichever works best for you, (in a healthy way),is the right choice.Good luck.

I've done WW and love MFP so much more. There's so about their formula that doesn't work right. Some days I'd eat plenty of calories on MFP and WW would show I needed to eat more. Counting calories is much easier and MFP has every single food in the database whereas WW doesn't.

MFP seems so much easier to use compared to the confusing points system of WW.

I did WW in 2000 and lost 40+ pounds. Kept it off for 10 years and am within 7 pounds of goal weight still. I looked into the new method they have now and carbs are basically the devil now. I still think in terms of points on some foods, but like knowing the calorie and gram count of foods. MFP is a better life long method in my opinion.

Yes, you can be successful. I like the MFP food data base much better than WW. I mean, WW works for many people and it is a wonderful program, but I agree, it gets expensive after a while. You can very easily count and track calories here and have success with support from other members, but I do think WW is a great support system and "cheerleader" for those who may struggle with finding weight loss buddies. I remember going to meetings and they were super excited and cheered for you no matter how big or small your weight loss was that week. And they do give small awards and pins for reaching your goals. That's a big deal to those who don't have support anywhere else. That motivation keeps them on track. But as someone with a job, kids, a house, etc, getting to meetings was difficult for me, too MFP has really helped me. Just about every food I could ever eat is listed here and in plain old calorie format. No points, colors, containers, etc. And that can be really great when you are on the go. I remember not all restaurants had WW points listed or even available and I would have to calculate them myself, always worrying if I was calculating correctly. No guessing here...calories are calories. Just watch your serving sizes and make sure they are lining up with what you find in the data base here. I bought a very inexpensive food scale from Wal Mart that helps a lot. You've got this!

I started Weight Watchers in Jan of this year and lost 40 lbs but like some have said it it's expensive and I found I wasn't going to meetings either. I just started MFP 2 weeks ago and I have lost 2 lbs. I prefer doing it this way because it is easier to find calories and keep track of them then to find points of foods when on vacation or away from home.

Weight Watchers is a great program. I was on it for four years; lost 40 lbs and learnt a lot.

Myfitnesspal is a good App and Its working for me.

Both are good options; $Cost being another important factor. Both require some time, patience and dedication.