Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

if a good portion of the meals you eat are the pre-packaged "Smart Ones" ?


I am thinking of swtiching to WW from Jenny Craig....I did pretty well with JC in the past and I think part of the reason is because the meals were quick and readily available ...( Dinner I would be making my own food along with the fam, but breakfast and lunch are what I am most concerned with

)


I did WW before my wedding and I know its changed (I still have the books etc..) , but I'm hoping its easier and not harder


Thanks for any insight/advice you can offer

Message edited 10/13/2011 7:04:48 PM.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Sure, I don't see why not. I have a frozen meal (usually Smart Ones) 3-4 times a week for lunch.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

There is a new plan that is entirely different than the old plans. You cannot use the old books, calculators, etc.

Now of course you CAN do the old plan if you want to and have the stuff. But supposedly the new plan is better, and will work better. Who knows? I am trying it out now, I just started week 2. And I have to say that I lost 5 lbs the first week! No joke!! That is the highest amt I have ever lost on WW, in the first week.

I have done WW in the past 3 times and always met goal. I am a lifetime member. But since having my DD< I am at my highest weight ever.

I have always used prepackaged meals, smart ones or lean cuisine. My freezer is packed. You can absolulely do it having the frozen meals if that is what you wish to do. I have always done it that way and it has always worked great for me. As long as you count the points, it will work.

Keep in mind, if you buy new meals (LC OR SOs) they may reflect the new program (Which is POINTSPLUS). So the points you see on the box will not match the old plans points. Some meals have gone up and some have gone down, fyi.

HTH

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Absolutely. I have a SO for lunch daily, and most breakfasts are their english muffins with egg whites. I cook nightly, and even do pizza on fridays with dh and ds. You can so do this. Skinnytaste has been my gonto site for dinner. Dh, even lost weight (NOT TRYING ) because of the lighter cooking.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Thank you guys ! Sounds like its something I can manage then !

And Goobster, thank you for letting me know not to intertwine the books if I start up on the new plan...I have the dining out guide and everything from the old system ....I'm guessing there is a new version of that now to reflect the new plan ?

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

I agree. I don't think having a Smart Ones here and there is going to hurt. Just make sure you count the points on the package.

The new program is different from the old. Different points and fruits and veggies are free.

I've lost about 50lbs since July 2010. It works!

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Message edited 10/13/2011 10:50:24 PM.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

I have the pre packaged meals for dinner all the time! The only issue I have with them is that they are very high in sodium - make sure to drink a lot of water so you don't bloat.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

The only thing is that smart ones have a lot more sodium in them than JC. My mother did JC and I think it is heathlier than SO.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

You can be successful but you also need to learn portion control and the pre packaged meals will not teach you that. You will need to make meal on you own to really learn that. Otherwise when you start eating "real" food again you risk gaining back weight because you don;t realize how small a portion really is.

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

I do think that you can be successful and use the prepackaged meals, but there are some things you need to think about.

WW recommends Good Health Guidelines---2-3 servings of dairy a day, 5+ servings of fruits & veggies a day, 2 healthy oils such as canola, flax or olive oil, lean protiens and whole grains. Make sure that if you use those prepackaged meals you are also getting in your skim milk, low fat or FF cheese, and fresh fruits and veggies.

Often times the prepackaged meals do not give you enough of the dairy/fruits/veggies to qualify for a full serving of them.

And I do believe that getting in your GHGs (good health guidelines) is an important part of being successful on the program!

157 lbs down in about 18 months! So it's just my opinion, but....something I feel strongly about at the same time!

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Also another thought on this...something I have done a lot of...

I always make dinner, 6 nights out of the week. I try and make something that makes extra portions once or twice a week, like a soup or stew, something in the crockpot, etc. There are 4 of us in the house so when I do this I take the extra 2 servings, package them in freezer-safe containers, label them with the date, name, points value, and put them in the freezer.

At any given time I have about 5-10 frozen homemade point-friendly meals in the freezer.

So when I do need a "prepackaged meal" I know that I have one, and it is made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.

It takes a little bit more work and planning but to me it is so worth it! I don't like eating things that have funky ingredients in them that I don't know how to pronouce!

Re: Can you be successful with Weight Watchers.....

Thanks so much guys!...Learning portion control is a good point, ....Maybe I can start with the meals and as I get used to the program, begin to make my own little by little.....

And Melbernai...congrats on your weight loss and for taking the time to share so much information with me !