Programs like Weight Watchers may help you control your weight and improve your health. The program uses a science-based approach to realistic weight loss up to 2 lbs. per week. Started in 1965, the Weight Watchers diet is one of the more well-known weight-loss plans.
Four Pillars of Healthy Weight Loss
The core diet revolves around the four pillars of healthy weight loss: healthy habits, get support, move more and eat smarter. These principles make the Weight Watchers plan more of a lifestyle approach to weight control rather than strictly a diet. The emphasis on healthy habits gives you the help you need for long-term weight loss success. The Core Plan also reflects some of the same philosophy found in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.
Core Foods
Like many diet plans, the Weight Watchers Core Plan emphasizes certain types of foods based on their nutritional value. These foods include whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables. These selections fall in line with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, which focus on nutrient-dense foods of this nature.
Weight Control
Any diet that restricts calories will result in weight loss, especially if you increase your physical activity. Unlike some diets, the Weight Watchers Core Plan does not rely on counting carbs, calories or points, as with the traditional Weight Watchers point system. The list of core foods provides a blueprint for making healthy choices at home and dining out. For example, rather than choosing cream-based soups, the diet emphasizes broth-based soups for a healthier approach to eating.
Health Benefits
Following the Weight Watchers Core Plan also provides cardiovascular health benefits. The emphasis on whole grains can reduce your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. The nutrient value of these foods provides nutritional support for cardiovascular system function. The Weight Watchers Core Plan offers not just a means for controlling your weight, but also for improving your health.
References
- Weight Watchers: About Core Foods
- Weight Watchers: How Weight Watchers Works
- Weight Watchers: Welcome to the PointsPlus™ Program: Now What?
- MSNBC; Weight Watchers Overhauls Its Diet; Jon Bonne; August 2004
- U. S. Department of Agriculture; Why Is it Important to Eat Grains, Especially Whole Grains?; February 2011
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