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
I thrive on positive reinforcement. I was the chick in the office who looked forward to her annual review not just because it meant a possible raise, but because I longed to hear the words, "You're doing a great job" from my supervisor. Do you see where I'm going with this? When it comes to living healthy and losing weight - or maintaining a healthy weight - I find that I am more successful when I receive praise and encouragement from friends and family. I enjoy the proverbial pat on the back, and it helps me feel accountable for my success or failure. One of my biggest problems with weight loss is that my husband is one of those super sweet guys who doesn't really care if I put on a few extra pounds. When I gain weight, he doesn't seem to notice, and when I lose weight, I don't receive any positive feedback...I tell you, I never thought a man who loved me for who I am inside would be so annoying.
Starting The Weight Watchers Personal Coaching Program
When I was invited to try the Weight Watchers Personal Coaching program, I was excited not just for the opportunity to try a new weight loss program but because, HELLO! A weight loss coach! Someone to give me advice, act as my sounding board, hold me accountable...this is exactly what I need to help me on my journey to living a healthier lifestyle and to finally lose this weight for good. Of course, this worked very well with team FitnessVolt reviewed best fat burners!
Getting started on the Weight Watchers Personal Coaching program was easier than I anticipated. I simply went through a series of questions about myself, my eating habits, my diet history and then chose a coach.
Scheduling my first call with my coach was easy, I was presented with a few candidates and just picked one that I felt would understand me. I chose Mary, who hails from Florida and has been with the Weight Watchers program for over ten years. She listed traveling, reading and dining out as things she enjoys on her profile and I thought we'd get along well! I really wanted to team up with someone who I thought would understand trying to eat well while traveling and frequenting restaurants, my need for pastelitos and cafe cubano (if you've never had either, come to Miami and I'll treat you to a little Cuban breakfast!) and why I refuse to exercise outside during the summer months. Have you ever been to South Florida during the summer? It's basically the inner sanctum of hell on a rainy day.
During my first coaching session, Mary and I discussed why I wanted to lose weight, how much I wanted to lose, and what I thought my biggest obstacles were: a lot of travel and a love of sugary sweets.
Mary understood my issues with food while traveling, as she happens to be a restaurant reviewer! She told me that we needed to create an action plan; an action plan helps hold you accountable and makes it easier to stay on track. If you've ever seen me post photos of my office, you've probably noticed that gigantic daily agenda that takes up a quarter of my desk.
I saw this action plan as a to-do list and I liked it!
Because I was brand new to Weight Watchers, she recommended a few things to get me started. We spoke about them on the phone and she also sent me a follow up email so that I wouldn't forget.
Weight Watchers Personal Coaching Week 1 Action Plan
- Download the Weight Watchers app for my iPhone so that I can easily track my foods and activities.
- Plan out our menu for the week so that I am not left with rushed, unhealthy meals at the end of the day.
- Weigh myself ONLY on Fridays.
Now, when I began the Weight Watchers program last week, I weighed 140 pounds. My goal weight is 115. According to the Weight Watchers website, people following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week on average, which is perfectly fine by me! I have found when dieting in the past that if I make real changes to the way I eat, I lose weight more slowly than if I crash diet. This is a good thing, because the slower the weight comes off, the longer it stays off - because I am doing it the right way.
My weight has gone up and down since I hit 30. I think that a lot of people deal with this issue; it's almost as though our bodies say, "Happy 30th Birthday! I hope you enjoy that birthday cake, because you're going to carry it on your hips for the rest of your life!"
My Weight Watchers personal coach asked me what my biggest problem with eating right is and I didn't even have to think about it - I immediately answered: BAKED GOODS. If you are looking for healthy meals kits, checkout spicentice!
I love my sweets. My cookie recipes seem to get the most attention on my blog, so I tend to make a lot of them. Of course I have to taste-test them. It's for work.
We talked a little about one of the things that makes Weight Watchers so different from other diet programs...
You can eat whatever you want when you are doing Weight Watchers.
You just have to track the foods you eat and make sure that you aren't eating too much of them! So I can still have that cookie or that brownie - but I can't eat the entire pan of brownies because that would use up all of my Weight Watchers points for the week in one sitting. And I probably wouldn't be able to zip my jeans the next morning, which is never fun.
I think the Weight Watchers Personal Coaching was great and I am looking forward to checking in with the same coach this week to let her know that I've already lost weight! I've become more conscious of what I am eating and how much I am eating, all due to that little tracker in the Weight Watchers mobile app. I've realized that I pretty much never eat breakfast, and begin getting hungry in the early afternoon. I start with a snack, then a mini lunch, then dinner...and then that's when the real eating begins. Now that I've recognized my pattern when it comes to food, I can start working to change that - and hopefully stop snacking so much at night!
