WW (Weight Watchers)

The new Weight Watchers app and program is very easy to use.  However, I ran into several issues with the diet plan.  I used the Purple Diet plan, which emphasizes mostly zero point foods, high protien, and eating almost all non-fat.  This program however has a number of foods that simply do no belong on a zero points food list.  Foods such as fruit, brown rice, and wheat pasta are loaded with calories and carbohydrates.  You cannot eat tons of carbs and expect to lose weight.  I do not care how much fiber it has.  They also emphasize nonfat over low carb, which for many women in completely ineffective.  Any foods that are nonfat were valued at astronomical point values so it didn't make any sense to even eat them.  What ended up happening was I ate too protein, too many carbs, and too many calories.  I lost almost no weight after 2 months.  I also exercised hardcore daily and earned tons of additional points through fitness.  This however did not appear to help my weight loss plan.  I have used Weight Watchers in the past.  10 Years ago it was known as the FlexPoints program.  I lost almost 40 lbs using this old program.  It was based in simple Calories In and Calories Out.  I understand that the new program aims to help people make healthier choices, which is great, but simple not effective for everyone.  If you want to lose weight.  Simply download a free calorie counter app and count your calories and try to get some cardio in 3 times a week.  I would still recommend the program to a friend who needs to lose weight but it appears to work best for those whom are morbidly obese.

Weight Watchers and their points program is really good. I have no complaints with it.

My issue is with customer service and trying to contact them. I bought a Fitbit from the weight watchers online store and then decided I would like the Flex 2 model instead. I looked on the website to see how to return the Fitbit and it said you have to call customer service or send email and then they will contact you with instructions.

So I sent email and got an automated response. 5 days pass and I still have not heard anything from customer service so I decide to call the toll free phone number. I was on hold for over 30 minutes and I just gave up in frustration. It seems as soon as you have a problem weight watchers customer service is no where to be found.

I have never been excessively over weight but every now and then I gain a bit of weight, usually after the holidays or a stressful period during work. Just this past 6 months I quit smoking and guess what I gained weight, almost 15 lbs. I was the heaviest I had ever been. I decided to go back to weight watchers which I had done 3 times before probably over the last 10 years or so. One rule I made for myself this time around is GO TO THE MEETINGS. I found the last few times if I don't go to the meetings my motivation drops and I slowly stop using the smart points system. 

I am happy to say that it has been over 6 months later since the last time I joined and the change in my body is very noticeable. I have lost almost 30 lbs and I feel and look great. I also started going to the gym 3 months ago while on weight watchers and the extra fitness has helped with the weight loss.

I really do like the Weight Watchers experience. The point system is easy to understand and now when I grocery shop it is second nature what I need to pick out and purchase. I am never hungry and the food I eat is very good. Weight Watchers has an excellent selection of recipes. I don't go to meetings all the time anymore as I have reached my target weight but they certainly helped early on in the first couple of months. Motivation is key because if you don't work at loosing weight you will not. It is also nice to meet new people who have the same struggles you do. The meetings are also helpful to find out how to use the tracker and meal plans on the website at weightwatchers.com. They can be confusing especially to someone who is not as net savvy.

I have tried other diet plans and in the end I have always gone back to Weight Watchers.  It's not perfect and it can be hard some days but in the end it is worth it.