Weight Watchers Diet
Our Reviewer Says ...
"With variety, simplicity and a lot of flexibility, it's easy to understand why dieters lose weight on this plan -- if only because they can stick to it!"
At a Glance
By Amy Paturel
Weight Watchers has become a powerful force on the diet scene, bringing millions of people around the world into small group meetings for weekly weigh-ins and diet support and tips. And while today's Weight Watchers program differs dramatically from years past, the main tenet is still to consume fewer calories than you expend. Instead of counting calories, however, you'll either track your consumption using a POINTS system or use the no-counting Core Plan in which you select foods from a detailed list. You also have the option to skip the in-person meetings in favor of using an online program. The number of POINTS allowed each day is determined by your gender, weight, height, age and how you spend your days -- and because low-fat, high-fiber foods have the fewest POINTS values, the system encourages such foods by default. In the Core Plan, you choose from a list of fiber-rich, low-cal foods, but can also go 'off-list' for occasional indulgences like dessert. Both plans essentially follow a low-calorie, high-fiber diet.
Checklist
- Cost: Moderate. Price varies by state. In general though, it averages out to about $12 to $14 per week. Online membership is a standard rate -- a $29.95 start up fee and then $16.95 per month.
- Meals Provided: No.
- Diet Duration: The diet continues for as long as you’re willing to pay to be part of the program. Once you reach your goal weight and stay there for six weeks, you can attend meetings for free.
- Fitness Requirements: Yes. Physical activity is encouraged. Participating in activities earns you POINTS values which you can use to add a bit more food to your daily allotment.
- Time Commitment: Minimal. Tallying POINTS is fairly simple. Subscribers also have the option of tracking POINTS and other diet details on handheld devices.
- Eating Out: Easy. Weight Watchers provides an extensive guide with POINT values for a variety of cuisines. Some restaurants, like Applebee’s list POINT values right on the menu.
- Alcohol: Unlimited. Just stay within your daily POINTS allowance.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes, tofu, falafel and a host of veggie standbys have assigned POINT values.
- Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Very flexible.
