Fast forward to October 2008, I regained control of my life by deciding to join WW online. This has been the plan I have followed ever since. I had success in those first few years. I learned valuable skills about portion sizes and eating everything in moderation. I lost about 75 lbs. on the Points system. I have no complaints at all about that.
In December 2010, WW changed their plan to the current Points Plus system. After the success that I had on the Points system, I was excited to see more progress and become healthier on the Points Plus system. But what really happened is that my weight yo-yoed up and down. So from December 2010 until March 2012, I lost 4.1 lbs. That’s shocking. Isn’t it? And it pains me that it took me THIS long to realize that Points Plus is JUST NOT WORKING for me. I kept holding on to the hope that WW is a great plan, and it HAS to work. And as my weight yo-yoed, I lost a lot of motivation. I became very discouraged. I became very frustrated. But I kept trying. It HAD to work, right?
I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while now. WW has been my security blanket. It’s all I have ever known. I do not have anything against WW because I know it works for a lot of people and it worked tremendously well for me until they changed the plan. I believe in the philosophy of WW, in eating everything in moderation. But I have come to realize that a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. Even fruits and veggies have calories. I know so many of you tried to tell me this for so long, but until it really clicked for me, I didn’t understand it. NOTHING is free, except maybe water.
And so, on March 6th, 2012 at 3 PM, I canceled my membership with Weight Watchers Online. And it was scary. But after a week of counting calories, things just started to click in my head. And I wasn’t as afraid to cancel my WW membership as I was before I tried to get back to the basics and just count calories. WW was a starting point in my journey, but I don’t believe it is the means that will get me to my goal anymore.
It took me A LONG TIME, to realize that it just wasn’t working. It took me a long time to accept it. It took a long time to find the courage and strength to make a change. But one thing I realize now, is that I believe in myself. I know I am capable of losing the weight. I know that I now have the knowledge, the tools, the support and the will power to get to my goal. And I will do whatever it takes to get there. The determination to get to goal has exceeded any fears that I have of moving away from the security I had found in WW.
I truly believe that I am going to develop healthier habits in my new plan. I may not be perfect. It will be a series of trials and errors, but that’s part of the journey.
I am excited to embark on, what I hope will be, the last leg of my weight loss journey. I know that many of you follow WW and follow my blog because I have been on WW, and I hope that you will continue to join me on this journey to health.
And on my first week of calorie counting…I lost 3.8 lbs.!!! Obviously, with my goal set at losing 1.5 lbs. per week, this was a really good week for me.
I weighed in at 205.5. I haven’t seen that number in a long time! I’m getting SO close to Onederland! And for once, I am confident that I can break right through that barrier!
Congrats :) I know how hard it is to step away from your weight loss security blanket. For me it was counting calories. And like you it worked really well for me...and then it stopped. Losing half a pound a month was HUGE! I am now following the 17 DD and love it. It is so scary to try something new...but you have to figure out what works best!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on an amazing Loss! And I can't wait to find out what is in that Onederland Box in your closet :)
I am very happy for you, Alissa! I am still counting points, but tweaking things up a bit. One thing I do want to say, though, is I understand the PP wasn't working for you. But I am also thinking you didn't actually follow the program (just like I didn't) for a good while, using more than 49 points over weekends and stuff. I don't mean that rudely AT ALL!!! I just don't want someone who IS doing WW and is new to it to think "it doesn't work." For some, it doesn't work whether you follow it or not!!! I've heard the stories. But for me, when it's not working, it's because it MENTALLY doesn't work for me anymore so I quit adhering to the actual rules, not because the program itself doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on a calorie is a calorie. At this point I am losing with counting certain things for free points. But when that changes, I will have to look for different options, too! It'll be good to see someone counting calories so if I get to that point my change will seem easier!
I will definitely continue following your blog. I like you for YOU, not for the program you follow! :) GREAT LOSS!!!
@Staci- I have to disagree with you. I lost 75 lbs. consistently and immediately after starting Points Plus, I stopped losing. I could agree with you if I had only followed the program for a month or two, but we're talking over a year. I had more good weeks than bad weeks. I'm not discouraging anyone else from WW, as I said in my post, but it's not for me.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, you just have to move into the next phase. If you already count in your head (calories, old Points),then you know what you're doing and if it works, it works.
