This post was created as part of a relationship in which I was sponsored by Weight Watchers and given a free three month subscription to try their new Personal Coaching product and write about my experience. Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own. #WeightWatchers #WWsponsored

Over the last few months, I've been doing something that I've never done before: dieting under the guidance of a Weight Watchers Personal Coach. You might recall from my earlier posts that this was not only my first time trying the Weight Watchers Personal Coaching Program, but my first time using Weight Watchers period.

I'll be sharing my weight loss in my next few posts, but let's just say for now that I've begun losing weight and while it hasn't been EASY, it's been way easier than I thought it would be! You see, I am usually pretty good about dieting while at home - it's when I jump on a plane and go off on an adventure that my "I am going to eat healthy" willpower falters. The science behind the Weight Watchers program isn't exactly new - I think we all know that we need to eat healthy, and in moderation, as well as exercise - the Weight Watchers Personal Coach approach is new to the dieting world and I have learned SO MUCH in the last few months. So much that whereas I would have usually fallen off the wagon and regained my lost weight at this point, I have not only managed to lose a little weight, but I have kept it off and kept going!

How? Well, here's a few things I've learned from working with a Weight Watchers Personal Coach that has helped me in my weight loss journey.

8 Things I’ve Learned About Weight Loss From Weight Watchers

1. It's easier to overeat than you think it is. Have you ever looked at what a portion size is supposed to be? Most dinner plates are much too large, and those portions you are served at a restaurant are usually enough to feed three people. I think they serve such large portions because people want to feel like they're really getting their money's worth when they dine out. It's gotten to the point that after learning to eat the RIGHT sized portions at home through the Weight Watchers program, when I sit down to eat at a restaurant (which is often when I am traveling), the food overwhelms me. I take home a carryout bag quite often now - most dinners are easily two full meals! When you go out to eat, ask for a doggy bag when your food is delivered, and put at least half of your meal in there right away - or better yet, ask for a smaller, or "half portion" if there is the option on the menu.

2. Smaller portions don't always mean a dish is "healthier." It's not simply how much you eat, but what you eat that matters. Sure, you can eat a small portion of filet minon, mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus at dinner and feel like you've done well in your diet. The sad reality is that those mashed potatoes will take up almost as much of your daily Weight Watchers points (or calories, fat, carbs, etc) as the filet. Don't deny yourself the things you love, just make sure that you understand that just because it's a small portion doesn't mean that it won't cost you! I save up my guilty pleasures like mashed potatoes and fatty beef dishes - and pasta, oh, you can't forget the pasta! - for my special indulgent nights and stick to grilled chicken, fish and lots of veggies as my usual dinner. Or I eat a light lunch (usually a salad with a lean protein) so that my daily Weight Watchers points allows for that indulgent meal.

3. You MUST exercise to maximize weight loss. This is the hardest part of losing weight for me personally. I really hate exercise. I am so lazy. One of the biggest hurdles I faced with my Weight Watchers Personal Coach was finding ways to exercise, not just when I am home and "too busy" to exercise, but when I am traveling as well. At home, I totally count working out on my balance ball and chasing the dogs...and housework. Hey, if the Weight Watchers app has calculations for household chores, then it totally counts. Yes, the app really does have Weight Watchers Points calculated for housework, so it's totally legit.

4. You have to think outside the box if you are lazy. I will never be the person who jogs or does aerobics in front of the television every day. I just won't. I've owned an elliptical for about 7 years and I haven't touched it in about five years. Ain't no one got time for that! Okay, well, I am sure some people do, but I'm not one of them. My Weight Watchers Personal Coach told me that walking the dogs counts as exercise. Kayaking counts. Certainly, hiking The Cape of Good Hope while traveling in South Africa counts, right? The Weight Watchers app says yes. 

5. Most people eat way too much for breakfast. Think about your average breakfast foods: scrambled eggs, buttered toast, waffles, pancakes, sausage, bacon...I could easily devour my entire day's worth of Weight Watchers Points before 8 am. While many say that breakfast is the most important part of the day, is it really? If you sit at a desk all day, do you really need to carb load before you sit down for an eight hour stretch? Probably not. Now, of course if you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, you probably DO need those calories to keep you going - but most people who work an office (or home office) job end up overeating because they're not actually burning those calories they eat at breakfast. I eat a nutrient rich breakfast every morning and save the heartier foods for lunch and dinnertime. My favorite breakfast is a smoothie made with 1 large frozen banana, a cup of fat-free milk and a teaspoon of peanut butter powder. Yes, that's a thing! Check your grocery store or health food store - peanut butter powder has a fraction of the fat of regular peanut butter and tastes just as delicious in smoothies. Angeline loves this too, and sometimes she adds a teaspoon of Nutella because of course, she isn't dieting like I am!

6. You're probably not drinking enough water. It's really important to drink enough water to stay hydrated, but most people are under the assumption that all liquids were created equal and they're not! A cup of coffee, tea, or soda might taste great but they're doing absolutely nothing for you health-wise and they are a total waste of calories. Drink more water. Drinking a glass of water in the morning also aids in digestion, and drinking water also helps flush your system. Drink more water. It's good for you.

7. Lose Weight Quick diets are a gimmick. When you hear about get rick quick schemes, you probably roll your eyes, right? If it was that easy, everyone would be rich. Well, the same can be said for quick weight loss plans. You can lose weight quick, but it's almost always via unhealthy means and that weight never stays off! In order to achieve weight loss and maintain that weight loss, you need to change the way you diet, change the way you live - change the way you think about food. I am losing weight slowly, but I am keeping it off, even on those weeks when I am not doing so well. I'm learning to change my relationship with food and exercise and I feel good about where this relationship is going!

8. Losing weight is easier with help. I used to hate the idea of taking part in weight loss challenges because competition is not a motivator for me. What I love about the Weight Watchers Personal Coaching Program is that I don't have to attend meetings and listen to other people talk about losing more weight than me; I don't have to tell anyone about my progress but my Weight Watchers Personal Coach. The Weight Watchers app has been essential in my weight loss plan; I really can't even explain how much easier the app makes dieting! No matter what you're eating, or what kind of exercise you're doing, the app can track it, and knowing exactly where you stand with your daily and weekly Weight Watchers Points makes following the plan much easier!

Believe me...I know from experience. I lost my iPhone as soon as we landed in South Africa and not having the app is driving me completely insane. Thank goodness for hotel WiFi, even if it is slow as a one legged turtle on crutches. You don't know what you have until it's gone, right?

Are you struggling with weight loss and healthy eating habits? Check out Weight Watchers Personal Coaching and see for yourself why I think it’s so fantastic!