Weight Watchers
The Weight Watchers program was established in the 1960’s by Jean Nidetch, an overweight housewife. She invited a group of friends who also had weight issues to her home to talk about issues they experienced with weight. This group was the first of its kind.
Weight Watchers is still considered one of the best diet programs in existence today. Available to both men and women, the Weight Watchers weight loss program has a proven track record that has acquired more attention than any other diet plan. The program is well planned as well as convenient; you can participate in weekly meetings or online.
Weight Watchers offers 3 plans:
Flex Plan
The Flex Program uses a points system. You are not limited in what you eat – but you must keep your points at a certain level per day. Food and exercise are assigned points.
This is all determined with how much weight you want to lose and your current weight. While no food is forbidden, moderation should be used, and you must keep track of your points. Calories, fat and fiber are taken into consideration when calculating points.
Core Plan
The Core Plan allows for certain kinds of food – called core, which include food from all of the food groups. You are allowed these foods with the premise that you only eat them until you’re satisfied, but not full. The non core food uses the point system.
Turnaround Plan
The Turnaround Plan incorporates both the Core and Flex system, along with promoting healthy eating. Permanent changes are encouraged.
All three plans encourage exercise and offer member support. The diet works because there are no restricted foods and food choice is in your control.
The Weight Watchers program is great especially if you have limited support at home. You can forge some great bonds and make friends who share common goals with you if you participate in the weekly meetings. It is both encouraging and motivating.
The Weight Watchers program has enjoyed great success for years, and they keep up with the dieting trends of the time as well. Alternatives are suggested for people who keep busy schedules, or don’t care to attend meetings, and offer anonymity of support groups, message boards and forums online.