Weight Watchers and Snack Girl: How Can I Help?

As a recent WW member, and year-long veteran of Snack Girl, I just wanted to say how much of a resource this and your other posts have been. You've inspired me to include Points Plus values on my own blog. Thanks for the support and information!

Stephanie G on September 10, 2013

I just want to say that I always wanted to join WW but I started loosing weight with the information I received at snack girl. So I want to say thank you for everything and keep up the good work!

Buffy Nelson on September 10, 2013

Used to do WW. Now I do MFP, free and works better!

Sherri on September 10, 2013

I decided that WW wasn't the right fit for me. I found I was eating too many processed foods with artificial sweeteners. I am carb-sensitive, so recently, I've been making efforts to eat whole, clean food options without calorie or counting. I may have given up WW, but I definitely look forward to my Snack Girl tips and recipes every day.

Nina Levetin on September 10, 2013

I do WW now and have for awhile. I love it. I need the accountability of paying for it and getting on that scale every week. I don't have to weigh in every week because I'm lifetime, but I do it to help me stay on track. WW is a business and they need something to measure by, which is why the scale is so important. But in my meeting, my leader doesn't concentrate on the scale number. She asks what we feel good about or what we struggle with. It's not always about the number (at least in my meeting).

Kelly Lynn on September 10, 2013

To Sherri, who commented above, what is MFP? I have done WW in past with much success but looking for something different this time to get my body back after baby #3.

Shelly on September 10, 2013

I tried WW in the past with no success...at 55 years old and heart disease in the family I knew if I wanted to watch my kids graduate or get married I'd better get serious! This time around, WOW...50 lbs gone in 7 months by following the program. It has been six months since I hit goal and I'm still 5 lbs under goal. Now I am even training to be a leader! And Snack-girl has been a great help along that journey. Thank you!

Kathy Rahorst on September 10, 2013

Stuck with it religiously for 7 days and walked each day. 1 lb! Not quitting but discouraged!

Vickisutton on September 10, 2013

I have been in Weight Watchers for 15 months, have lost 80 lbs. I am 62 years old. Just stick with it. I am close to goal, and will become a lifetime member. Snack girl just saved me from my egg white omelets by introducing me to baked oatmeal! Thanks, Snack Girl!

Susan B on September 10, 2013

I did a google search and I think MFP is "My Fitness Pal".

Sherril on September 10, 2013

I'm back to WW and on the program for just over 4 months. I complain and moan how long it is taking but I never could have lost the weight without it. Getting weighed is a big factor. I need the weekly goal and the accountability. At the same time I started a blog and a twitter account and that has been a lot of fun, at the very least a terrific distraction!

Andrea on September 10, 2013

To Vickisutton above, a healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week. When people talk of huge weight loss in a very short amount of time, chances are, it is not a healthy way to lose weight, nor will it be maintainable in most cases. WW is a good program, my only issue with it is the point system, it just adds another unnecessary element. I lost my weight just counting calories and keeping a log everyday. I did it for so long that now I can figure out roughly how many calories I am eating without having to write it down every time. Weight loss needs to be a change of habit for a lifetime (as encouraged by Snack Girl), not just long enough to get to your goal weight.

CJones on September 10, 2013

I liked the prior WW program but points plus has done nothing for me. My doctor told me that WW isn't a long term program for life. That hurt my feelings at first but now I see he is correct. I try to eat clean 80% of the time and use livestrong.com or mfp to keep track of my food. I also drink a gallon of water and work out.

Marie on September 10, 2013

As a lifetime WW member, it is still a struggle to continue to eat right and maintain a healthy weight. As mentioned above, many WW leaders emphasize feeling good, being fit, etc., but as Kelly mentioned, they do have to have a measurement. (Although I would stay away from the WW products for the most part - stick with the "simply filling"/green diamond foods.) Snack Girl, your recipes & hints are daily motivation. (although I can get the WW etools free now, I still haven't logged on - your daily email is simple & great.) I think the thing is to keep on top of it & make adjustments if your weight starts drifting upwards. It is far easier to lose 5 or 10 pounds, than 50 or 100.

Maria on September 10, 2013

I am Lifetime WW and like the program, but Snack Girl has made me much more aware of healthy eating. I struggle with the scale, and agree that weekly weighing can be counter productive. I really appreciate Snack Girl website, and the commitment to continue to educate regarding processed food and ingredient lists. Thank you more than you know!

