what i've learned from weight watchers so far.

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated to write about weight watchers, I just really like the program. You might argue that I'm a bit premature on this post. I mean, I've only been doing weight watchers (this time around) for almost 2 weeks. But let me tell you friends, it's working. I've already learned a lot and lost! Here are a few of my observations:

//  I am liking the smart points program much better than the old points plus program. Before, a package of hostess mini muffins and a banana were both 1 point. So duh, of course I would choose the muffins. Now, all fruit is 0 points, and the more processed sugar something has, the more points it is. My sister and I were looking up some of our favorite treats, and a small oreo blizzard from Dairy Queen has 29 points!!! That is all I would be able to eat for the day! Looking up the points of some of my favorite sweet treats has really deterred me from craving them, mostly because if I wanted to indulge, most would use up all of my points for the entire day...  This is just what I need, as I sort of like sugar, and before weight watchers, I was not mindful of all the sugars (chocolates and treats) that I was putting into my mouth.

//  Tracking on my phone makes the program super easy. You can scan barcodes and in an instant, the app will tell you how many points are in a certain food. I try to eat as little boxed and processed foods as possible, but sometimes it just happens. And this app is helping me make better choices.

//  The fit goals are encouraging me to exercise. The old program allowed you to swap activity points for food, but no longer. However knowing I have a goal of 38 fit points a week, makes me want to get up and move. I'm also realizing that if I have a day where I'm not very active, it definitely puts me behind for the week. I'm not perfect about tracking every activity, but its a great motivator to get out and go for a walk.

//  I eat when I'm bored or procrastinating. The first weekend, I was home alone. I found myself walking into the kitchen and just standing there. I wasn't hungry, but I wanted to snack. I just couldn't find anything in my kitchen that was worth the points, and would meet my cravings, so I just didn't snack. Only having so many points per day makes me very mindful of my snacks or treats...they have to be "worth it."

//  I am drinking less. Before, I would pour a glass of wine at the end of the day, or have a margarita with supper. Now, all of these things are points, and they don't give me any nutritional value. If I want to have a drink, I have to plan ahead and save some points for it. And right now, I really like to eat my points, so alcohol has taken a back seat.

// I decided to just do the online version of weight watchers, and there is still a large community as part of the "connect" in the app. I've only briefly checked it out, but I already found support and encouragement there.

If you're struggling with your eating habits or your weight (like me!), weight watchers might be a good fit for you.