ReplyDeleteStaci must not have noticed the plethora of folks on the Points Plus who gained or stopped losing. And some went back to old Points and did fine again. Not everyone can handle the change...and it's wise to accept that you do WHAT WoRKS.
On we go. Wishing you well...
I am a firm believer that you only get back what you put in to something. So if you follow a program a 100% you will see great results. I think you lost a bit of your motivation which showed in your weight loss. We all tend to lose motivation.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about switching to counting calories even though I am basically maintence.So I will be excited to see how it works for you!
Good for you for listening to your body. I've had good luck with WW and PP, but everybody (and every body) is different. Shoot, we all know those 'jerks' who can eat whatever they want, and still be skinny! ;) I'm proud of you for sticking in there for as long as you did without much scale success. Many, many of us will, and have, given up the fight over much less aggravation! Keep the good habits you've learned from WW, and incorporate your calorie counting in with it, and you will continue to do great. Thanks for everything, and I'll certainly keep reading whatever you have to share.
ReplyDeleteI think that any plan will work! But I also believe that as humans we get stuck in ruts and we need to change things up. I was a huge calorie counter! Lost a lot of weight that way, then I was stagnet for a year! Still counting still doing everything right. I switched to more of a whole foods/low carb aspect and the weight is coming off. For me I think I let myself slip into ruts....so I had to change it up. :) Any plan will work if you follow it 100% - I agree - but we are human and plan's can't always be followed 100%.
ReplyDeleteJust curious...is there a reason you decided to choose calorie counting over going back to the old WW plan that worked so well for you? I lost about 40 lbs a few years ago on the old plan and now when I find myself needing to 'get back on the wagon' I just continue with the old plan. I still have all the info so the online counters weren't necessary.
ReplyDeleteDo you feel calorie counting gives you more freedom? Greater responsibility? I may have to try it...
I think that you will have great success in calorie counting! Good luck with the rest of your journey.
@Beth- I no longer have the materials for the old system, for one. Also, I have found that counting calories is making me look at foods differently. I am still reading nutrition labels. I feel like I am more aware of the foods. I also like the fact that I don't have to do complex algorithims to figure out the points value for a food. It is what it is. I just needed something new and I want something I can follow for the rest of my life. Also, I need an online tracker. It just works better for me when I can quickly look up and track what I've eaten on my phone, iPad or computer. :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you did realize that the plan wasn't working for you. I knew immediately, when I first saw the PointsPlus plan, that it could not possibly work for me as written. I kind of work around it because I like to go to free meetings and I also like having the free e-tools they offer us lifetime members.
ReplyDeleteYou're off to a great start already and I hope you get under 200 soon. That will be a milestone for sure! :)
Go YOU! That is brave to go in a new direction or use a new method, but it seems your body got used to WW plan. I hope the calorie counting works for you! Good Luck and Congrats on the awesome Weight Loss!
ReplyDeleteSorry Alissa. Didn't mean any harm in my comment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when WW went to this new points, I to couldnt get it. The other thing I have found that I was still putting a lot of package food in my body. I'm not perfect but I am finding that the less process food you put in your body the stronger and better your body will look and feel. So I would say just try to eat more natural foods not so much package and I bet you will start seeing better results. You can do this. Your a strong women.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with your new journey seems to be going well so far & that's wonderful :)
Good luck on your new journey away from WW! I know you will be able to succeed! Everyone needs to find what works best for them! Keep up the good work, and stay strong!
ReplyDeleteMallory @ Faith. Fashion. Beauty. {Follow me!}
I just quit WW online too. Even after losing a lot of weight with the program... it just wasn't working anymore. Good luck to us both!
ReplyDeleteYou know I am a counter - even when I did WW, I still counted calories. I just like to know how much I am eating.
ReplyDeleteI think a complete change up is a good thing to do, especially when you stall out for a long time and can't get motivated again.
