ExRx.net

Calorie intake should be calculated. Not given out as a 1 size fits all for each sex. If a person happens to be small, and doesn't eat junk food, weight watchers may work just fine. However if you are 6'8" with 13 inch wrists and eat a lot of junk food, you will have a really hard time.

I have to chime in a little here. having been on and off the weight watchers program for the last three years, so I'll offer my opinion. It is a great system for someone who has never really understood how to lose weight or eat correctly. I liken it to a very good starting point for weight loss and learning to eat correctly. If you follow the program, and evolve your knowledge of healthy vs. unhealthy foods and habits it will get you going in the right direction quickly. I have been on it three times strictly. The first time I lost 60 lbs. and gained 40 back after reaching my goal by just "stopping" the diet. The second time (one year later) i lost the 40 and put back on 30 by trying a little harder to eat right here and there while not actively being on the program. The third time (last Sept.) I dropped the 30, came to this site, learned how to exercise, read berardi's tips, and the rest is history. I have actually gained back 15 lbs since Nov., but my waist is the thinnest it has been in 15 years. I went from 215lbs and a 36 inch waist, to 185 lbs and 32 inch waist, now I'm 200lbs with a 32 inch waist. I haven't counted points since November, I never will again, because I don't need to. I eat way more food now than ever, just not $h!t food, and i eat every 3 hours. So, for CONTINUED success, use it as a tool to learn, and remember to commit yourself to a lifetime of healthy choices. Otherwise, it's up /down, up/down.......
Also, don't fall for all the weight watchers / lean cuisine $h!t food.. some of it is horrible and loaded with sugars.... buy whole foods and use the system. Good Luck

They teach you what they think is healthy. Unfortunately there is no evidence to back it up. That's cool it if it got you to Berardi's site. What he has to say is considered heresy in the weight watchers world.

BHK... I agree and thanks to everyone who responded. Here's my dilemma and why I started this thread. My fiance is just now learning about "healthy foods" and doesn't want to be bothered by the "science" of it all. I am just happy that she is trying and sticking to something that will be a foot in the door. I am just wondering how to get her involved in an evolved program/lifestyle that will reap even more benefits. I will say that now... if I dare say anything detracting from her (WW) diet, it is met with resistance... as she doesn't fully understand what I am trying to say... and doesn't like being told what to do. I have to be delicate or I will "take the fun out of it," and perhaps cause her to lose interest and motivation. We all know that this (healthy diet and exercise) has to come from within each of us. Simply telling someone it's so doesn't cut it... I am challenged with the task of moving her along in the right direction and helping her maintain motivation.

The psychological aspect is helping is crutial. As you say, if you push to much, it will backfire. All you can do is keep yourself informed, be supporting and occationally give subtle recommendations for improving.

The fact that she is taking the steps so far is very positive. As I said earlier in the thread, the hardest part is once the person reaches their goal because they have to switch to maintenence and the incentive to improve is not there anymore. That's when your support and guidance will be needed the most.

Stu

I can see I'm one of the few here hat thinks the two can be compatible; I think combining the WW approach w/Berardi's 7 habits would work great. A couple of good things I've seen w/WW is the support system, and most everyone I've seen on the WW has portion control down pat.
Like Stu said, she's headed in the right direction by at least starting WW, and that's a good thing. Right now, just be supportive, and rather than telling, kind of tactfully suggest.
Tim

Agreed, combining the WW approach with berardi's 7 rules has been the key to continued success for me. Once the "goal" weight is achieved, lose the WW points deal and stay with berardi's rules... the FAT will not come back, but muscle will, provided there is exercise in the equation. Like i said, WW is good for losing weight (some fat, and muscle in the absence of exercise).. but in the long run she needs to think about keeping the fat off.
WW- Short term losses, learn to use berardi's while on WW.
Berardis- Long term. keep it off and feel great while eating plenty. Don't fall back into the habits that added the unwanted lbs.