[scrappinchar]

From the looks of this board, it was nearing 2 years ago that I was following the WW plan. I'd have to read through the posts to see if I was doing it "on my own" or with meetings or with eTools. From past experiences, I know I do better with meetings involved. Well, not the actual meeting, but standing on their scale and having it all recorded, etc. I'm gonna use the eTools to track. I was using paper journals before.

I signed up online today for the monthly pass and will go to a meeting site tomorrow morning. I won't stay 'cause Nathan will be with me, but I'll get weighed and get the materials.

I'm at my all-time heaviest...not counting weight during pregnancies. It's been a bit depressing. But, I feel encouraged knowing I've taken this step. Part of me was putting it off because of the "work" it will take to plan meals for the family. Our easy, yummy (fatty!) casseroles will have to go! lol

After the weigh-in tomorrow, I'll be heading to the grocery store to stock up on healthy foods.

The new program looks interesting.

This part of the board has been quiet for a while, it seems. Anyone else still doing WW or now doing it?

[kit]

I've watched this board, and yes it has been silent. I am planning on going back to WW this saturday. I have e-tools, but I have to tell you, for me I need an actual meeting. Just going each week and listening to others share their successes and even those slip ups keeps me motivated. Each time I start, I'm fine, but give me a day or a vacation that I slip up it takes me awhile to get back on track. No one is a perfect WW, and that is one thing that I have to keep reminding myself. I am hoping that I will succeed this time around. If you want to be a Cyber WW Buddy, please let me know, or better yet, if we could get this board going the more the merrier. Good Luck on your journey and remember, if you need a friend, I'm there for you.

Kit

[scrappinchar]

Ah, another one on the journey! (Or about to be. )

I'd love to get this part of the board hoppin' again. I'm sure some others will find us. lol

I used to go to meetings and I'd go (and stay) again if it wasn't for my 6 month old. Maybe one day I'll fit that in somehow. But, for now, weighing-in in front of the receptionist will do wonders for me. lol I'll be asking the leader there if she has any info from the meetings that she e-mails out to people. Some leaders do that.

Perhaps we'll get the weekly weigh-in threads going again, too.

Looking forward to losing with you. lol And anyone else who comes along.

[April Showers]

Way to go Charlene! The monthly pass is the best deal. At our place they have a meeting for moms with kids so they can stay. You're going to do great!

[mbc72]

I am going to an informational meeting tomorrow. It is actually a 12 week "at work program" they are opening up to the city. If I understand correctly you get the meetings and etools, but I am not sure what else, I guess I will find out tomorrow. I have done the on-line before and do actually lose when I stay on it. I am interested in the new program, too as one of my biggest gripes was that the whole foods were often higher points than some junk foods. It sounds like some of that has changed on the new program.

[ArizonaAngel]

I just discussed this with my DH yesterday. We have both done WW off and on and have been successful when we are focused. It's nice that we can be our own little support group. What's bad is that when we slip we slip together. My niece who lives in Colorado is doing WW and she is encouraging us to join again, so we will be looking into a local meeting so that we can get started with the info on the new plan. So, I will be watching this thread and hoping for encouragement. Good luck ladies!

[PolkaDot]

I've been on WW for six weeks now and have lost and regained the same five pounds three times. I do think that my age is a factor, so you will, hopefully, have that going for you. Also, I have been quite inactive over the winter months, and I cannot lose without the exercise. It has been very hard to stay motivated with all the recent events (anniversary, Valentines, birthday, out of town visits and visitors) and with no one with whom I can do the program. My sister stopped by week 2 and I was all alone :-(

The new program is, IMHO, healthier. Unlimited fruits and vegetables. Most food now has higher points, though, than if you followed the older program, to compensate for the unlimited foods and to encourage fruit and vegetable intake when hungry. I have been trying to use fruit smoothies and like those in my Vita Mix. Quick and easy way to get in a lot at once, and I find it filling and it keeps up my energy.

I just told DH thatI was going to give up but, hmmmm, maybe I will soldier on.

Here are two motivational sayings I received in today's mail:

“Go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you will see farther.”

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”

[tiza126]

Good luck Charlene!! I did WW years ago and saw some results. But as soon as I got lazy and stopped counting Points, I put all the weight back on, plus some. I do agree that there is more incentive to lose weight when you have a trainer weighing you in, plus the group atmosphere was nice.

