Back on Track Again
Monday, September 29, 2008 Posted by Christina
Well, it has been 6 years and three babies since I last did Weight Watchers.
I've decided my five snack-a-day stay-at-home mom habit thing needs to come to an end. My pants are getting tight, and I do NOT want to spend money on new pants.
So, on Sept. 15, I joined Weight Watchers Online. The first time I did Weight Watchers, I faithfully attended meetings, lost 23 pounds, and became a life time member. With three little ones, going to meetings is not an option. I've got about 20 pounds to lose.
Why would someone who is so frugal spend $16.95 a month on a diet program?
Because it is worth it!
I know that prior to signing up, my food consumption was probably exceeding the cost of membership every month.... I tend to stress eat - on expensive snacks like ice cream, chocolate, peanuts... and I have issues with portion sizes.
So although I am spending money on Weight Watchers, I'm actually saving money by not splurging on unhealthy snacks.
My grocery bill is also helped by the fact that the Weight Watchers diet relies heavily on fruits and vegetables.(Isn't that what the food eats?). When you buy in season, you can save a lot of money over pre-packaged, over-processed food.
It is also pushing me to be active. I'm finding that exercise is a good frugal way to pass the time.
In the long run, I know it will be better for my health. I've already lost 4.5 pounds, and I feel better knowing that I'm taking control of my diet once again.
Any other WW members out there? Got any tips for me? I'm a little rusty since last time!
I've decided my five snack-a-day stay-at-home mom habit thing needs to come to an end. My pants are getting tight, and I do NOT want to spend money on new pants.
So, on Sept. 15, I joined Weight Watchers Online. The first time I did Weight Watchers, I faithfully attended meetings, lost 23 pounds, and became a life time member. With three little ones, going to meetings is not an option. I've got about 20 pounds to lose.
Why would someone who is so frugal spend $16.95 a month on a diet program?
Because it is worth it!
I know that prior to signing up, my food consumption was probably exceeding the cost of membership every month.... I tend to stress eat - on expensive snacks like ice cream, chocolate, peanuts... and I have issues with portion sizes.
So although I am spending money on Weight Watchers, I'm actually saving money by not splurging on unhealthy snacks.
My grocery bill is also helped by the fact that the Weight Watchers diet relies heavily on fruits and vegetables.(Isn't that what the food eats?). When you buy in season, you can save a lot of money over pre-packaged, over-processed food.
It is also pushing me to be active. I'm finding that exercise is a good frugal way to pass the time.
In the long run, I know it will be better for my health. I've already lost 4.5 pounds, and I feel better knowing that I'm taking control of my diet once again.
Any other WW members out there? Got any tips for me? I'm a little rusty since last time!
September 29, 2008 7:43 AM
Way to go! I've actually been thinking about joining WW again, although I never made lifetime (came within 4 pounds and then got pregnant again), so I would like to go to meetings....But our meetings are $14/week and that figures out to half a mortgage payment per year!
September 29, 2008 8:41 AM
Way to go on your weight loss! Keep it up!
I'm also a WW Lifetime member--as of a month ago! I attended meetings using the monthly pass with online access. I lost over 100lbs over the course of 1 year and 3 months. I think that WW is worth every penny! Even though I always knew how to lose weight (eat less, exercise more), I needed some extra help with some of the extraneous matters. I like the structure and accountability that WW provides.
A few of my favorite things about online access are:
~The recipe builder--plug in any recipe and how many servings it is and viola it tells you the points value!
~Using the plan manager online--what a great resource--forget all of those books for points values! It's all there!
~The message boards are great too especially when you are having an off day and need some encouragement.
I also want to say that it is completely possible to live a frugal lifestyle while being on this plan! In fact, I actually started couponing after I joined WW and continued to be successful. Granted, I've had to get creative with storage of my stockpile because 10 boxes of snack bars and/or cereal from some deal turns into a danger zone for me so I've had to store my stockpile inconveniently in the garage.
Good luck--I wish you continued success!
September 29, 2008 9:12 AM
i'm considering joining WW after my baby is born. My metabolism changed after the last one, and i didn't lose any weight and then got pregnant again a year later. so i think i will try WW.
The problem is, once Nov. comes, buying fruits and veggies in season is expensive! i'm a little worried that the costs behind buying healthy food will hike up my grocery budget too much. i don't really buy snacks, though, either. Even the things that are in season now are expensive: i heard of someone buying a green pepper for $1.59 last week. i shudder what it will be like once winter hits.
Good luck, though. Hopefully i'll be joining you in your WW journey. Keep us updated on how you keep healthy food in the house for a good price!
September 29, 2008 11:25 AM
I spent so many years pregnant or nursing that I was also very used to having a mid afternoon and an evening snack. It took me a long time to break these things. I don't worry so much about the afternoon one, but the one right before bed, is not needed by me! Actually I still struggle with it and sometimes will have one and then the next night find myself having one and then the next night trying to stop myself from having one. Habits are hard to break. It sounds like WW is definitely worth it to you. Good luck!
September 29, 2008 1:17 PM
I also think with Weight Watchers, knowing you are paying for it monthly, that is also incentive enough to want to make you lose weight. Like everything else...You want to get your money worth!!!
September 30, 2008 12:45 PM
Way to go. I'm also a lifer who is 10 lbs. over goal. I haven't been to a meeting in a year because I didn't want to pay. I have cut out sweet snack foods (my downfall) as a spritual fast for the election. I hope that spurs me on to continue the good habit. I already feel better even though I haven't lost any weight. The real goal is God's favor with this election anyway. Weight watchers is definitely the way to go. Even though I have gained weight this year, I have thought about everything I have eaten. It is definitely a lifetime plan. BTW I was able to get some great produce at Kroger's today by finding it on clearance, still in great condition, and finding some coupons for it, BONUS! Lettuce and yogurt were actually free!
Kris, in Elkhart, IN