Joined WW - excited and intimidated
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A. Monster · 08-13-2002, 01:24 PM

I joined Weight Watchers online yesterday, and am currently crunching on zero point carrots. I want to lose at least 30lbs, and according to the 2lb a week guideline, it's do-able by the time we go to WDW in Dec. I don't cook, and DH can eat whatever he wants without worry, so I'm a bit intimidated. I stocked up on their frozen dinners, but I'm afraid DH will be a bad influence. Any pointers?

GoofyMom · 08-13-2002, 01:47 PM

One thing I've found very helpful is to keep a journal of absolutely every bite of food that goes into my mouth at the time I'm eating. No cheating, no "I'll remember to write that down later" I didn't realize how much I snacked. No wonder I had 30 pounds to lose! Another thing that may be helpful is to keep track of what time you eat and why you're eating if you're an emotional eater. You know, stuff like 5:30 p.m. Bad day at work so I ate 12 cookies and a can of coke. That kind of stuff. Once you realize when and why you're eating, it makes it easier to resist temptations.

Another tip I have would be to try to avoid eating out for at least a couple of weeks. You need to learn point values first so you can have confidence in a restaurant that you will be able to eat low point foods.

Good luck!!

A. Monster · 08-13-2002, 02:06 PM

I know what you mean about eating out -- I think that's what happened to me. DH and I got into the habit of eating at Chili's 3 or more times a week, and I love their boneless buffalo wings. Then I found out they have over 70 grams of fat!!! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] My other problem is sodas and iced tea. I can't bring myself to accept the taste of diet. I'm going to try to stick to water with lemon juice. Thanks for the help!

reinstructor · 08-13-2002, 02:07 PM

Ask DH for his help. You're also doing this for him (I know, not very PC, but true none the less). Maybe he will join you in your efforts.

My DW and I have found that we are most successful at losing weight when we both participate and support each other.

infinity&beyond · 08-13-2002, 03:47 PM

For help and added inspiration, check out www.dwlz.com

They have the points values for tons of restaurants, so you can see the evilness of the buffalo wings (20.5 points...without the blue cheese dresssing!)

I've lost 12.8 pounds in three months on WW, so I know it works!

disnyfan · 08-13-2002, 03:55 PM

Good luck Amy. I heard WW is good; just an added bit of advice- One of the key ways to lose weight is by exercising as well as watching what you eat. By December you'll be able to see results if you combine the two. Since I have 2 small kids' exercise is often an impossiblity but it does help. I do Denise Austin 30min/day 3-5days a week, she has 1 hr of exercise in morning on Lifetime TV, she is great. Not to hard and you really see results. I've lost 5lbs but have gone down 2 sizes. I've been doing her since Dec last year. Pilates and Yoga- work wonders and are great for you. I wish you the best. When are you going to WDW in Dec? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

luvnwdwgal · 08-13-2002, 07:10 PM

I have lost 54 lbs. in the past year by cutting out as much fat and sugar as possible. I also drink between 60-80 oz. of water every day and try to exercise at least 30 minutes every morning. I'm not on WW so I don't use a point system, I just eat sensibly. There will always be times when you eat something that you shouldn't...but afterwards just get back on track. It's good that you have a goal. I think that's very important cause that's what feeds your determination. If you want it bad enough, you'll get there. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

KathyL · 08-13-2002, 07:58 PM

Good Luck Amy!!! I did WW for awhile but stopped because it cost a lot of money each week. I stayed in long enough to "learn the tricks of the trade" and buy a few of their books. I do still keep an eye on daily points, but the key thing for me was cutting out all the junk (chips, butter, etc.). I also exercise each day. My husband and I walk at least two miles and if it is too hot, rainy, etc., I drag out my mini trampoline (the little round kind, turn on the TV and "jog" for at least 30 minutes. I have lost about 25 pounds since March. Watch your points, the system works well. If you like chocolate like I do, 6 of the little tootsie roll midgets only has 1.5 points. The fat free jello puddings are also very good.

