If you find calorie tracking tedious and time consuming, consider trying out a points-based system, like Weight Watchers, instead. All of your shopping lists and meal plans are laid out with this innovative diet plan. In addition, this plan frees you from calculating each individual ingredient in a calorie tracker or avoiding certain foods. You can either sign up for the official plan or follow older models to start your journey to a lower weight and healthier body.
Allowed Foods
Each food is assigned a certain number of points based on its caloric values and nutritional benefits. You’ll need to work the foods you eat each day into the given point allowances for your size and activity level. You can have juicy burgers, cheesy pizza and even cake as long as they fit into your points for the day.
When you sign up for this program, you’ll receive a handout that lists all of the point assignments for each food category. The assignments even include foods you can find at local restaurants. You can either fly by the seat of your pants or carefully plan out your foods for the day by using the point system.
System Setup
You can sign up for the official program or use the old points system for free. If you sign up for the official Weight Watchers plan, you’ll be able to attend free meetings, speak with mentors and utilize all of their resources throughout your diet journey. However, it does cost money each month in addition to the cost of food. You can also sign up for the online only plan or both in-person and online programs with the monthly pass.
Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, you can calculate your own point allowances using this calculator. You’ll have to compile your own points paperwork using the nutritional value of the foods you eat. This makes following this plan much less convenient and time consuming. Once you’re set up, however, you’ll be able to follow this plan without paying monthly fees for as long as you want.
If you need stringent guidelines, mentors and group support, consider working the official plan into your budget. Either way, talk to your doctor about your diet plans to receive the okay before beginning your journey.
Seeking Success
Ever since Weight Watchers came into existence in 1963, people all around the world started joining in to see the numbers on their scale drop. Since people often find the rules easy to adhere to, many achieve weight loss success while following this way of eating.
After losing the excess pounds, members can continue with the program to maintain a healthy weight. To do so, you must calculate the right amount of maintenance points and strictly follow them every day. Going back to your prior habits will allow the pounds to pile back on until you return to your starting weight or beyond. If you want an easy to follow plan, try out Weight Watchers and see if you love the freedom it allows.