Introduction to Weight Watchers

More than 40 years ago Weight Watchers made its debut on the diet scene and offered an innovative way for people to successfully lose weight. The Weight Watchers programs provides members with the ability to build a foundation for introducing healthier choices and more activity into their daily lives.

What really made Weight Watchers stand-out from the pack was its Points system. A value can be assigned to each food based on its calorie, fat and fiber content. Just as some dieters adhere to a daily calorie count, Weight Watchers members adhere to a Points budget, a range from 18-37 determined for each individual with the help of a counselor.

The Points provide Weight Watchers members with a lot of freedom and flexibility, as they can eat the foods they like without restriction. While you can eat fried chicken, cake and soda as long as it meets your Points budget, members quickly learn that those food choices have higher Points values, leaving them more likely to feel hungry or have to skip meals. When members choose grilled fish, water, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, they are able to eat within their Points budget and feel full and satisfied all day long.

During the past 40 years the Weight Watchers program has grown to satisfy the needs of a broad and global audience. Men and women alike rely on Weight Watchers to help them gain control over their weight and health, and do so by choosing the version of the program that best suits their needs.

Weight Watchers Meetings: The original approach that depends on weekly meetings and weigh-ins with other members.

Weight Watchers Online: For busier individuals, conveniently access the entire plan online, plus engage the online community, access recipes and manage Points.

Weight Watchers Online for Men: Created to allow guys to lose weight discreetly while eating foods they enjoy.

Weight Watchers Momentum: The newest program teaches you how and when to eat so that you maintain a feeling of fullness for longer.

Weight Watchers at Work: Similar to the Weight Watchers meetings, you'll follow the plan with co-workers at your office.

The Weight Watchers diet tends to be one that is low-calorie and low-fat, but focuses more on encouraging members to make balanced, nutritious food choices rather than focus on the calorie counting. As you learn how to use the Points system, you'll be able to assign a value to different foods quickly.

Food choices while on Weight Watchers generally include whole grains, lean proteins like chicken and fish, fruits and vegetables, eggs and low-fat dairy. Weight Watchers even offers its members hundreds of healthy, Points-friendly recipes that range from muffins and brownies to pizza and burgers.

Maintaining a fit and active lifestyle is also key for success on Weight Watchers. While members will find more guidance via the online program than in the meetings, you're generally encouraged to get in some activity on most days of the week. If you need an extra push, all that working out earns activity points, so you'll gain extra Points to use throughout the week for food.

If you're serious about finding a healthy approach to weight loss and want to make changes that can and will last a lifetime, take a second look at Weight Watchers and you're sure to find a plan that is flexible that will work for you.

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