KathyL [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

whoSEZ · 08-13-2002, 11:23 PM

Amy -- good luck! I joined WW in mid-May and lost 14.4 pounds in my first 10 weeks. I started off by paying $100 in advance for 10 weeks, and have since switched over to the "Liberty" plan, which allows you to go as little as once a month and pay $14 per meeting. ($10 a week or $14 a month ... easy choice for me. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] )

I agree with Donna: Write down everything you eat -- and, if you can figure out the reasons WHY you're eating, write those down too.

Water and exercise are huge keys to success, but so is eating a good breakfast. I just read about a study that followed successful dieters: Those who ate breakfast daily were something like 67% more likely to keep the weight off for at least 5 years. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I'll post on the Pixie Chicks thread if/when I find that info again.

Good luck! You can do it. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Cinderella_68 · 08-14-2002, 12:47 AM

Congratulations, Amy! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] I've been doing WW for four months, now. I'm down 37.2 lbs as of today. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] And this is including a week and a half of having "fallen-off-the-wagon." (Can you say hot fudge sundae for lunch? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] ) For me, the accountability of a meeting and weigh-in is a must, but not everyone needs that. Just use us to keep you accountable, or the folks on weightwatchers.com or dwlz.com message boards. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
My big thing to learn was portion control, and adding regular exercise to my life. I feel SOOOO much better now than I did just a few short months ago. (My cholesterol even took a nosedive!) And I'm not quite even half way, yet!
My goal is to be at goal weight by our August 2003 trip, so that I can take some proper "after" pictures to match my "before" pictures taken in WDW last year.
Work the program, and the program will work for you! If you are 100% on program, you'll get 100% results. And don't ever give up!!
You can do it!

A. Monster · 08-14-2002, 01:20 PM

Thanks for all the support! I knew I'd get that from you guys! Minnievoice, thanks for the tip about the Splenda. I've been using some points on my morning coffee that I'd rather not, and was wondering if there was a tasty sugar substitute out there.

I had a slice of pizza last night and was feeling hopeless until I calculated it this morning on their online journal and found out I still had a point to bank yesterday! I was so happy! I was only reporting it so I could berade myself for being so bad! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I'm going with GoofyMom's advice and not deleting anything from my journal -- I'm doing this for myself (and yes, DH who insists I look great as I am [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] ) so lying as I go won't hurt anyone but me.

minnievoice · 08-15-2002, 12:39 AM

I've been on WW for a while too. I've only lost 20 lbs but that's my fault. I don't like the taste of diet either. My tip would be to buy Splenda artificial sweetner. It doesn't taste like Equal or Sweet and Low. It doesn't have a nasty aftertaste. I make iced tea with it. I also cook with it. It's great!! It's made from sugar somehow. They have a website if you are leary. Check it out!!

boBmouse · 08-16-2002, 09:19 PM

Hi Amy,

I have been a WW member since May 2201 and met my goal this April. I also think exerice helps out big time. It only takes a few minute( around 30) to earn 2 activity points. Try not to be down on yourself when you make a choise that is not in your diet plan. There is no bad choises just choises that lead to consequences. That is one of the hardest things I had to learn is to let it go and get back on track. You can't change yesterday but today and tomarrow are yours.

Good Luck, Bobºoº

Disney Fan · 08-16-2002, 10:47 PM

I have been a lifetime member for about a year. I liked WW because it gave me a structure by which to learn to make different choices. After DD came along I had 20 pounds that seemed permanently attached to my you know what! WW helped me have a plan by which I could still eat what I liked, it is just about priorities. Make sure you eat in the middle to high end of your points to start with. I have a friend who was having a hard time eating her points (yeah, like I've ever had that issue [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] ) and she was NOT losing. The next week she ate at the high end (which meant she'd go to DQ at the end of the day for a cone to hit her points) and she lost 4.8 lbs! When she was in the middle to high end, she lost more than when she was eating the low end. You need to keep your metabolism from trying to shut down. Make sure you check in here for support!

KathyL · 08-17-2002, 06:52 AM

The new Weight Watchers Pizzas are not too bad. I especially like the veggie version. Keep a few in the freezer and eat them when you have to prepare a meal for just yourself (though even my husband agrees they aren't too bad even though he still prefers the real thing). Continued good luck to you.

KathyL [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]