I love how easy it is to "do" Weight Watchers; unlike diets I've done in the past, I don't have to stick with a crazy restrictive list of foods, there are no counting calories or carbs, and I can eat WHATEVER I WANT.
Did I mention that I can eat whatever I want?
Why did I wait so long to join Weight Watchers?!
If you are struggling to lose weight, I would really love for you to consider joining Weight Watchers too! The new Weight Watchers Personal Coaching program is especially helpful for people who work at home, have crazy schedules and little time to attend meetings. It's a great way to still get support and one on one help with your diet plan without ever leaving your house!
You can make appointments with a personal coach any time you feel the need - or just use the support feature on the Weight Watchers website.
I tell you, they've made it so easy to get the support you need, this is the most flexible program I've ever participated in!
Go check out Weight Watchers Personal Coaching now!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs
What a coincidence that your coach was a restaurant reviewer! I can't wait to hear how your progress moves along.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I need to get back to eating right this week. I don't need a program like this because I can do it on my own, but I need to get back to it.
Christie
Having a personal coach is definitely motivating! Can't wait to see your journey
Kay Adeola
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey.I need to really think about eating more healthy.
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven}
I have a really good friend who has lost a lot of weight and is much healthier thanks to Weight Watchers. He was actually in one of their advertisements and it was so awesome to see his journey! It's been a couple of years, and he still looks and feels great. P.S. I love iced coffees too AND I have that same cookie spatula! LOVE!!!
Krystal
Although I can't imagine why you would need to be on a diet, I appreciate the heads up! One of my goals this year is to get a little lighter.
Dawn
Good luck on your weight loss journey! I know several people who've had great results with Weight Watchers.
Debbie Denny
It is always good to have someone in the background cheering you on. Good luck ... you will do great.
Catherine S
I have heard a lot of great things about Weight Watchers. I think having a personal coach to help keep me on track would help.
Shell
Weight Watchers is a wonderful program. I like that you can eat what you want and it is a matter of changing how much you eat. It sounds like the coach is a great addition to their program!
Chrystal @ YUM eating
I have been considering the online program now that they have personal coaching. I just cant make it to meeting and I want to regain my Lifetimes status!
Nicole
I've heard a lot of people have success with Weight Watchers because they can eat what they want instead of restricting everything. I think restricting is a great way to set yourself up for failure. Moderation is key.
Liz Mays
Weight Watchers has such a cool online program. They have so many great tools that help you stay focused and visualize your goals.
Jeanine
This sounds great to me! I tried a diet last new years and started off with a ton of weight watchers recipes and they were amazing. Very helpful too. I didn't mind any of it
Tess
Wow, this would be great to do. I try to do portion control as much as I can.
Annie
I am seriously 30 pounds overweight. THIRTY. That is like PREGNANCY FAT. This is such a thorough and excellent post, Jenn. I am like you and need that personaly reinforcement. If I don't have friends cheering me on 100% of the time I lose focus. (That's what happened last year. I gained 15 pounds after turning 30!!) This sounds like the perfect thing for me.
Veronica
Good luck with your weight loss goal. I have always thought that weight watchers is so much work counting calories, but it looks like a great program
Tiffany (A Mom's Take)
It's helpful that you can eat whatever you want on Weight Watchers. Everything in moderation. Best of luck to you in 2015 on your Weight Watcher's journey.
Amanda
My friend did weight watchers and was very successful. I was so happy for her!
[email protected]
So happy that you have found Weight Watchers works for you. Can't wait to see you when you have lost the weight. Although you look fabulous now.
christina aliperti
It's great that your coach was a restaurant reviewer. She probably really understands the temptations out there. I love that you don't deprive yourself of anything on WW.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy
I love the Weight Watchers program! I think it's important to be able to eat anything you want. I'm trying to get in shape too.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
A Weight Watchers Personal Coach sounds exactly like someone I need! My husband is the same way haha, he loves me no matter what but I'm like "Um.. thanks for NOT telling me I was gaining a little too much weight" haha
Marina a.k.a. E.B.Mommy
That's awesome that you can eat whatever you want! It's all about moderation. I've never tried weight watchers before, but I'm looking forward to following along with your journey!
Debbie L.
I am seriously thinking about joining weight watchers. The hospital I work at is offering meetings.
Chrysa
That is amazing that weight watchers now has coaches. I'm happy to hear you found one and can't wait to ready your progress.
Rosey
Ah Cuban breakfast, yum! That ice cold water next to your computer looks so inviting, makes me want to go make up one of my own.
Shannon Gosney
I've heard really great things about the Weight Watchers Program! I love that you can eat whatever you want. Best of luck to you girl!