I do bad following diet plans, so I'm just trying to eat healthier and get more physical activity.

Here is another motivational quote from you: "It's not about hours in the gym, it's about believing in yourself and starting your journey." I scrapped it and have it hanging on my wall.

[SodScrap]

You can do it Charlene!!

[Belle]

Hi Charlene, I was a member of WW until just before Christmas. I really have to go back. Did not know about the cyber thing though. How does that work. I would love to give it a try. Don't know if I would like the new plan though, I am not a fruit lover. Veg is ok though. I always say that I am not fat because I eat to much, but because I am lazy. It is so much easier to just thrown a stew together than all the steamed veg and salads. I hate making salad. And a peanut butter sarmie is easier than a fruit smoothie. But this year I have lost 26 KG's. Still got a long way to go. I will love to join up with you for the cyber WW.

[caprimom]

This year, I've finally come to the realization that I want to do something about my weight. I've never been one to care about it as I've always been happily overweight but now I'm obese according to my BMI and I'm no longer comfortable in my clothes so it's time to do something. We're purchasing a treadmill soon because I love the challenge of running but I know the other part of the weight loss equation involves watching what you eat so I like the idea of having points and a plan that I don't have to think too hard about. But, I agree with Belle, I hate preparing fresh foods. I always worry that I'm not doing something right. Idk..it's weird. I don't have a lot of cooking experience and processed foods in boxes with simple instructions are right up my alley.

[scrappinchar]

Well...it sounds like there are a number of us.
I hope we can keep this part of the board active to encourage each other.

Dot...yes, soldier on!
April...I forgot to check if my meeting site offers a "kids welcome" meeting. I'll check today.
Melanie...let us know how the meeting goes.
Brenda...sounds great that your DH would do it with you. Mine wants to lose weight, too. But I don't think he'd go completely on the program. He's willing to eat whatever I serve, though. Which helps.
Tiza...eating healthier and getting more physical activity is my goal. lol I just need some structured help with that. And accountability.
Conda...thanks for the encouragement.
Ashleigh...sounds like the treadmill will be great for you. I used to have one. It became a clothes hanger. Ack! Most (I think) WW sites would let you come and stay for a meeting to see what it's about. Or it would be worth asking, if you were interested.
Belle...are you asking about eTools? Have you been to the WW website? They have their messageboards. But if you pay for the eTools, you have all their info right there at your fingertips. The restaurant guides, the points calculator, points for foods, a daily tracker for your food/activity/points, recipes, all the WW material. You can subscribe to it on its own or with the meetings Monthly Pass. I like to have the printed materials from the meeting sites, but the website tools are great, too.

My meeting (or just weigh-in) is about 2 hours from now.

[Belle]

Thanks Charlene, I will go check it out.

[April Showers]

The etools are great- and if you sign up to go just with those, I would recommend going to at least one meeting because I've found they explain the program a little more thoroughly there. The first time I tried WW (about 10 years ago) I signed up for the etools only. I had a hard time following the program- probably because we still had dial-up internet back then. A few years later I started attending the classes and it was a lot easier to understand and follow the program (which has changed several times since the.) I like that the changes are geared toward healthier nutrition. I have the e-tools now and still track with them, but the weight I've lost in the last 6 months has been with a special diet from my Dr.
I just entered yesterday's numbers into the online tracker.
Since last summer I've lost 58 pounds, 9.5 inches in my hips, 8 inches off my waist, and 4.5 off my bust.
Somehow my proportions changed a little- which will make it harder to get my wedding dress on. I've always lost in the waist first before- but it is way easier to find clothes that fit now.

[scrappinchar]

First step done!
Or was that the 2nd? lol
Anyway...went and got weighed-in and talked to the leader. Bought the newest cookbook. I haven't even flipped through it yet but I'm sure I'll find at least a few recipes I'll like. Hopefully quite a few.

I'm off to slice up tomatoes and cucumbers for the sandwich I'll be having for lunch. Whole wheat bread, ham, lite cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano. Yumminess! Then to decide which fruit I'll have with it.

And chug-a-lug with the water.

[Belle]

April, this is so great. You must be so proud.

