Why isn't Weight Watchers working for me? - Page 2

marsalilass · 05-07-2008, 06:22 PM

WWers still has people weigh food . . . I weigh and measure food constantly

Those who tend to "eyeball" portions, tend to under-estimate how much they are eating.

One thing I can suggest for those on WWers and struggling, go visit their message boards! They really are great over there and using the message boards are free. I've learned a lot and gotten a lot of good tips from them.

I have PCOS/IR and have been losing successfully on WWers since September using every single Point available to me! It's not a quick loss by any means, but it is working.

SunshineGirl47 · 05-08-2008, 01:52 AM

I think other people have touched on this here, but I wanted to say that for me - it's just too easy to eat crappy on WW. It doesn't hold me accountable enough.

To find out if that's your problem - you may want to keep track of all the aspects of what you are consuming for a few days (not just in point format): keep track of calories, grams of fat, grams of saturated fat, grams of added sugar (ie: any sugar not from fresh fruit, veggies, or milk), as well as grams of protein and fiber. This might clue you into some areas of trouble.

lightfello · 05-08-2008, 03:54 AM

I've been doing WW but choosing the foods from the South Beach Diet. My dr. recommended the SBD and I did that solely for a while. Now I'm basically counting the points of my lower carb, whole grain food and journaling. If I just follow WW as written, I lose very little to none.
Have you looked into doing the Core program? That seems to be what I'm doing, just unofficially.
Good luck

beekerbutt · 05-08-2008, 05:04 AM

I tried losing weight many, many times. My nurse that diagnosed my PCOS suggested the low gi diet (glycemic index). There is research done on how different foods effect your blood sugar levels. My examples off diet foods that actually made me fatter, right off the top of my head...Cheerios, rice cakes, popcorn. I don't eat it but watermelon is really bad too. So it might just be that the things you are eating within your WW limits don't work for your body. Hmmm. Here's a website that explains it...
http://www.glycemicindex.com/
I know it's frustrating but don't give up. Just find the things that will work for you. I lost 40 pounds on the diet, not really a diet, more like a new way of eating. I got pregnant and I'm still down 30 pounds after having the baby!

Good luck to you!

Becky

Pretty_In_Pink · 05-10-2008, 03:48 AM

Thank you to EVERYONE for all the support, suggestions and so on. After writing this post, I decided to really buckle down the next few days and pay super close attention to what I was eating. I even decided to weigh daily, because I wanted to see how my diet was affecting my bubbling weight.

The result?

Well, I think a lot of it is TOO much fruit! As I've been learning with the GI information, even fruit can be "bad". I've known this for years, but I never took it seriously. Either way, I've cut back my fruit (sad, because I love it!) and have lost FOUR POUNDS since the day I wrote the post. I don't expect it to stay that way, nor do I expect to lose weight that quickly, but I have come to realize that WW's biggest gap is the lack of accountability in food choices with the flex program.

I know that 90-95% of my diet is in check - portions, balance in groups (fruits, veggies, carbs, etc.), but I think I'm now having to figure out what types of foods within those categories are food for me. I guess my big bowls of strawberries are just going to have to be cut back, but at least thanks to WW I'm no longer eating pizza pockets! lol

Here's another question, because I've been confused about this....

How do I account for the activity points? Like, am I supposed to eat a point for every point I make, because that seems pointless if trying to lose weight. HOWEVER, I have to admit I am often still feeling somewhat hungry at the end of the day. I am so afraid of over eating, and I know I just can't eat up all those 35 points plus the activity ones, but I'd like a guideline for something, because I'm sometimes still hungry.

What's a good guideline to follow? Should I just add like 2 points (I'm at 27 per day, so instead do 29) on days I exercise? For instance, today I did a brisk walk/jog for three miles and some seriously deep cleaning in my house, eating my typical 27 points plus 2 extra. Would that be appropriate?

Thanks again!

SunshineGirl47 · 05-10-2008, 03:58 AM

I wish I could speak to your activity points - I don't know! I wanted to say congrats on the weight loss! That's awesome. Sad to hear about your strawberries... maybe you can switch to blackberries? I think they have a lower GI index and loads of fiber?

I really am not looking forward to getting to the point where I have to cut back on fruit... that's what keeps me away from other worse things.

kirvygerl · 05-10-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pretty_In_Pink

Thank you to EVERYONE for all the support, suggestions and so on. After writing this post, I decided to really buckle down the next few days and pay super close attention to what I was eating. I even decided to weigh daily, because I wanted to see how my diet was affecting my bubbling weight.

The result?

Well, I think a lot of it is TOO much fruit! As I've been learning with the GI information, even fruit can be "bad". I've known this for years, but I never took it seriously. Either way, I've cut back my fruit (sad, because I love it!) and have lost FOUR POUNDS since the day I wrote the post. I don't expect it to stay that way, nor do I expect to lose weight that quickly, but I have come to realize that WW's biggest gap is the lack of accountability in food choices with the flex program.

