It’s been a few weeks since Holly & Bonnie’s Adventures in NYC (courtesy of Weight Watchers Online) and I’ve been meaning to do another post answering some of the questions I’ve been asked most since returning. It’s been fun to get to share the tips & tricks Bonnie & I have learned while following “the plan” (remember, it’s not a “program”). As of this week the total number of friends of ours who have joined WWO is up to 13 (at least). They should seriously put us on their payroll. Here’s some of the most FAQs:
Did you go to Meetings or just do Online?
Bonnie started going to meetings where you weigh in & talk about the ups & downs of following the plan each week. The statistics say that people who attend meetings regularly (versus those who just go to weigh in each week) are more successful losing weight. When I decided to join the only meeting in my area didn’t meet at a time that worked with my schedule. I was apprehensive that I’d be able to follow the plan by myself online but was willing to give it a try. I was so successful that Bonnie switched to just be online.
What’s the difference?
Like I said, with meetings, you go to the WW location to do your weigh in. Online you pick a weigh in day & on that day when you log into the website a little window comes up saying it’s your weight tracking day! You enter in your weight & then get to watch the little weight tracking chart go down down down! You get stars on your chart when you lose certain amounts like 10% & another one every 5lbs. Very exciting! Online also costs less than meetings. It’s like $14/month vs. $40/month.
Did you exercise a ton?
No. I actually quit my gym membership when I joined WWO. For the first few months I would walk in my neighborhood for about 1.5-2 hours a week but when the hottest summer ever started in May I tried to be outside as little as possible. I did Jillian Michaels yoga meltdown DVD like 4 times 1 week & then decided I hate to workout & quit. So no, I do not credit exercise to my weight loss success. Don’t get me wrong—activity is good, but you can lose weight without being a workout-a-holic.
Did you use all your bonus points every week?
Not always. In the beginning I was too afraid to use them. But after getting the hang of tracking & understanding the nutrition value of things I used them more. Sometimes I used them all and some activity points. Basically I looked at bonus points as an opportunity to eat a little extra every day or go out to eat one really good (but not so good for you) meal a week like enchiladas & a margarita.
Did you have many weeks when you gained?
For the first 3 months I lost every week. Then I had a week where I gained, then I lost the next week. Towards the end I’d have weeks (sometimes 3-4) where I didn’t lose or gain an ounce. Then suddenly one week I’d lose again. I think the human body goes through phases of weight loss & re-shaping. It’s odd—like your body holds onto every ounce then suddenly decides to let it go. The beginning pounds came off faster & easier than the end ones, but for the most part, on average I lost about 1.5lbs per week.
What are some of your favorite things to eat?
Well, everything. And I hate when the taste of something is compromised for the sake of making it “healthy,” so I’m pretty picky & skeptical of health food sometimes.
Here’s some things I love (and their points plus/pts+ values):
- Nature’s Own 40 calorie bread (2 points plus for 2 slices as opposed to 2 pts+ for 1 slice of regular bread).
- Corn tortillas (2 pts+ for 2 tortillas)
- Light Baby Bel cheeses (1 pts+!)
- Salsa & pico de gallo (1pts+)
- Skim milk (no brainer to some, but it does make a difference)
- Reduced fat grated cheese (can’t tell it’s reduced when it’s in a recipe!)
- Sugar free frozen fruit bars (0pts+)
- Reduced fat Wheat Thins (3pts+ for like 16 crackers I think)
- Chick-fil-A (grilled chicken sandwich is 6pts+)
- Freebirds/Chipotle (easy to customize a salad/burrito bowl!)
- Veggie or shrimp Fajitas at Mexican restaurants
Here’s the thing: it works if you are committed to following it. I wanted to get to a lower BMI & learn how to make healthier eating choices. I had an encouragement team with my sister & some co-workers & was successful. It definitely helps to have people around you who are working towards the same goals. I guess that’s why WW started with just meetings—it gives a good community of encouragement. It was so helpful to have that with my sister, so try to find someone who can track with you. Or you can call/text me—I will send you stars over the phone! If you have an iPhone, get the mobile app! You can track your daily points & look up food values on the go. I have my phone with me all the time anyway—why not make it work for me!
Please feel free to ask more questions! People helped me & I’m happy to help others!