[scrappinchar]

April, that's awesome!

[Rose Ann]

I started Weight Watchers about a month ago. I really like the new program. And I bought the 5 ingredient cookbook, too. For me the hard part is planning out everything that I will eat.
I have had reasonable success. I forgot that as you lose weight they subtract points from your daily and when they told me I had one less point per day my eyes must have bulged or something because the receptionist said "it's okay honey, that's a good thing." It was really funny.

I do better attending meetings, too. I just got a buddy at work who will go with me. Maybe we can walk together too.

It's always nicer to have company and I am looking forward to having support from (and giving support to) everyone here, too.

And APRIL!! Serious WTG! WOW!!

[PolkaDot]

April Showers, on 23 February 2011 - 11:23 AM, said:

The etools are great- and if you sign up to go just with those, I would recommend going to at least one meeting because I've found they explain the program a little more thoroughly there. The first time I tried WW (about 10 years ago) I signed up for the etools only. I had a hard time following the program- probably because we still had dial-up internet back then. A few years later I started attending the classes and it was a lot easier to understand and follow the program (which has changed several times since the.) I like that the changes are geared toward healthier nutrition. I have the e-tools now and still track with them, but the weight I've lost in the last 6 months has been with a special diet from my Dr.
I just entered yesterday's numbers into the online tracker.
Since last summer I've lost 58 pounds, 9.5 inches in my hips, 8 inches off my waist, and 4.5 off my bust.
Somehow my proportions changed a little- which will make it harder to get my wedding dress on. I've always lost in the waist first before- but it is way easier to find clothes that fit now.

Wow, April....fabulous! And you look fabulous, too! Do you mind saying what the difference is between your Dr.'s plan and the WW plan? I really need to change things up a little. My Dr. won't allow me to do anything which resembles Atkins/South Beach type, high protein/low carb. Those plans work very, very well for me, but my labwork doesn't like it. Since the goal is good health I am following his advice.

Okay, I will try to get back on track. It will be more fun with a group! I didn't know a single person at our meeting. BTW, Char, we don't have sitters, but several members bring their infants to the meetings and no one seems to mind.

[Smiles]

caprimom, on 22 February 2011 - 10:40 PM, said:

This year, I've finally come to the realization that I want to do something about my weight. I've never been one to care about it as I've always been happily overweight but now I'm obese according to my BMI and I'm no longer comfortable in my clothes so it's time to do something. We're purchasing a treadmill soon because I love the challenge of running but I know the other part of the weight loss equation involves watching what you eat so I like the idea of having points and a plan that I don't have to think too hard about. But, I agree with Belle, I hate preparing fresh foods. I always worry that I'm not doing something right. Idk..it's weird. I don't have a lot of cooking experience and processed foods in boxes with simple instructions are right up my alley.

You can ease your way into healthier eating by shopping at stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. They have prepared foods that aren't full of ingredients you've never met. For instance, if the can of tomatoes or spaghetti sauce says tomatoes, salt, and some herbs, that's a healthy option (assuming the sodium content isn't too high). I'm not a Weight Watchers veteran, but I'm following an eating plan from my diabetes educator (type 2, so far controlled with diet and exercise). Reading labels is key, along with portion control. Plain frozen vegetables are yummy and easy. Costco has some great options, too - just read the labels. Your health matters - this is an important thing you can do for yourself and your family. Best of luck with it!

[April Showers]

PolkaDot, on 23 February 2011 - 01:29 PM, said:

Wow, April....fabulous! And you look fabulous, too! Do you mind saying what the difference is between your Dr.'s plan and the WW plan? I really need to change things up a little. My Dr. won't allow me to do anything which resembles Atkins/South Beach type, high protein/low carb. Those plans work very, very well for me, but my labwork doesn't like it. Since the goal is good health I am following his advice.

The biggest difference (from the new WW program) that it is lower in calories. While it is a lower carb, higher protein diet, he just did blood work once a month to make sure things were fine. I've been sugar-free since labor day too- I know that has helped. While it worked for me, you need to do what is best for you.

[PolkaDot]

Here's a tip for everyone..... The new calculators are in short supply, so WW has posted one online. You don't need to sign in to be able to access and use it.

Online Calculator.

