Weight Watchers has been known for many years as one of the best weight loss programs available, and it is considered especially effective because it goes beyond a short term diet plan. Dieters can safely stay on the Weight Watchers plan for very long periods of time while still getting all the nutrition they need.
How does Weight Watchers work?
The Weight Watchers weight loss program is a points-based system. Each food item is worth a certain number of “points”, and plan followers can consume a certain number of points in a day. The points system is used instead of the more traditional calorie-counting method, and on the whole points are easier for people to calculate than calories. The Weight Watchers program includes smart methods to head off of binges and dieters attend regular Weight Watchers meetings, online or in person at a meeting in their area, to help them stay on track.
What foods can I eat with Weight Watchers?
You have a choice. The Weight Watchers plan incorporates almost every food you can cook at home. Pre-packaged Weight Watchers brand foods, marked with their points value, are also an option. They are available in most major supermarkets.
Pros and Cons of the Weight Watchers program
The Good:
Having regular meetings (either online or in person) helps dieters stay on track, and requires a degree of accountability which really helps many people. Weight Watchers is an easy plan to follow, and incorporates a wide variety of familiar and ordinary foods. Unlike the Jenny Craig diet, there is no obligation to use pre-packaged Weight Watchers foods.
The Bad:
Weight Watchers can get expensive with a fee for meetings, and if you choose to use the Weight Watchers packaged foods, the total cost really skyrockets. The points system can be effective for weight loss, however it may not be the most ideal way to eat a well-balanced diet since you can use points in flexible ways. For instance, you could use them all on desserts!
How much does Weight Watchers cost?
There is a one-time registration fee of $20 plus a weekly membership/meeting fee of $13.00. (Prices may vary slightly in your area.) Discounts are available if you pre-pay several weeks or months in advance, working out to less per week.
A subscription to Weight Watchers Online costs a one-time sign-up fee of $29.95 plus a monthly fee of $16.95. Again, discounts are available.
The cost of Weight Watchers point-valued foods varies. They are available in supermarkets with some items available only at meetings. Alternatively, you can control costs by cooking your own meals using Weight Watchers recipes.
For more diet plan options, return to the List of Weight Loss Programs