Beverly Henderson on September 10, 2013

I did WW about 9 years ago. I lost 13 lbs in 3 months before getting pregnant. After that I have not had success but that is all me and nothing to do with WW. I now try to eat clean whole foods and keep my treats small.

Lourdes on September 10, 2013

I have wanted to join WW, but I just cannot justify spending the monthly fee on myself when I know my daughter or husband will need that money for something. I have been a very proud SG follower for nearly 2 years. You personally & even your readers have me taught me so much. Before Snack Girl came into my life I was a zombie walking down each aisle of the grocery store, falling for advertising gimmicks that promised whole grain or real fruit juice or no sugar added. But now because of you Snack Girl I am oh so aware of the ingredients in products & the games manufactures play to get our attention. You explain things so well and I am thankful for you. Maybe someday I will be able to talk myself into joining WW (I've wanted to for 3 yrs now) but I will ALWAYS follow Snack Girl. Thank you for being a wonderful voice and guide to be a healthy active mother & wife.

Jessica on September 10, 2013

I LOVE my fitness pal! It's a great tool for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Kristie on September 10, 2013

Thank you Snack Girl, I've been doing WW for 16 mos and have changed my lifestyle down 60 lbs. I refuse to say lost, cause that indicates a need to find again! I really love your website and use it daily. I've been aware of the quality of most store products, but you usually find new ones for me to watch out for. The one thing about WW I do not like, is their push to buy processed foods and artificial sugar subs. They have their own brand and are always giving out coupons for their items. When will people learn to get back to the basics, natural organic foods. I know it's expensive to do all organic, I can only afford a small amount but at least go for the whole food. Thank you for being here for US!!

Bonnie on September 10, 2013

Shelly, MFP is "My Fitness Pal" it's easy to use. I have down WW's and lost 25 lbs. notice the weigh creeping back on, so started again. The only problem I have with MFP is that it is calorie counting, and it seems that my points plus and calories are way off. Need to rethink my food!!

Karen on September 10, 2013

Thank You So much. This wil be extremely helpful !!!!

Lynn Pallozzi on September 10, 2013

Jessica - I know it can seem like a lot of money, but $40 per month is almost nothing compared to the medical bills for health problems related to being overweight. I am making the small investment now to WW so that I can avoid diabetes, heart disease, and hopefully avoid other weight related health problems. Your husband and daughter need you healthy more than they need your $40 per month. Give this to yourself. :)

Rachel on September 10, 2013

I've been doing WW with varying levels of commitment for a few years. I found that in order to consistently have a healthy diet (and lose weight as I result), I do better if I track and quantify what I eat. WW isn't the only way to do this, but I'm not interested in switching right now. I don't like the program's reliance on sugar free and fat free foods, which results in consuming a lot more processed foods and additives, so I turn to sites like Snack Girl to help round out my eating plan.

Laura on September 10, 2013

Snack Girl ideas are a great addition to WW. I first did WW a few years ago (successfully), but gradually gained weight again (it's just gonna happen if I'm not careful). I am successfully doing WW again on my own, and have stayed with the classic points instead of plus. Just using an app with both ways of measuring and it works and I don't have to learn to use a new method since the old one still works!

Val on September 10, 2013

I, too, have been on WW, on and off for the last few years. The meetings started digging into my finances, so I switched to online. I recently found a great app that you can get on your phone or tablet. Ultimate Value Diary (when you search it, it has a logo of a heart with a strawberry in it). I think the app may have been $3.99. It's an amazing food tracker, very similar to WW. Canceled my online subscription and now use the app along with the "free" content on WW website. Most members don't realize that pretty much all the content other than the tracker & challenges are available to anyone for free.

Maria on September 10, 2013

Thank you so much for sharing these recipes. I am a weight watcher member and am always on the hunt for new and tasty recipes.

Kathy on September 10, 2013

MFP is good, but the app I mentioned in my prior post, Ultimate Value Diary" counts points and was created as a WW compatible app. If you look it up online, there is a "try me" feature. Once I tried it, I was sold =)

Maria on September 10, 2013

Thank you so much Snack Girl!
I was an avid follower before I started WW and will continue with you forever. Although WW has some interesting posts and resources, your focus on real food, real life challenges, and your irrepressible sense of humor are all wildly appreciated ! Best thing about WW: online and phone app. Worst? processed foods. You have shown all of us there is a better way. Keep up the good work!

