WeightWatchers is a popular weight loss program that has been around for many years. This program has been around for more than 58 years and has helped many people, including famous celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, to lose weight.
Losing weight can feel overwhelming, especially when unsure how to begin. If you want to start losing weight, WeightWatchers could be your motivation. Read along to determine if their program is suitable for you.
About WeightWatchers
You are familiar with the name, you have heard people talking about it, you know someone who has tried it, or you have seen the commercials, maybe even one from the 2015 Super Bowl.
WeightWatchers is a very popular dieting program. Many people have been members, numbering in the millions.
WeightWatchers: Memberships Plans
WeightWatchers has two membership plans designed to help people lose weight. Memberships do not provide meals, but they do offer support, a plan, and recipes that you can use.
There are two membership options to choose from:
Core Membership:
When you have a Core membership, you receive a customized food plan along with recipes that can assist you in achieving your goals. You can also use meal, water, activity, weight, and sleep trackers to easily keep track of your progress. In addition to WW’s basic plan, you will also have access to workouts suitable for all fitness levels and 24/7 live chat sessions. This membership does not include workshops.
Premium Membership:
The Premium membership includes all the benefits of the Core membership, plus access to workshops led by coaches. You have the option to participate in these workshops either online or in person. By doing so, you can learn behavior change techniques and also have the opportunity to connect with other WeightWatchers members. You can attend workshops any day of the week, either during the day or at night.
WeightWatchers Website Experience
When you visit the WeightWatchers website for the first time, you will be asked to take a short quiz to customize your program. The quiz will ask you questions about your home life, why you want to lose weight, your sleep cycle, and your mindset before starting the program.
After you complete it, WeightWatchers will suggest the membership plan that is most suitable for you, considering your answers. It will also give you suggestions on how to improve different areas of your life to help you reach your weight loss goals. These areas include nutrition, activity, sleep, and mindset.
WeightWatchers offers various resources based on your membership plan to help you make progress toward your goals. If you have trouble getting enough sleep at night, you can try listening to guided meditations before bed. If you want to be more active throughout your day, you can participate in virtual workout classes.
Points System
WeightWatchers gives a point value to each food. Foods that have a lot of saturated fats or sugar, such as potato chips or chocolate, usually have a high number of points. On the other hand, nutritious whole foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are rich in protein or fiber, have a low number of points.
You will receive a specific number of points each day based on your personal Points Budget. This means that every time you eat a meal, it will reduce your budget. Just a reminder, you won’t be penalized for exceeding your points budget. It’s normal for those things to happen sometimes.
A great thing is that your points carry over, so you won’t waste any points if you don’t meet your daily goal. For instance, if you consume only 15 points on Monday (out of a daily budget of 16 points), you might be able to eat 17 points on Thursday. The WeightWatchers app automatically handles rollovers.
Remember that WeightWatchers promotes balanced meals that include protein, fruits, vegetables, and nutrients. However, the company emphasizes that no food is forbidden.
Please be aware that WeightWatchers has a plan specifically designed for individuals with diabetes. This food plan is designed for people who have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes by a doctor. The program will provide the same benefits as WeightWatchers, but it will be customized to suit their specific health condition.
ZeroPoint Foods
ZeroPoint foods are regular, nutritious foods that you can eat without having to count them towards your daily points budget. Every member receives a list of over 200 ZeroPoint foods. The ZeroPoint foods are:
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Beans
- Chicken breast
- Tofu
- Shellfish
- Peas
WeightWatchers Pricing and Cost
The costs of using WeightWatchers can vary depending on the plan you choose. Remember, the cost of your membership does not include the cost of food. Here is a breakdown of the costs for each week:
- Core: Starts at $23 per month
- Premium: Starts at $45 per month
WeightWatchers app
The WeightWatchers app has received good ratings on both the App Store and Google Play store.
- 8 out of 5 stars on the App Store
- 4 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store
WeightWatchers Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ● A lot of focus is on general health, not just diets, which include exercise.
● Not much in the way. ● An app that is easy to use. ● You never have to go without food or fast. ● Not a trend. Could be good for you in the long run. ● Inspiration in online classes. ● There are many other sources. |
● Not all foods with low points are also good for you.
● Could make people less likely to eat well in the future or make them binge eat. Being on a low-calorie diet may make you feel hungry, which can make you overeat or go on and off diets. ● You’ll have to pay for the more expensive plan if you want to go to classes. |
Conclusion
WeightWatchers is not a method that works the same for everyone. If you don’t have time to plan or track your food every day, you shouldn’t do it. It’s not for people who have trouble with self-control and figuring out how much to eat. It is great if you want help about your health as a whole. There aren’t many rules about how you can make a diet plan that works for you.
