I’m back on Weight Watchers and happy to report that the weight is starting to come off! It definitely takes some work, but here are 5 tips that help me stay on target.
1) Start each week with a menu. Download a free Printable Monthly Menu Planner and start filling in WW friendly meals. I use a combination of slow cooker meals, “quick” meals made by baking up Schwan chicken or fish, “full meals” where I spend a little more time cooking, and leftover nights. The key is to plan ahead so that you have everything on hand. You will be a lot less likely to go out to eat or eat junk.
2) Keep healthy snacks in the house. Start with “free foods,” which right now are most fruits and vegetables. I always have clementines, baby carrots, and apples. Then I try to vary other things each week like grapes, cucumbers, pre-cut cauliflower, etc. If I have something right there to grab, I am less likely to grab carbs.
3) Calculate points before you go to restaurants. When you want to go out to eat and stay within your points, try to find nutritional information online in advance and figure up the points for a couple of different meal choices.
4) Exercise! If you are getting in your exercise, you will have activity points to offset those times when you either really want a treat or will be spending time eating and drinking with friends or family and it is too hard to stay within your point allotment. The exercise does tend to make me more hungry on some days, so be prepared for that.
5) Everyone needs a little support around them. If you can meet up with others also on Weight Watchers and talk about meals, restaurants, activity points, etc, it will help to keep you motivated to stay on plan.
Weight Watchers is a healthy alternative to regular “diets” because you truly have to learn portion sizes and gain a better understanding of nutrition and exercise. The good news is that you are paying for them to help you.
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