Regina mcnamara on September 10, 2013

I lost 30 lbs. on WW and have maintained it for a year. I only weigh in once a month but weigh myself at home every single day. WHY?. It keeps me on track. I do not eat the WW products but do follow Snack Girl's healthy ides and recipes.
WW is very big on exercising and they gear it toward the much younger crowd. That's ok, but us seniors get lost at the meetings that stress Active Link, back to school lunches, workplace eating, Halloween snacks, etc.

Fran ssteidel on September 10, 2013

I love WW. I'm a life-time member who is currently trying to get 15 lbs off! (Life happens sometimes!) I enjoy reading your blog and use it along with the WW program. WW is the only program I was able to stick with. It taught me how to eat all over again. I lost 75 lbs 3 years ago. Love it!

Amber on September 10, 2013

Hi All, I had struggled on the new program since it came out - Lifetime member since 2004. I recently started tracking on (july) My Fitness Pal (more accurate and an easy app to use. Plus you can track certain things in your diet you need to watch - like sodium) and went back to counting on the old program (I'm double tracking with MFP and on paper) and am finally back and under goal losing about 80. I went up and down gaining and losing the same 5-7 pounds on PP.
I love the meetings and go as often as I can for support - weekly if possible . I love your site snack girl because of your focus on clean eating. I have found that that aspect -- clean and unprocessed food -- is one of the keys to maintaining weight at least for me.
Thanks for all you do.

Kellie on September 10, 2013

WW states that a good weight loss is .5 - 2 lbs a week.
I've found by being on other message boards, that some people don't follow the program 100%..and that gives you less than 100% results.
You don't have to eat packaged foods on WW. You choose what foods you eat. If you eat 70 - 80% off of the Power Foods list, you will lose weight. If you exercise that helps too!
Some people are afraid to eat ANY of their weekly points or activity points. WW does stress that IF you don't eat any of them, you're going to have a hard time at maintenance. Everything that I have stated can be found either on the WW site or by asking your Leader at a meeting.

laurie89148 on September 10, 2013

I was afraid that I couldn't lose weight, then I went to WW and lost 10 pounds easily, I was pleased, but I put it on, I did that twice in a row and am now doing a modified WW on my own. I eat 4 meals a day of 10 points each and that works well for me. It's something I know I can do long term.

Susan on September 10, 2013

I am an avid WW'er. I too have problems with the over processed foods that are promoted with the program. I have to find a balance for myself. When I follow the program, I do really well. But, like all programs, you have to actually put forth the effort :). I love getting the Snack Girl emails. It definitely gives me ideas on how to make things at home that are healthy and tasty. Good luck to everyone!! I know it's a hard journey.

Lauren on September 10, 2013

I Am Happy That You Did This. Much Needed Organization Filled In.

RC on September 10, 2013

I used MFP and lost 30 lbs. Gained it back and I'm now using WW as a tool to aide my weight loss. I don't like all the processed food that WW encourages. IMO, WW can be very unhealthy. However, I find the points plus system easy to follow compared to counting calories on MFP. A 1 lb. or 2 lb. loss per week is long and tedious but absolutely the right way to go for a healthy lifestyle change.

Kelly White on September 10, 2013

I would be interested in knowing how the WW version of the Fit Bit works for people. I did the WW Points Plus about two years ago and lost about 20 pounds in 3-4 months. Then I slacked off. But I'm thinking of going back on to get healthier portions and more movement back into m life. And my knees will thank me for it.

Sue on September 10, 2013

DH and I just quit WW this week. We both did great with it in the beginning, but since the change a few years ago, where they increased to PP value of almost every food while pushing your daily points down, it hasn't worked for me. We switched to MFP, and it is a lot better - the food tracking and barcode scanner are 1000% better than the cruddy WW one.

LB on September 10, 2013

I'm not a WW participate, but I have been using My Fitness Pal to achieve weight-loss and I have found your site with portion and calories counts to be very helpful.

Sara on September 10, 2013

I"ve lost 20 lbs on WW in 13 weeks. I became life time in 1980 but quit following the plan. At 55 years of age, I decided I needed to get "with the program" and lose 60 lbs. I need boundaries and WW gives me that. I got to the point where I just didn't care anymore about my weight but that's a miserable way to live. There are so many confusing ways to eat and lose weight but WW is sensible to me. I never eat foods with sugar alternatives anyway so I avoid a lot of garbage foods. We are saving so much money by not eating fast foods and my daily candy bars and junk that my WW monthly fee is covered!! It's also motivation to get to lifetime so I can't quit paying. This first 20 lbs gone feels so amazing I can't wait to get to my goal. My goal also is to work for WW and encourage others. Cheers

Debbie on September 10, 2013

I've gone off and on and the WW program four or five times in as many years, and every single time I come back to it I kick myself for ever stopping. I started again at the end of April this year, and I've lost 26 pounds. I lost it in a healthy way, eating good food and limiting processed/boxed stuff, and just counting my points. I think the difference this time is that my head is in the right place... bringing me to my point-- You have to be in the right place mentally or no program/diet/meal plan will work long term. WW works for some, and other plans work for others. Sites like this one which factor in all approaches, are incredibly powerful resources that help us keep focused without having to feel we're in "food jail." I definitely appreciate all the wonderful options and healthy alternatives from this site. They definitely help me make more positive food choices without ever feeling like i'm in "food jail," until all the weight comes off.

