Throughout the last 7 crazy months, Weight Watchers has been one of my few constants (aside from Husband and Griffin, of course). To say that I’ve been happy with the program is a huge understatement…I sing its praises to everyone and happily hit my goal weight a few months ago. I’ve been in an interesting phase – Maintenance – since then, and feel like it’s a good time for an update, with some tips!
1) WW doesn’t end when you hit your goal weight.
I’ve definitely fluctuated a bit since hitting my goal weight – usually by no more than 2 pounds in either direction. I know WW well enough to know how to get back on track…I count points more strictly and get back to regular workouts. I find that the weeks that I’m loosey goosey with my points are the worst for fluctuations. For example, I’ll eat a handful of chips and estimate them at 3 points, when they are 5-6…several times in one day (oops!). It’s a good lesson that while everything in moderation is true, the quality and quantity of food you eat still matters.
2) Don’t get frustrated, but don’t slack either.
It’s easy for me to talk myself into a downward spiral on ‘bad’ weigh-ins. But honestly, it’s a natural part of Maintenance. The worst thing you can do is talk yourself down…it sounds cliche, but it’s incredibly self-defeating. All you can do is wipe the slate clean, make some adjustments for the following week, and get back on track.
3) Don’t get stuck in a food rut.
For a long time, I stuck to the same meals every single day, except for weekends. It happens when you get comfortable with the program and you know the point values for a handful of foods. I’ve been trying lately to mix it up and also get back to cooking a few different things on Sunday that I can eat throughout the week.
4) Points on Maintenance
Once I hit my goal, my points were adjusted. I got 6 more daily points, and my usual 49 weekly extras. Although I was now allowed 35 points per week, I found that using these – and most or all of my extras – almost immediately led to weight gain. I now try and stay right around 30 points (my previous target was 29 during weight loss), and save my extras for the weekend (though I don’t usually use them all).
5) The role of family & holidays
Not gonna lie, the holidays with family were tough. So much home-cooked food, and neither of our families really diet so there is always temptation in the kitchen. We did the best we could…estimating our points and trying to eat really healthy during the day, and then relaxing a bit for dinner. We also made sure to move…whether it was a morning run, or taking the pup for a long walk. The worst part were the comments…’oh why are you dieting’ or ‘you can relax on vacation and eat what you want.’ It’s hard not to get defensive with family! This is why we always tried to leave enough points so that we could take a bit of everything offered for dinner. It left our parents happy that we were eating well, and left us feeling less deprived.
When I stay within my point range, eating healthy foods that keep me satisfied…I still never feel like I am ‘dieting.’ Diet is actually a dirty word around our home! This program works and I honestly feel great and healthy, and plan to stick with it for as long as I can!
