Thursday, January 8, 2009

I Joined Weight Watchers Today

In a way, it was a relief. I found that I was actually looking forward to joining again (I believe this is my third time now). When I got onto the website and saw the old familiar "Points Tracker", instead of feeling dread and hatred, I actually felt glad and thankful. This was a big surprise to me, these feelings.  I've been thinking about it and I think the reason for these feelings is that I think I'm glad to have something guiding me and keeping me accountable, and making me be committed to eating better and losing weight.  I've lost weight before (20-30 lbs.) so I know it works, I think maybe I'm happy also because it's like, "Yay! I'm going to slim down and feel better about myself again!"
 
I had been wondering in a previous post or comments what the difference is between the new "Momentum" program and the old "Flex" program.  Well, as far as I can tell, it seems to be the new focus on "filling foods".  I already understood somewhat the principles of eating things high in fiber and / or protein because they keep you fuller, longer, but the way they've incorporated it into the plan and the "Points Tracker" makes it much easier to find and choose filling foods, so I think that's pretty cool.  Also, I had seen in the message boards that there seemed to be the feeling that the daily points goals may have gone up slightly (meaning, they're allowing you to eat a little more) and I got more daily "points" than I thought, so that's pretty cool too (as long as I lose the weight at the same rate I have before!).
 
Some thoughts I have about doing this again... The big problem is that I gain the weight back each time.  I've been thinking about what can I do to try to not let that happen again, or at least not gain it ALL back. I think last time I did Weight Watchers, a strategy I used that was really helpful, really contributed to my failure to keep it off.  Last time I found a lot of very low point things to eat so that I wasn't so hungry - but they are not things I would normally eat, and I did not eat them after stopping the program. Like Vita Tops (muffin top treats) and Boca Burgers, as examples.  I'm not going to do that this time. Other than Lean Cuisines frozen dinners, which I really do like and eat, I'm eating regular food. I may just have to be hungry sometimes, I don't know.  Maybe trying to steer more toward "filling foods" will help.  "Filling foods" that I would normally eat, I mean.
  
Also, I don't commit myself to exercise very religiously when I'm not "on plan".  That's not to say I'm not active - I am fairly active, especially in the warmer months. However, I'm going to try not to rely on exercise AS MUCH as I have in the past, because I know I don't exercise THAT regularly when I'm not on plan.
 
So, something I've decided to do to give me additional motivation, is each week, on Thursday, my "weigh in" day, I'm going to post my results.  Now I'm not going to reveal my weight, because that is a closely guarded secret, even from DH (but I will say if I can lose 25 lbs. I will not be "overweight" any more).  But I can reveal how much I've lost (or gained!).  Anyone who wants to check in here with me on their weight loss progress - whether you're doing Weight Watchers or not - is welcome to comment and we can cheer each other on and encourage each other.  Or you can just sit back and see how I do. :-D
 
The end.
 
Posted by none other than Carole K at 11:03 AM
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16 comments:

  1. Weight Watchers Online really should work on some social networking capabilities. Facebook integration would be a start, but maybe that's a little too public for some, so really they need to have their own in house social networking for those who are signed up.
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  2. I honestly could have written most of this post. I just joined again this week too, I too am on my 3rd try, and have lost as much as 45 on WW in the past just to gain it all back. I got the same thing out of the Momentum plan. And I was thinking the same thing about the filling foods. I don't know if I'm brave enough to commit to posting my progress on my blog though. It might be a good motivator though. Something to think about.
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  3. I'm cheering you on! I'll be doing some close watching of caloric intake vs. exercise myself, but won't be using WW. Good luck, I am SURE you can do it!
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  4. Good for you! If you need an online buddy to help you through, let me know....www.exercise2dayinfo.blogspot.com is where you will find me.:)
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  5. I just wanted to stop by and wish you luck. I think whatever works for you is the path you should follow. A couple of things.
    Don't get discouraged. Weekly weigh ins are a lot because as women we can retain water and if you are exercising and building muscle, it will weigh more than fat. I threw away my scale and I could tell from my clothes I was losing weight. To me, getting on the scale once a week is a trap for failure. But that's just my opinion.
    Also, yes, you will be hungry. There is no diet on earth that is truthful that prevents you from being hungry. The good news though is as you lose weight, your hunger lessens. Drinking water can help you feel full and it is good for you.
    And, lastly, try not to go on a yo-yo of lose/gain. I have read articles that it is more detrimental to health to keep gaining and losing.
    I'm your cheerleader here for you if you need me so just email, if you need help. I've lost an entire person and managed to keep it off so I know how difficult it is. I'm sending all my positive energy your way!
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  6. Well, I've lost 26 pounds so far...23 on my own, and 3 my first official week at WW. I have a lot to go, but that's the most I've lost, ever, which I guess is pretty sad.
    Anyway, I know you'll do great, and you're beautiful no matter what.
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  7. I also brought my BMI down 5 points. So, that's nice. I can't wait until it's nice outside.
    I put too many details into my comment about the Momentum plan because I was describing how the tracker system works, but filling food focus would have done nicely...you're a better writer than I, E. :)
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  8. Hi Carole!
    It's going to be tough, I know but I know you can do it. Drink tons of water because that always fills you up and it flushes unwanted stuff out.
    I went on a diet in 2002 and lost 60 pounds on the Slim Fast Diet where I drank the shake for breakie and one for lunch and a sensible supper... loved it! Exercised as well and drank lots of water... since then I gained back 15 pounds and that's it!
    But that's only because of some silly medications I have to take ... otherwise it would still be gone.
    I couldn't afford WW.
    Good luck, everything will be awesome and I'm looking forward to it all!

    Thanks so much for de-lurking... I'm glad to meet you!
    I appreciate your support, it means so much to me!
    ~Michele~
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  9. I think you've added a key component- eating things you're willing to continue eating AFTER.

    One of my favorite breakfasts is a high fiber, whole grain bagel (I buy Western Bagel brand Alternative Bagels) with laughing cow light cheese and a few slices of Canadian Bacon I buy in bulk at Costco. It's quick, high in fiber, very filling and does not for a moment taste like 'diet' food.

    You can do this!
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  10. The best of luck to you, Carole!!
    You can do it!!! :)
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  11. I'll raise my hand as a Weight Watcher re-joiner. This is 'only' my second time though and I didn't do too well the first time.

    I noticed with the new momentum program that the 'fluids' isn't just water- it includes diet sodas, tea, coffee, etc. I thought that was an interesting change. They also seemed to have went away with putting so much emphasis on the healthy oil.

    I'm determined this time. I refuse to hit another bikini season being blah about my body!
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  12. I'll be cheering you on! :) My aunt joined WW exactly 2 years ago this month - she lost 85 pounds and has kept it off! She still keeps following everything she learned in WW, and even goes back to be a 'special successful guest' to impart wisdom and yummy recipes she created that follow the WW guidelines. She turned 60 this last year, so she feels really good about her results and how much better she feels now than when she was 20 years younger! ;)
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  13. I wish you all the best with it. Something like WW doesn't work for me because if I can't do it 100% right I would just abandon it all together. And I would probably forget to bring my booklet around (because there is no way I could memorize all the points) so it would just be hopeless!

    Anyway, that's my long-ass-winded way of saying, I shall definitely sit back and see how you do instead! hehe Good luck!
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  14. Good luck with weight watchers. My mom did really well when she was in it. Even got a special award for losing weight at the regional dinner/awards outing they had. I was very proud of her and went along that day. I just joined the gym again to get back into working out a few times a week--doing it at home just never happened.

    I just tagged you for a meme. Hope you don't mind. You can pick it up at http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2009/01/have-you-ever.html
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  15. Good luck! You know I'm right there with you. I'm still not sure if I'm going to do WW, but I'm lost 12 pounds since November, with so much more to go:P. I know we can do it though!!!!!
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  16. Good luck Carole-it's a huge step you took, I wish I could do the same!
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I read each and every comment, and though I don't always get a chance to respond, I enjoy reading (and pondering) what you have to say. Thanks for your 2 cents! :-)

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