Weight watchers is a multinational company founded in Brooklyn by homemaker Jean Nidetch in 1963. Today it is a global conglomerate operating in over 30 countries under the same brand name, translated as per the local language. Weight watchers offers you diet products and provides guidance for reaching your ideal weight and sustaining it for life. At the crux of weight watchers program is a scientific approach to gradual weight loss, healthy eating and regular exercise. Contrary to other diet programs, weight watchers diet has no limitations on the type of foods that must be taken or avoided. Rather, you lose weight by following a point-based evaluation system wherein the prime aim is to create a calorie deficit of 1000 calories in your body. This compels your body to burn stored fat faster in order to arrange for more calories.
Weight watchers uses a point system to calculate approximately how many calories you need to consume daily in order to create the required calorie deficit and the expenditure on that food (PointPlus value of food.) You earn more points for your workouts which can be clubbed with your weekly points. The total points accrued can then be used to increase your daily point allowance. Weight watchers program has extensive social network to help and guide you through your weight loss program. They hold regular meetings in your locality and you can also log on to their Weight Watchers Online portal and access their calorie counters, interact with other members, check the message board and go through different tips.
In 2010, weight watchers introduced an improved point plus system that has been developed after years of research on nutritional science and takes into account the various factors which affect your body’s fat burning process. The new program lays stress on using your points wisely by incorporating foods rich in fiber and protein in your diet. Such healthy foods are very filling and help you to lose weight by reducing frequent hunger pangs.
The program allows you to make healthy choices about your daily food while keeping it tasty and enjoyable. You thus lose that extra flab gradually while your body adjusts to an enhanced metabolism. Since the ultimate aim is to generate a calorie deficit by burning more calorie than you consume, eating food which are contain simple carbohydrates and fat are awarded more points plus. You are allowed three major meals in a day with snacking permitted in between meals. Your food should contain more of whole grains, lean meat and dairy products which are low in fat. Under the new point plus system, you can have as much fresh fruits and vegetables which have less starch, as you want. Weight watchers thus inculcates the healthy habit of including these highly nutritious fresh foods into your daily diet.
Diet plan overview
The new point plus program follows a completely new evaluation system wherein the values have been changed to make calculations easy. If you were allowed 22 daily points and 35 weekly points under the old calculating system, the new point plus system allows you 30 point plus on a daily basis and 49 point plus points as a weekly allowance.
Weight watchers has an extensive list of about 500-700 common foods along with an online database of 40,000 foods. You can use either as a guide to calculate your daily calorie intake. Buying a points plus calculator is also another option. The best news is that you don’t have to pay any extra money to take advantage of the point plus program. On enrolling, your point plus daily and weekly allotments are calculated based on your age, gender, height and weight. The aim is to get minimum 1200 calories daily through a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fat and protein.
Meals and Cost
It would cost your around $10-$12 for a weekly meeting on weight watchers point plus program depending on your locality. A 12-13 week package for people who are working, costs you the same. If you want to sign up online, be prepared to shell out $29.95 followed by $16.95 as monthly fees. If you sign up for their 3-month package, you get a discount. Once you achieve your targeted weight and sustain it successfully for six weeks, you are awarded lifetime membership.
Pros
By following weight watchers point plus program, you can expect to shed around ½to 2 pounds on a weekly basis. Their healthy nutritious meals can be found even in some restaurants. With flexible food plans, weight watchers ensures that you stay motivated.
Cons
However, counting points to calculate your daily calorie intake can be a tedious task for many. Also, confidential data like individual weight are often made public during meeting, which can embarrass some people.
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