Thursday, October 21, 2010

Start A Weight Loss Program With Weight Watchers

You are finally sick of it. If the extra weight you have been carrying around has left you depressed and desperate, it may be time to consider a solution that works. If you are finally ready to do something about those unwanted pounds, join a supervised weight loss program to start you on your weight loss journey. Weight Watchers is a successful organization that has helped thousands drop extra pounds and keep them off. It may be the key to success you have been looking for as well.


Instructions


1. Find a meeting in your area. It is free to attend a meeting. You only pay when and if you decide to join. Visit the official Weight Watchers website where you will find a box to insert your zip code which links you with meetings in your vicinity (see Resources below).


2. Join the program when you are ready to commit. There are two ways to participate in the program. The first is by attending the weekly meetings and following a core plan or flex plan for eating. The second way is to participate in the online program. This will not include meetings in your community. However, the option does provide you with a weight watchers virtual community for people like yourself who are on the go. The meal plans are the same.


3. Choose your plan. The flex plan is based on counting points. You are given a certain number of points for the day based on your current height and weight. All foods are given point values based on the serving size. For example, a banana may have a value of 2 points while a slice of banana cream pie may have a value of 8 points. You don't have to count with the core plan. Instead, you eat from a list of "core" foods.








4. Get your tools for success. The Weight Watchers program will provide you with a "points tracker" and list of core foods plus information on the program as well as offer healthy weight loss tips.


5. Invest in a food scale to weigh each serving size of food. Subscribe to the Weight Watchers magazine for more tips and interesting articles and other success stories.


6. Set your weight loss goals. Your ideal weight should be in a range that is appropriate for your age, height and body type. Otherwise, you are free to select the weight you feel is appropriate for yourself. Check with your doctor to find out what she believes is an acceptable weight range for you.


7. Follow the program. When you have questions or concerns, call your leader or look for support on the website. Track your points if you are on the flex plan and stick to your core foods if you are on the core program. Be persistent and you will see results. This program is not a quick weight loss scheme. Instead, it is a balanced and healthy eating and activity plan that takes time to work.


8. Relish your accomplishments like reaching your 10% goal loss. If you attend the meetings you will like receive little tokens at each increment of success. Keep these and look to them for encouragement during rough times.


9. Add activity gradually according to the plan. Find an exercise you really enjoy such as walking, swimming, dancing, aerobics or biking. Start slowly and add a little extra time to your chosen activity each week.


10. Track your eating and activity daily. Write down the foods you eat at each meal. Also, record the length of time you exercise per day. Keep your records as part of your commitment to weight loss. Keeping a dairy of this journey is also recommended as a reminder of your progress.

Tags: weight loss, Weight Watchers, core foods, flex plan, core plan, eating activity, have been