I have to admit I've stepped away from Weight Watchers and I'm back to counting and using SparkPeople I really do think it's a better fit for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think your going to lose any followers if they're smart :)
Great loss for the week and I agree that all calories count and no food is "free." A real eye opener came from the smoothie. How can that be so many calories and be just 2 points? This way looks to be working for you and "one"derland is just around the corner!
ReplyDeleteJust wondering (& I know this may sound totally stupid) I always get confused about the whole calorie counting thing & food intake vs. how much you exercise etc...
ReplyDeleteWould you mind making a post explaining this? Maybe it's just me (because I suck at Math?) or maybe you can link a really good website that I can read. Any pointers?:)
When they changed to that whole points plus system, I was soooooo excited, I went in and joined. I was at goal but they said if I even had 5 pounds to lose I could join. I did the SAME thing. I gained!!! and I gave it over a month! I have played with the old ww points since, but I am counting calories and protein. I try to keep it at about 1400 and 100-130 grams of protein.
ReplyDeleteIts scary but its not an ending, it is a awesome new beginning
I'm so proud of you!! I can hear the self confidence in your post!! So many people can tell us so many things with the best of intentions, but unti we figure some things out for ourselves it just really doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what this next chapter has in store for you!!!!
-Jessica
Http://healthyfor100.blogspot.com
Congrats! I too made the switch from WW to calorie counting on MyFitnessPal and never looked back! It's scary at first, but soon becomes just as easy as WW.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Alissa. Best wishes as you move forward on this journey, no matter what plan you follow. You are an inspiration and a success...I know you'll reach every goal (in all aspects of life) that you set for yourself.
ReplyDeleteYAY Alissa! I'm glad you're finding something that will work for you, and being brave by taking on a new method. I've changed my tracking methods so many times (too many times) lol, it's nice to start something new though, it gives you that excitement and motivation to start "fresh". I've been following your blog for a long time and know how hard you've worked and know that you will go far! Keep up the good work. We can do this!! :)
ReplyDeleteI just cancelled my WW online account too. I got a Fitbit a month or so ago and love it and I have been using that site and MFP to count my calories.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the loss! Your on your way to onederland :).
WOW! Hello there calories! I'm not on WW by the way, but I'm finding it difficult to get the habit of counting again. But come on with you track record, it won't ever be a problem for you, so all you have on your hands is victory!! :)) Congrats on getting on the good side of your scale again. I'm smiling for you ;)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I use SparkPeople.com for tracking my calories (when I'm being a good girl) it's free, it's awesome, I love it. I recommend!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome loss! The calorie counting really works for you! I have heard more about the new points plus system not working this go around (I lost 50 pounds on the old system years ago!), and there has to be something about making some 1-2 point fruits and veggies free. But I understand it works for some. You have the right attitude - everybody has a different body and is going to respond differently. Looks like you found the one that is right for you right now - and what results! I would live to know what app you're using. I started my journey to lose the baby weight in late Jan and keep getting sick or injured, slowing my workout ability, but I'm counting calories and having good success. Seeing you so close to onederland is inspiring - I'm 12 pounds away and cannot wait! Keep up the good work - you're doing awesome!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the loss! I too just switched from WW to MFP. I wasn't losing, but I felt it was because I had become too comfortable with WW and I had learned how to cheat the system. I was eating probably way more fruit and veggies than I should. Sounds silly I know, but I know my calories were over what I am eating now in calories. Calories are calories I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteI tried points plus nd had the same problem....lost no weight, so i am still doing the old WW point system. Since Jan 1st I have lost 11 pounds, I don't mind keeping with the old plan, I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new diet!!!
My dad is doing a diet that is primarily veggies and fruit nd he has lost 21 pounds!! I don't think I could do that diet, but he seems to love it.
Sara
This was a great post, and one that rang true for me...I quit weight watchers online not to long after the points plus came in to effect. My only misstep was, that I was experiencing a hard time, and didn't commit to calorie counting. So now I am many many pounds up. But hearing you talk about facing weight loss with out the security of a program is inspiring and encouraging!!
ReplyDeleteJDayle
http://thebiggerpictureproject.blogspot.com/