Weight Watchers Program Basics
Weight Watchers is a program that began in the early 1960s to help people shed pounds in a healthy way that promotes general well-being. Rather than restricting an individual's diet to a list of acceptable foods, Weight Watchers provides tools and resources to pick filling foods and encourages customers to live a healthy, active lifestyle.
Holistic Approach
Weight Watchers focuses on a holistic approach to weight loss. It is not just about watching what food you eat, but about changing your lifestyle and habits to support your health. The program focuses on the "four pillars of healthy weight loss: eat smarter, move more, helpful habits, and get support." That credo is at the core of its success, because it teaches its clients choose healthier foods and fit exercise into their routine, as well as offering online and in-person support.
Points System
When you begin the Weight Watchers program you will set a goal of the number of points of food you will eat every day. The number of points in a food item is determined by its calorie, fat and fiber contents. Because you are on a points system there are no prohibited foods, though some items can use up an inordinately large portion of your allotment for the day. Participants are encouraged to keep a log of the number of points they have eaten every day and, if it applies, the balance left over.
Recipes
Weight Watchers offers many recipes to help you prepare real, healthy foods while easily keeping track of the number of points you consume. They are available online at weightwatchers.com, as well as in Weight Watchers magazine and in a number of books. Each recipe tells you which ingredients are the most filling, how many servings it makes, how long it will take to prepare, and its point value.
Products
Weight Watchers food products are available in supermarkets, with the point value conveniently listed on each package. So whatever you eat---be it an entrée, snack or dessert---can be easily cataloged on your daily points log. Weight Watchers has also partnered with a number of national restaurant chains to provide special menu options that are healthy, filling and list their point value on the menu.
Meetings
A key aspect of the Weight Watchers program is its support system. Meetings are available (for a small cost) in most areas nationwide, where clients are provided with strategies and tips to help them follow the program. More importantly, participants are able to offer encouragement to and receive support from others who are trying to tackle the same issues. In addition, the meetings are yet another way to help clients stay accountable to their goals.
For those unable to attend meetings, there is also an online subscription option that provides you with similar tools and resources. Included is a program to help you track how many points you eat, as well as offer workout ideas, thousands of recipes and articles.
Tags: Weight Watchers, , point value, Watchers program, Weight , habits support