I know that 90-95% of my diet is in check - portions, balance in groups (fruits, veggies, carbs, etc.), but I think I'm now having to figure out what types of foods within those categories are food for me. I guess my big bowls of strawberries are just going to have to be cut back, but at least thanks to WW I'm no longer eating pizza pockets! lol

Here's another question, because I've been confused about this....

How do I account for the activity points? Like, am I supposed to eat a point for every point I make, because that seems pointless if trying to lose weight. HOWEVER, I have to admit I am often still feeling somewhat hungry at the end of the day. I am so afraid of over eating, and I know I just can't eat up all those 35 points plus the activity ones, but I'd like a guideline for something, because I'm sometimes still hungry.

What's a good guideline to follow? Should I just add like 2 points (I'm at 27 per day, so instead do 29) on days I exercise? For instance, today I did a brisk walk/jog for three miles and some seriously deep cleaning in my house, eating my typical 27 points plus 2 extra. Would that be appropriate?

Thanks again!

You sound so much better today!! I'm glad you were able to see what could be contributing to low weight loss. It's important to remember that everybody's body is different, and you've taken the bull by the horns and made this work for you by adjusting things so that they work for your body. To me, that's most of the battle!!

In reference to exercise and WW- on the back of your points tracker, there should be a sliding scale that shows different levels of intensity and time spent working out, and that translates into a point value. You can use that as a guide, or you can do what works for you and see if that helps. You mentioned adding a few points for the activity you did. Did you do that? If you're hungry and want to add in a nutrient dense 2 point food, why not? Again, it's all about making this program (or any program) work for you and your body's needs. Also, make sure you're drinking plenty of water, especially if you're working out. Sometimes I think I'm hungry when I'm really thirsty! I aim for 1 gallon of water a day (and most of the time get that in), but on the days that I exercise, I need more!

High Five to you!!

redbarron980 · 05-15-2008, 04:17 PM

You know I started Nutrisystem back in January and I am completely dissapointed in the results. I don't think it is me, I just think that the diet is not for me. I have decided to cancel Nutrisystem and do it on my own.

FYI: I only started Nutrisystem because I heard it was great food that really worked. I am sad to report that it did not work for me.

I would look into other diets, maybe something that will work better for you.

KatCarney · 05-15-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pretty_In_Pink

What's a good guideline to follow? Should I just add like 2 points (I'm at 27 per day, so instead do 29) on days I exercise? For instance, today I did a brisk walk/jog for three miles and some seriously deep cleaning in my house, eating my typical 27 points plus 2 extra. Would that be appropriate?

I'm not familiar with the WW 'points' system, but it's best not to 'transfer' your activity points to food points.

Just do your exercise and call it a day. If you try to justify extra food (because you exercised), you'll be in trouble.

If you're hungry, eat more veggies. Not 'lettuce', but things that are heartier.

marsalilass · 05-15-2008, 04:58 PM

I don't see any problem, personally, with using your Activity Points as long as you are calculating them correctly. Most people over-guesstimate. Do you go to meetings or are you online or are you doing this all on your own? If you're online, the activity tracker is a fairly good guide.

I eat all my Activity Points and I still consistantly lose. Not big numbers, but I'm okay with that as long as the trend is downward. If you're hungry you should eat. Any diet where you're hungry all the time isn't going to be one you can stick to. Just make sure you're following the 8 Good Health Guidelines and eating the RIGHT kinds of food. Too many people eat junk on WW when that isn't really the point of the program.

KatCarney · 05-15-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsalilass

I don't see any problem, personally, with using your Activity Points as long as you are calculating them correctly. Most people over-guesstimate.

And 'that's' the problem. Most people don't calculate them correctly because most of us can't. It's all just guessing unless we're in a lab.

Even little things like holding onto the handlebars while on a treadmill can reduce your calorie burn dramatically. Also, as you mentioned earlier, people aren't burning nearly as many calories as they 'think' they do when they exercise.

From WeightWatchers.com

Quote:

Overestimating Activity Level

Another limiting factor in exercise for weight loss is that people don't estimate their food and exercise levels accurately. Numerous research studies have found that it is common for individuals who are trying to lose weight to overestimate their physical activity. At the same time, it is common to underestimate calories consumed.

Taken together, without careful attention to both food and exercise, it is very easy to "eat" the calories burned in exercise. For example, it takes about an hour on the treadmill for a man of 170 pounds to burn off a bagel (without butter or cream cheese), a few cookies, or a donut. Each 30-minute workout at a circuit training gym for women (e.g., Curves) burns about 150 calories for a 150 pound woman or the equivalent of a 12-ounce glass of orange juice.

