Choose the Right Weight Watchers Plan for You

There might be thousands of diet and weight loss plans out there, but only a few really reign supreme by providing healthy, lasting weight loss. Weight Watchers has earned its place at the top of that list.

For more than 40 years, the Weight Watchers brand has grown to be one of the most successful weight loss plans on the market, with legions of male and female followers who sing its praises every time they step on a scale.

The approach is really quite simple: stay within your daily Weight Watchers Points and gradually see a healthy rate of weight loss until you reach your goal. Plus, it's not a use it and lose it plan. Once you've reached your goal weight you can continue to put the Weight Watchers approach into practice for as long as you like.

What are Points? It's basically an index created by Weight Watchers to calculate the nutritional value of food. Weight Watchers Points are assigned based on the serving size of food and how much fiber, fat and calories it contains. For instance, an apple or fat-free cottage cheese would have one Point, where a Big Mac or Starbucks Muffin would have 6-10 Points. Just like golf, you want to maintain a low score.

Weight Watchers members work with a counselor to determine the appropriate Points range based on gender, height, weight, activity level, nursing women, etc. Points will range from 18-37 per day. So much like a calorie budget, you have to stick to a Points budget. And you'll quickly learn that filling up on wholesome, nutritious foods at a lower Points value is far more beneficial than one fast food meal that bankrupts your entire day.

To put this Points plan in to action, you'll have to choose the Weight Watchers plan that's right for you:

Weight Watchers Meetings: This is the original approach, and you'll attend a weekly meeting with other members and create a support group where your counselor will provide guidance. You'll weigh-in privately and then stay for the meeting to learn about nutrition, fitness and overcoming some of the barriers facing you.

Weight Watchers Online: Whether it's a busy schedule or a preference for privacy, get all of the benefits of the meetings conveniently online. You'll have access to other members via community message boards, track and monitor progress, determine Points range and use the Points calculator, access recipes, plus so much more.

Weight Watchers Online for Men: This program was created just for the guys, and it is only available online. This isn't your mom's or your wife's Weight Watchers; while you'll still use the Points, you'll learn how to apply them toward foods that guys like, how to manage weight loss discreetly, gain fitness guidance, and more.

Weight Watchers Momentum: This new program from Weight Watchers enhances your healthy eating skills by teaching you how and when to eat so that you feel fuller, longer, and are less likely to binge.

Weight Watchers at Work: Another ideal way to access the program when meetings or an online commitment just won't work. You'll need a group of 20 co-workers who are ready and willing to get fit together by participating in weekly meetings and weigh-ins together at the office. In some cases, the cost of the program is reimbursable by FSA or other pre-tax health cost accounts.

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