Anyone who knows anything about WW!!

L

lorihart

Cathlete
HI everyone,
To sum all of this up....my friend gave me the WW book and the little measuring thing for the points system.I don't go to the meetings and to be honest with you it is only 5-7lbs that are hanging around.If I went to the meetings they would probably look at me like I had 10 heads!:)
So I have a couple of questions:7 .Do you follow WW still work out with weights? Heavy weights? And how many points extra do you eat on the days when you workout? I am suppose to be eating 18-23 points.There is no way that I can eat around 21 like the book says.I would be starving.My friend said that she use to eat 25 on days when she worked out.SHe lost 26lbs in 4 monthes.Would that sound right? What was the best way to get the most out of your points?
I would ove to stick to this.I think once you get your mind wrapped around it, you could easily do it for the rest of your life.I have some bad habits I need to give up,mindless eating,major sweet tooth, and I am a picker! HOpefully with only X number of points to eat I will be able to have control over myself again.
Thanks guys for helping me out here!
Lori
 
CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Hey Lori,

I've been doing WW for 3 months using the online program only. I had 15-20 lbs I wanted to lose but knowing that WW was designed for the more sedentary person, I didn't want to go to meetings & have them think I was a freak for working out like I do. I've had great progress but have hit a plateau.

Like you, I am a picker & have a sweet tooth. I had no problems dropping 11 lbs in 8 weeks eating foods I like. I did purchase a food scale so that I could weigh everything. I also measured everything. I've learned to "eyeball" a lot of things now. It is definitely a disciplined plan but has a lot of flexibility.

You are absolutely right, you would be starving eating only 21 points a day. The online program will only allow you to use or bank 4 activity points a day, however, doing any (weights or cardio) intense activity for an hour earns you 7 activity points (per the online calculator).

I have been actively reading the "Close to Goal" forum on www.weightwatchers.com & found that there are a few people like us (real exercisers!) that post there. One of them has had great success with re-arranging her points so that they fluctuate & allow her to eat anything she wants twice a week. The information to her plan is posted here... http://home.mindspring.com/~cjplan/ On first read it seems like you would not get to eat enough. I'm real obsessive about figuring stuff out, so I printed everything out & made notes to make it make better sense to me. I then posted my understanding (to follow) on the WW site & she tells me I'm right about how this works.

Here's my easier to understand explanation.

I earn 7 AP for doing a 1 hour intense workout. On super low days, I'll eat 18 food points & 2 activity points, allowing me to bank at total of 10 points. If I plan on earning 7 points a day for 5 days, I can eat more of my points so that I don't have more than 30 to 35 points in my bank at the end of my low days. Basically, I would want to bank an average of 7 points a day except on those super high days (I plan on eating my banked points only).

18-23 POINT RANGE, EARNING 5 APs/DAY
S: SSHD. Earned APs don't count toward your banked total goal of 30-35 pts.

S: SSHD. Earned APs don't count toward your banked total goal of 30-35 pts.

M: SSLD Earn 7 AP. Eat 20 points, bank 10. (23 food points allowed - 18 food points eaten + 7 AP earned - 5 AP Banked = 10 points to bank)

T: SSLD Earn 7 AP. Eat 20 points, bank 10 (23 food points allowed - 18 food points eaten + 7 AP earned - 5 AP Banked = 10 points to bank).

W: MD Earn 7 AP, Eat 22 points, bank 8 (23 food points allowed - 20 food points eaten + 7 AP earned - 5 banked = 8 points to bank).

Th: MD Earn 7 AP, Eat 22 points, bank 8 (23 food points allowed - 20 food points eaten + 7 AP earned - 5 banked = 8 points to bank).


F: MD Earn 7 AP, Eat 22 points, bank 8 (23 food points allowed - 20 food points eaten + 7 AP earned - 5 banked = 8 points to bank).


10 + 10 + 8 + 8 + 8= 44 banked points.

However, since the premise is that I should never bank more than 35 points in a week I would want to eat more of my points throughout the 5 lower eating days (an average of 2 more a day). Also, since it is possible that I may earn more than 7 AP a day, I would eat any point over 5 AP; if I earn 9 AP, I would eat 4 AP. So on a SSLD, eat 22 points, still banking 10 points.

I've created a spreadsheet to help me track the points that I need to eat each day. If you decide to try the plan, I'll be happy to send you a copy of it. I would also be interested in doing a check-in with anyone doing the plan. I'm starting on Saturday.