Until someone gets 'into a groove' as far as weight loss goes (or unless you're literally weighing and measuring all of your food 7 days per week), my advice would be to not count activity points. Again, if you're working out 2+ hours per day, you may need to adjust your calories/nutrition somewhat to support the workouts.

marsalilass · 05-15-2008, 09:48 PM

Kat, I can appreciate your opinion, but that's what it is ultimately, an opinion. I was stating mine and I have my own experience with WW to back it up. I'm actually on WW and use Activity Points and have since 3 weeks into the program. Those first 3 weeks I lost nothing whatsoever. . . when I started using APs, I started losing. I don't workout 2+ hours a day either. Everyone is different and a one-size-fits-all formula just doesn't work. Even WW meeting leaders often suggest that people use their Activity Points when they are in a rut. I firmly believe that, if WW thought using Activity Points would cause people not to lose weight or gain, they wouldn't even make them available. If someone is truely hungry, then they need to eat. Hunger only makes people frustrated and quit IMHO.

You have to burn 100 calories to = an Activity Point and each Point you eat is approximately 50 calories. I believe they use that formula to make up for people over estimating calories burned.

Again, MY experience with APs have been positive.

KatCarney · 05-18-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsalilass

I firmly believe that, if WW thought using Activity Points would cause people not to lose weight or gain, they wouldn't even make them available.

I never said there was anything inherently wrong with the Activity Point system.

The problem is that too many people overestimate the point value of their activities, and they underestimate their calorie intake. Plus most of us don't realize just how sedentary our lives are, in general (which throws off the 'activity point' value.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsalilass

Again, MY experience with APs have been positive.

That's good for you, however, there are many other people who are on various programs who aren't seeing the 'results' they are looking for, and activity is one very specific area they can look at in an effort to fix things.

In order to help people understand what could 'possibly' be going on, it's valuable to have conversations about issues like 'eating your points' without people getting 'up in arms' about what worked for them...

(The same problem can happen when people look at calories burned on a treadmill or heart rate monitor and think they have some 'wiggle room' in the food department...it's a recipe for disaster, in many cases.)

For the record, I happen to 100% agree with the recommendations on WW's website about the amount of activity needed for weight loss. Unfortunately, most people aren't meeting those guidelines, but they're 'still' counting all of their activity points...

Quote:

Weight Management Benefits

For weight loss, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends 200-300 minutes or 2000 calories per week. This translates into 60 minutes of daily activity and burning around 300-400 calories per exercise session.

Source: http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/a...e+and+Activity

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsalilass

Kat, I can appreciate your opinion, but that's what it is ultimately, an opinion. I was stating mine and I have my own experience with WW to back it up.

I have no problem with what works for you. I'm posting an informed opinion for the benefit of other people reading this who might be having difficulties on WW or any other program.

It's unreasonble to imply (directly or indirectly) that our own personal experience will apply to most people (especially when it's more the exception than the rule).

While there will be people like you who appear to be the exception to the rule on some things, most people still need to know what is GENERALLY true so that they, too, can make an informed decision for them.

For everyone 'else'...

ARTICLE: Maximum Fat Loss, Exercise, and Starvation Mode

Manda.B. · 06-06-2008, 05:45 PM

Hi, I've been lurking on the board for about a year, but this is my first post. I just wanted to say that WW is not for everyone. (Regardless of what others may tell you!)

I was on WW for an entire year. 12 whole months! I followed it exactly, just like you are doing and lost 8 lbs. 8 lbs in an entire year!

I gained a lot at first, about .25lb a week. It took the entire year to lose the 8 lbs. I think that it is not the best with IR/PCOS.

For example, you can eat a lot of 100cal packs and stay within your 27pts. IMHO, there isn't enough support there for IR. Go talk to a good nutritionist that has experience with IR/PCOS. Good Luck!

Manda

KatCarney · 06-06-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manda.B.

For example, you can eat a lot of 100cal packs and stay within your 27pts.

But 'staying within points' isn't the only 'goal' of weight watchers. They're very clear:

Quote:

FLEX:
The POINTS formula gently guides food choices by encouraging selection of healthy foods with a lower energy density because that's where you get the most food for a given POINTS value.

Lower density foods are typically fruits and non-starchy veggies...

Quote:

CORE:
The Core Plan controls calories by focusing eating on a core list of wholesome nutritious foods without counting. The list is comprised of foods from all the food groups: fruits and vegetables; grains and starches; lean meats, fish and poultry; eggs, and dairy products. We pre-selected these foods to provide eating satisfaction without empty calories. They are low in energy density and have a low potential for overeating based on our research. For that occasional treat, you can also eat foods outside of this list in a controlled amount.

The program is built around 'flexible restraint' - using all of your points on 'snack packs' isn't really 'flexible restraint'.

Quote:

Whatever approach is used, there are some fundamental food choices essential for good health and nutrition. Weight Watchers covers these in its Healthy Eating Guidelines and includes the daily recommendation to:

Include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.
Have at least 2 servings of milk; 3 if you are a teen or over 50 years old.
Drink at least 6 glasses of water.
Get a serving or two of a protein-rich food.
Take a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement.
Limit added sugars and alcohol.
Have 2 teaspoons of healthy oil, like olive, canola, sunflower, safflower, or flaxseed.
Choose whole-grain foods whenever possible.

Sources: http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/a...d=20751&sc=807