(Someone please tell me if it is/isn't okay to post the link here..... I have never linked to an outside site before and don't want to break any SG rules, for sure!)

[Belle]

Thanks for the link Dot.

[scrappinchar]

Yep, my meeting site was out of calculators.
I like to have one with me when shopping. And I don't have a "fancy" phone where I could access eTools that way.

Rose Ann...drats. lol The cookbook I got wasn't the 5 ingredients one. I'll be on the look out for that one now. lol

[PolkaDot]

Char, I just saw the 5 Ingredients Cookbook in Wal Mart.

[mbc72]

Well, I went to the informational meeting and they have to have 15-20 people to do an on-site at work meeting. Even though I don't work, they opened it up to the town to try and get enough people. Today there were only 12, but most said they would commit to the program if there were enough people.

It seems a bit more expensive than just doing on line, but I realize you are paying for the support and expertise of the leader. I have decided that if they do not end up with enough people to do the meetings, I will at least sign up for the on line program and do it myself. Dh will do it also, which helps. I have to wait until Monday to see if there will actaully be a program or not.

Thanks for the Points calculator link, the one I have is from the last program.

[BarbaraC1977]

I'm lurking here, watching this thread, knowing I need to do it.

Melanie, I did an at-work program years ago, and it was great for me. Hope you like it.

[Smiles]

PolkaDot, on 23 February 2011 - 01:29 PM, said:

[Wow, April....fabulous! And you look fabulous, too! Do you mind saying what the difference is between your Dr.'s plan and the WW plan? I really need to change things up a little. My Dr. won't allow me to do anything which resembles Atkins/South Beach type, high protein/low carb. Those plans work very, very well for me, but my labwork doesn't like it. Since the goal is good health I am following his advice.

Okay, I will try to get back on track. It will be more fun with a group! I didn't know a single person at our meeting. BTW, Char, we don't have sitters, but several members bring their infants to the meetings and no one seems to mind.

The Eades (Protein Power) diet calls itself a lower carb/moderate protein diet, but it is still really, really restrictive in carbs and is a pain to cook. If you try a normal amount of lean protein, lots and lots of vegetables/salads, small amounts of fruit and small amounts of whole grain high fiber breads and cereals, you'll have a healthier version which is sustainable once you've reached your goal.

[PolkaDot]

Smiles, on 23 February 2011 - 10:38 PM, said:

PolkaDot, on 23 February 2011 - 01:29 PM, said:

[Wow, April....fabulous! And you look fabulous, too! Do you mind saying what the difference is between your Dr.'s plan and the WW plan? I really need to change things up a little. My Dr. won't allow me to do anything which resembles Atkins/South Beach type, high protein/low carb. Those plans work very, very well for me, but my labwork doesn't like it. Since the goal is good health I am following his advice.

Okay, I will try to get back on track. It will be more fun with a group! I didn't know a single person at our meeting. BTW, Char, we don't have sitters, but several members bring their infants to the meetings and no one seems to mind.

The Eades (Protein Power) diet calls itself a lower carb/moderate protein diet, but it is still really, really restrictive in carbs and is a pain to cook. If you try a normal amount of lean protein, lots and lots of vegetables/salads, small amounts of fruit and small amounts of whole grain high fiber breads and cereals, you'll have a healthier version which is sustainable once you've reached your goal.

Thanks, Gayle. I guess I know what I need to do.....now, to do it!

I have been using my Vita Mix a lot recently and am able to get in more fruits/vegetables that way. I do like fruit smoothies :-) I add fat free milk or yogurt to whatever fruits, plus ice cubes, for a large, cold smoothie which is really filling and keeps the blood sugar up.....can't do it without some protein source though,or the crash follows.

Here's another "thought." A good friend and her DH each lost 50 lbs on WW. She told me that it worked for her when she stopped looking at food as entertainment and started looking at it as an energy source. (Should I keep adding these tidbits? LOL.)

[Rose Ann]

mbc72, on 23 February 2011 - 04:39 PM, said:

It seems a bit more expensive than just doing on line, but I realize you are paying for the support and expertise of the leader.

I signed up for the monthly pass and you get to use all the online tools and go to meetings as much as you want to. It's around 36 or 39 dollars a month which is less than $10 per meeting.
HTH.