Jordan on September 10, 2013

I started WW last year and it was the only way that I had tried to lose weight that worked for me. I have lost 37 pounds and kept it off. This month is actually my one year anniversary of being a lifetime member. I still weight in monthly to keep me honest and I track what I eat because I like being able to quantify things. I have more energy and feel better. While the ready made packaged WW items help me out in a pinch (they are better than fast food) I try not to rely on them. I really enjoy cooking and package my leftovers up after I eat and refrigerate or freeze them. Then if I need lunch to take to work or a quick dinner I have something that is home made. I also really enjoy cooking and am always looking for new recipes to try and new snack ideas. I found snack girl I think through another website with healthy recipes. I will also say, if you are looking to maintain or lose and have a sweet tooth a favorite snack of mine is frozen grapes. If there are good ones at the store or they are on sale I will portion them into baggies when I get home (it's just easier this way) and stick them in the freezer. Then when I need a healthy snack I just pull the baggie out and its quick!!

Sarah F on September 10, 2013

I was on WW 15 years ago & really liked it. I'm just wondering if it's the same idea as it was then, the website is quite general with their info. It used to come with a big book that listed all the foods & their points and you also got a paper slider thingy to work out points for any foods you had nutritional info for. At the beginning they would look over your personal info & then tell you how many points you should eat every day (and I think you could point save & add those to one of your days). Is it still the same kinda thing only way more internet involved? I currently use My Fitness Pal & it is amazing *and FREE* but am becoming a bit worried about all the calorie counting & find that while I'm making healthier choices I still end up obsessing over food...just the good kind :) Would like to take a bit of the thought process out of it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Tammy on September 10, 2013

Love your blog and have mentioned it a few times on the WW boards. I have been on WW forever, originally losing 12#'s in about a year, it just takes me forever. 2 years ago I had hip surgery and after I got back to walking more I have now gained 7#s over my goal. I eat clean and much prefer the Simply Filling/Core way of eating but will often keep track of points also just to see how they are for the day and to keep me in check. Exercise daily and avoid most processed foods but not a fanatic - I like the Popchips and some of the WW frozen bars. Other than those I avoid the things they sell at the meetings, seems they are just processed junk. Much prefer to eat real food. But you are right that we focus on the scale and it does get very frustrating, since I think I am doing what I can but rarely lose weight. Last week I suddenly lost 1.4# and was ecstatic.....but it does seem silly in a way. I do keep carrying on though and really am eating healthily (is that even a word?) Sorry for the rant but basically I like WW in that it can be a healthy way of living BUT I am frustrated at not losing. Your site is an affirmation of a good way to live and cook.

Sharon on September 10, 2013

I lost 50 pounds on WW 19 years ago. I'm still at goal and can't imagine how hard it would be to stay at goal without it. The world is a dangerous food place :) but WW shows me how to do it. Love them! and YOU!

Janet on September 10, 2013

I agree about the "emphasis on the scale" and threw mine out years ago. Now I enjoy eating whole, clean foods along with yummy dark chocolate and "watch" my weight by paying attention to how my clothes are fitting my body. I love your site for new food ideas and the nutritional information. Thank you!

Corinne Young on September 10, 2013

Yes ladies who asked, MFP is My Fitness Pal- a great app for your phone,or you can log on through computer. I use it and Endomondo for exercise which syncs with MFP. My user name is twinglemom if you join, send me a message!

Sherri on September 10, 2013

I know WW does work for a lot of people and I think that is great, but I can't see paying someone when I can put that money towards food that are good for me. I have found that eating healthy makes me feel better and realizing that eating bad food is not helping me feel better is enough. If you have to be disciplined on WW, why not put that focus on just eating clean.

