Deciding on what weight loss plan to follow can be confusing. There are so many programs on the market, all promising to provide results. When searching for a plan; remember that it is not just about taking the weight off, it is just as important to learn how to keep the weight off. For this reason, the best plans are ones that can be followed for life, such as Weight Watchers. The first step is to check with a physician before beginning any new diet plan and to learn how the Weight Watchers points system works.
Identification
Weight Watchers is a popular weight loss program based on a points system. All foods are assigned a points value and in order to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight; each member is assigned a certain number of points to eat each day. The number of points a member can eat is based on gender, current weight, age, overall health and physical activity level. When joining Weight Watchers in person or online, a questionnaire is provided; so that each individual can determine his or her daily points allowance.
If the goal is weight loss, enough points are eaten to provide the body with the nourishment it needs, while cutting back enough to cause one to two pounds of weight loss per week. As weight drops, so does the allowed number of points, until the goal weight is achieved. At that time, points are added back to maintain a healthy weight.
Features
Points values are assigned to foods based on the calorie, carbohydrate, fat and fiber content, states the Weight Watchers website. Foods that are high in calories, carbs and fats have a high points value. Foods that are low in the above and contain fiber are assigned lower points values. The higher the fiber content per serving and the lower the calories, fat and carbs, the lower the points value the food has.
The goal is to reduce calorie intake, while eating a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables will keep the body feeling full, so that feelings of starvation or deprivation do not occur. In addition, points values are also assigned to exercise based on the intensity level, so points can be "burned" off as well.
Benefits
One of the main benefits of the Weight Watchers points system is that it is designed around eating foods in a grocery store and at restaurants. While Weight Watchers does sell its own food, it is not a requirement to buy it to succeed on the program.
Weight Watchers members are given tools; so that when looking at nutrition labels on foods, the points per serving can be determined. Tools are also provided for determining points values of restaurant foods, baked goods and home prepared meals where a nutrition label is not available. This allows members to buy and prepare fresh foods, go out to eat and attend social gatherings while still following the plan.
Warnings
Following a points system instead of calorie intake system simplifies the process of figuring out what can be eaten. However, the focus can not be on points alone and must also be on nutrition. While following a points system it is possible to stay within the daily allowed number of points and lose weight eating unhealthy food.
Also, in order to stay within the allowed points, it is imperative to weigh and measure everything to ensure portion sizes are correct. When following the Weight Watchers system, do not rely on eyeballing portion sizes and make sure that most of the points come from fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy and whole grains, and not junk food or fast food.
Considerations
A successful weight loss plan is one that encourages a lifetime of healthy eating habits, regular exercise and behavioral changes so that the reasons behind overeating are addressed, reports the Medline Plus website. Programs such as Weight Watchers work because they provide support groups to help keep members on the plan and tools to track behaviors that lead to overeating. The Weight Watchers points system is successful and healthy, if the work is put in and it is followed correctly.
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