Using WW online, you pay $60 for the first 3 months & then either $15 a month or $40 for 3 months.
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Deborah and Lorie,
I am already a member of WW on-line and I originally lost 23 pounds with it. I am a teacher and this summer I have gotten really slack with it...also battle a major sweet tooth. I would like to get back on track and will seriously do so week after next when school starts. I would be very interested in a check in. Deborah, I would be interested in receiving your spreadsheet. Thanks and good luck guys!:7
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

I made lifetime last June going to WW and meetings. I lost 37 pounds in 6 months. I never went into the 18-23 range, and I usually average 27-29 points per day. My goal weight is 143 and I will be 42 soon. I was even doing the Intensity Series during all of my weight loss, I swim Masters, and run and bike, so I am very active. Listen to your body. If you get really hungry, you are not eating enough, but then follow WW guidelines and try to get the extra points in healthy foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains and low-fat dairy. On the WW site there is a Fitness Challenge board, with a Makin Muscles thread that is very good.
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

HI GUys,
Deborah, that was alot of info to consume.I don't have alot of time to think about all of this stuff right now b/c I am on my way to work.BUt I am not sure that I understand what SSLD and all of those other abbreviations mean.I only got to read your post I didn't get into the sites you listed.
I would love to join WW on-line but I really can't afford it right now.I would rather save my money for the new workouts:)
I think it would be great if we started a check-in.We could start on saturday.Statring with our goal weight and anything else we want to chat about.
What is everyones point range? Mine is low already and I don't think I would be able to bank 7 points a day.But like I said I don't really understand some of what I read b/c I don't have time.Are the banked points, workout points? I saved my run for the evening today b/c I figured I would be starving the rest of the day if I did it early.
Anyway, thanks ladies...will be chatting to you soon.
Lori
 
P.S.

Lori,
I meant to mention this...when I was following WW I stayed within my points range and had 1 to 2 cheat days and b/c I was exercising intensely with Cathe workouts the weight kept coming off. The days that were not cheat days I was VERY strict(as in eating w/in my points range and eating healthy foods) and that seemed to work for me. My points range is low also, so most of the time I ate the maximum number of points or I was starving due to all the activity.
 
RE: P.S.

Gogigi: I am also a teacher, and started the WW online program in June. I have lost 6 pounds so far, and my clothes fit a lot better. I can save on shopping for new clothes this week (for school-just like the kids) because I can now wear stuff I wasn't able to for a while. I joined the "challenge for teachers" forum on "Challenge Central" section of the community on WW online-check it out.

Lorihart: I really like WW online because, like you, I don't have that much to lose and would probably be laughed out of a meeting if I ever went. Before WW, I have not been able to lose anything for so long-the weight kept slowly coming on me. So, I recommend it. And, I do exercise a lot (heavy/light weights, cardio), and I follow Cathe's monthly rotations. I bank more points for myself too-because I NEED them. I am also within your point range, but usually cap off at 25 each day. Hope this helps!
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Lori,

You're right it's a ton of information! When you get a chance to read the site info, my info will make more sense to you. My explanation is really a broken down explanation of the site.

My point range is 18 to 23. I earn 7 activity points doing an hour of weight work or intense cardio. I hit a plateau using the regular plan, so I'm going to try mixing it up doing the CJ plan.
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Although I never formally did a CJ plan, I always had at least one high day and usually compensated by going low.

As far as a check in, we had one going for a while and it died out. I am now maintaining but I could anwer questions if people have some.
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Thanks for the info about the Makin' Muscle group, Dorothy. I'm going to check in over there!
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Deborah,
So you earn 7 extra points by working out for 1 hour of weights? Wow, thats alot.That wouldn't be hard to bank.As long as I can eat 23-25 points then I am o.k.
Back to my friend again...she ate 23 points EVERDAY unless she worked out.She use to eat 18 and then have a cheat day but she found that she would just crash and overeat.Then she treid eating 23 points everyday and if she wanted a treat she would work that into her points.She started at 146 in June and she was 120 in Oct.She has major willpower though and she probably didn't cheat very often.So, far today I have had 21 points...I did PUB and I am planning to go for a run this evening(45min).How many points would that earn me? I still have alot to learn!
Lori
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Because you earn the points based on weight, height & how long you work out, I would guess 5 points for the run & 5 points for PUB.

You would be surprised at how easy it is to do WW & still eat snacks everyday. Try Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches, only 2 points! They are pretty good--the chocolate are my favorite.

Most people (myself included) are like your friend, try to eat too little & then end up going on a binge. I have found WW to be perfect. I found that I can cheat with a snack or something high in points value & still lose weight if I'm consistent most of the time.

