Lessons Learned from Weight Watchers

Yes, you can eat anything you want...as long as you measure it. Some portion sizes you may be able to "eyeball," such as measuring a 3 oz serving of chicken or steak by comparing it to the palm of your hand. Otherwise, the measuring cup is your friend. Don't get cocky, either- I notice if I get lazy about using a measuring cup, my portion sizes slowly creep back up. Today, there are products out there that can make this easier than ever, such as labeled serving spoons that allow you to measure your food as you serve yourself.

2) Learn to listen to your body.

Weight Watchers recommends that you track your hunger throughout the day, and for good reason. Knowing that you always get hungry around 3 PM can make it easier to make better choices. If I know I'm going to be desperate for a snack tomorrow, I can take the time tonight to cut up some bell peppers or wash my grapes so they're just as quick as a trip to the vending machine. Paying attention to your hunger cues, you'll know when you need to eat, and can grab your grapes before you're famished and a calorie-laden muffin is the only thing that sounds good. Paying attention to your body, you'll also know when you've had enough to eat, instead of mindlessly consuming calories just because you have food within reach.

3) You get back what you put in.

I have had great success with Weight Watchers, but... I've also had mediocre success. When I was really successful, I paid attention to what I ate (content and serving sizes) and followed the program's good health guidelines to create better habits for myself. I was able to lose 25 pounds of baby weight in six months, and kept it off until my next pregnancy. Weight Watchers accommodates nursing mothers, so after my second son was born, I immediately joined again, hoping for similar results. I estimated serving sizes and didn't bother logging everything I ate because I figured a few calories here and there wouldn't matter. I was so wrong! My half-hearted effort resulted in half-hearted results. The program works, if you are willing to work it!