Do diet programs make a big difference?
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Do diet programs make a big difference?
| Thu, 03-10-2005 - 10:36pm |
I have never used a program like weight watchers or jenny craig. I was wondering if anyone here uses a program like that and if you think it is worth the money? Does it make a huge difference in the way that you eat or could you do the same thing at home? I am hesitant to join and spend the money if it turns out that it's just a gimmick. If it really works then I wouldn't mind spending the money on it. I figured this board would be impartial since people here probably have all kinds of experiences.

I don't use any particular 'program'.....and one of the reasons is the same as your (money aspect), plus if I'm going to do this for the rest of my life I figure I might as well learn the healthier way through working through it myself- know what I mean? However I do think that programs like WW and Jenny Craig are worth the money if you are going to stick with it, and find it difficult to keep yourself in line on your own.
I know we have a few here on certain programs, it will be interesting to hear their point of view on your question...
:~:~: Moderation is Key :~:~:
Getting Fit In Your 30's
cl-vi_islandgirl
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Sunnyhunny, I can't *rave* enough about counting calories! Knowing how much I should be eating in a days time has made me *happily* make lots of changes (more water, less eating out, more whole grains, etc). I thought about WW and Curves and things I would have to pay for. I personally did not want to have to rely on paying anyone in order to keep losing weight, or keep it off. So, I spent 20 dollars to dowload FitDay to my computer. A one time charge and it's forever on my computer. I have (so has my husband) lost 17.5 pounds already...in 6 weeks...and still losing. I love this way because it's private. It's lifelong lessons. It helped to make sense of how weight is put on, how it is lost, and how it is maintained. :)
Kim
Hi sunny...and I don't use any particular program either.
I'm with Kim on this one.
I agree that it's much better when you have someone looking at your weight on those weigh in days. For me, I have my husband keeping up with my weight loss, also a very good online friend, as well as a local friend (we call each other on weigh in days). That helps a lot, knowing that you will have a group of people cheering you on and excited about your progress. :) It makes it more fun too.
Kim
Sunny,
I really think it all depends on you and what you need.
If you need meals laid out for you or meetings and support to keep you in check, then I would say definitely they would probably be the best thing.
However, if you have a strong support group around you already-friends, family, etc. (us here!) and you feel confident in your menu planning abilities then I don't see the point of spending the money.
I know my SO's aunt had tried to lose weight for several years and could never do it, then she joined Weight Watchers and within 9 months had reached her goal weight. On the other hand, look at Kim-who's lost 17.5 in a short time or me that has lost 16 in 8 weeks, solely based on being conscientious about what we eat and exercising.
If you are just joining for support though and a weigh in accountability we can give you that here. This is an AMAZING bunch of women!
~Crystal
aka p001ha11princess
Member of:
Getting Fit in Your 30's
Never Say Diet
Book Reviews
Thank you everyone! I am getting desperate to lose weight because I am bigger than I ever have been. 5'4" and 150, for the way my body is structured that is about a size 12-14. I am usually a size 6-8. I really don't want to go out and buy a whole wardrobe of size 14 and I don't feel good or look as good carrying this extra weight. I have been trying to lose weight by diet since last November but I didn't add regular excersise until last month. Maybe I am being to impatient. I use to be able to cut back on food and the pounds would fall off but now that I am in my 30s it's not so easy. Sometimes I think the pregnancy itself changed my hormones forever because after this last pregnany my body acts sooo different. But maybe it's age and it would have been this way anyway.
I have a couple of friends that swear by weight watchers and one the southbeach diet. It's tempting, but I don't see anything I would be doing there that I can't do here. I am pretty good about planning meals. Maybe I should give it more time on my own and posting results here. It doesn't seem like they have a big secret they give out in the meetings that helps you lose weight. It's probably the support that you get. I think I'll give it more time before I spend the money.
Sunnyhunny, I know how you feel. I never had any trouble loosing weight (and it was always just cutting back on sweets back then) until after my third child. I wondered what happened to my hormones/body and why it was hard when before it was so easy. I am still not sure really all about that, but I do know my portions grew in size over the years, and so did my treat days, and my activity was way down. I hope that you find what will work for you, so that you can lose that weight and feel like your old self again. BTW, I am 5'0 and was up to 147 a few months ago. So that's even more than what you have to lose, because I am shorter than you. It only takes a couple weeks to start *feeling* a thousand times better. Once you *feel* better, you will find it much easier. I'm with you, not wanting to pay for something. Why not try counting your calories for a week? Plug in your info on www.fitday.com or any other number of sites for that...they will tell you how much to eat to lose a pound or so a week. Then just look at the packages and keep tabs. It's not nearly as difficult to count calories as it sounds. If you have any trouble finding a site that will calculate your calorie range for you, just email me and I'll plug it in on my computer for you. My email is bkack@bellsouth.net and I think you just need your age, weight, height, goal weight, and goal date. :)
Kim
(143/125.5/105)