The Weight Watchers web site has community forums that are no cost to join. Check them out. You'll find lots of good information there.
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

Here is a website that may help you. This morning I went for a 30 minute run at 6.7 mph plus a 10 minute cool down at 14 mph and it gave me 411 calories for that activity. WW bases its APs on 100 calories burned per AP, so I counted 4 APs for it. Tonight I am doing Cathe's Cardio kickbox which is an hour of kickbox. It gave me 649 calories, hence 6.5 APs. I am on maintenance, so I eat most of my APs not just the 4. I maintain at 40 points per day, if I want to lose, I drop to 30. I am 5-4 143 and almost 42 years old.

Check the website out, it may help you with these issues.

caloriesperhour.com
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

WOW! Thanks for all this info! I did WW 2 years ago and went from 146 to 128 in 4 months. I am 5'5", 42 years old and now weigh 133. I worked out on my Nordic Track most everyday when I did the plan and rarely ate my activity points. Since last November, I have been doing strength training with the Firm and now Cathe in addition to walking and have recently added Stepping. I have gone from 137 to 133 in the last 6 weeks since lifting more weight in strength training and adding stepping. I would like to get back into the 120's so maybe I should revisit how many points I consume. I guess it is the fear factor of eating too much.
That's a hard thing to get over - the "oh I can't eat that much routine!" I will try out eating the activity points and see what happens.
Cheers! Debra:)
 
RE: CJ Plan (a non-WW sanctioned way of doing WW)

I have been really struggling with finding the "Right" food plan for me. I have struggled with those last 10 lbs. for 2 years. I have recently tried Atkins and was so afraid of all the fat. Then I read the South Beach Diet. That does sound good, but I love fruit so much, I have been contemplating to go back to WW's or try eating 5 meals per day BFL way. I have to get to something and stick with it, and quite sabatioging myself. The best thing about WW's is that you can eat anything, you are not denied a thing. Maybe, can I join you guys??
Lori S.
 
Hi Lori,
I was wondering about WW's too. Here is my "bonehead" question: When one joins WW do they join for the group support or for the information on the Point system of weight loss. I cannot seem to find the Point information anywhere, so I am assuming this is the Big deal about joining. Is this right?

I hope someone can answer this....Thanks:) ~ Deb
 
Hey Lori,

We haven't officially started any check in but it will be open to everyone if/when we do. I'm starting back on program tomorrow. I can't wait to get these lbs off again!

Deb,

When you go to meetings it is for the info & the support. Some people need others to hold them accountable. I LOVE the online program because I workout more than the women that I have met in meetings & they just don't make the connection (weight loss=less food + EXERCISE!!!!). I got fed up because I wanted to yell at these women all the time.

The online program gives you the points values without having to look them up in a book. You just do a food search & hit "add to my journal" and it's done. They do keep the point information very secret! There are some great websites that offer the points for foods that you can't always find on the WW site (www.dwlz.com for one).
 
Deb,
I joined on-line for the program...points, recipe's, activity points, etc. I never got into the group meetings, but for some people as mentioned before, this is a vital and necessary part of the program. This thread has offered a lot if helpful tips and information and I do think it would be nice for us to support each other with a check-in. WW, CJ Plan, or whatever! I'm all for it!:7
 
Let's see, why did I walk into WW on October 31 2003.

Because I tried to lose on my own and it was not working.

Why was WW the answer?

The points allowed flexibility but also made me think about my choices, healthier food tended to be less in points so to work the plan correctly I ended up eating healthier.

Having to face that scale every week made me accountable everyday. You cannot go in and weigh once a week and show a loss if you cheat. It takes days of eating correctly to make that scale move. If you think you can get away with a little here, a little there, you can't.

While the group was and is(I still attend those meetings), not geared toward someone who is a heavy exerciser, but attending the same meeting each week, I got to know people and the leader. They truly are my cheerleaders. When I made goal, the applause was not the casual put your hands together, but genuine, people were pulling for me. They missed me if I was not there, and were excited about me meeting goal and subsquently lifetime. Now I go to the meetings to be their cheerleaders. Losing weight is tough, doing it by yourself is doable, but hard. Now these folks are there to keep me from putting it back on.

So I guess the answer is, it is for the point information, and the group support.

The point information is what WW sells. They are a business, why would they publicize it unless you pay for it? Would you expect Jenny Craig or Nutrisystems to give their food away free to you?

WW is not for everyone. I know people who cannot stand to go to the meetings, so they always skip that part and just go weigh in. However, they started the same time I did, and they have not been losing weight. I would not have paid just for the points, I would have not paid for just the meeting, but the combination was worth it to me. Now I don't pay at all, as long as I stay within 2 pounds of my goal.
 
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