Sue on September 10, 2013

Rachel-Thank you. You are completely right & make perfect sense. I have thought about it from that perspective many many times. But when push comes to shove there is always something that someone in my family needs that outshines my own personal needs. And poof that $40 I had set aside is gone. I do my very best to make wise decisions about food. I've realized my daughter is a sponge & picks up everything I do whether I realize it or not. Funny as it sounds a membership to WW is on my Santa wish list. I thank you again Rachel.

Jessica on September 10, 2013

I have used WW on and off over the last 7 years. It helped me get the pregnancy weight off after the birth of my 2 kids. I have been faithfully using the program (online only---works better for me) since March. I have lost 40 lbs. I stay busy with 2 kids under the age of 5, but I haven't follow any other structured exercise routine until this week. The online program works for me. I figure that if I am tempted to fudge things a little the only person I would be lying to is myself. So...what's the point? I'm not in a competition. I purchased one of the snack girl cookbooks for snack ideas. I have used the website a lot. Thank you for all your work. It has made my weight loss journey a lot smoother. Your recipes have made it easier to eat healthier meals. I used to have to do all the "calorie/fat reducing" on a recipe myself. Now I know I can use the recipes on your site for healthy meal modifications. Weight watchers has helped me make healthier food choices. It has also helped me with portion sizing. I really prefer to think of WW as a diet modification tool as opposed to a weight loss program. I intend to use it to help me make better choices long after I reach my goal weight.

Kat Summers on September 10, 2013

Hi Lisa, love your site and recipes. I am a WW Lifetime member and just want to say that the scale is just a tool, like serving size or nutritional info. All meant to help us reach our healthy goals.

Kathy on September 12, 2013

Snack Girl, thank you so much for the WW points plus values for your recipes! Your emails keep me motivated. I am a WW Lifetime member at goal since 2000. I weigh in once a month, attend weekly meetings and track on the mobile app. I don't use their products which are expensive and processed, but otherwise WW works for me. You have to stay on the program after reaching goal or the pounds will return!

Bridget on September 13, 2013

Joined WW 7 months ago with my husband, he is 71 and I am 66. He has lost 45 and I have lost 41, We are very grateful to this program and are very close to our goals. I discovered your site a couple of months ago and love it, thank you so much

Lois on September 14, 2013

I have been doing weight watchers and my mother-in-law just sent me a recipe of yours for the portabello spinach burgers. I am now going to keep up on this site and looking for new ideas.

I have been on WW previously and joined again about 9 weeks ago. I have lost almost 17 lbs. I am so glad I found your site.

Ruth on September 18, 2013

I lost 33 lbs this year following the weight watchers program on my own. I find the weight watcher cookbook and their magazines to be very helpful but I also really enjoy your site and have made many of the recipes you suggest, especially the treats. There are not many places to find treat recipes that have the weight watcher points calculated. I have recommended your site to a number of my friends as well, even the ones not dieting but looking for healthy, easy recipes. Keep up the good work.

Bonnie Bertelsen on September 25, 2013

I've just found this site and thank you for the MFP info. I've done WW for years but finally broke with them for two reasons: meetings frequently focus on food and ways to make "bad" food into "good" food...or low point....regardless of nutritional value--or lack of it--or if it is filled with chemicals and processing (ie: their cake recipes using diet soda). I would come out of meeting wanting to eat cake....even though I don't even like cake....because I'd just listened to a room full of people talking about it for 30 minutes. My second reason for leaving is the frequently repeated concept from members and leaders (and even in these responses) that "I'd never have lost weight without WW." That one messed with my mind. I lost over 50 pounds and felt trapped and frightened if I missed a meeting. It took me quite a few years to realize I was the one who lost the weight...my strength and my perseverance. I gave all that away to WW. Obviously I have some "issues" but then that is one reason I have an unhealthy relationship with food. If I was totally balanced and not compulsive in any way I would probably be healthy and slim. WW preys on and exploits those feelings of low self-worth in many of us who have an unbalanced view of food and its role in our lives.

Kim on April 9, 2014

LOVE Weight Watchers - I have lost 18 pounds since March 6th. It's easy (love the app) and I can eat whatever I want as long as I account for it. I do meetings at work and find it's easier to be accountable while stepping on the scale in front of the leader. (Who is extremely positive!) With fruits and veggies being zero points, I am not eating nearly as many processed foods as I used to.

Julie on April 29, 2014

I joined WW 1 month ago and have lost 12 lbs so far with Simple Start. I love this new program with whole, clean foods. Thanks for your ideas on your website.

Terri on June 12, 2014

Love this site. I am on weight watchers simply filling program and I get alot out of your recepies, thank you.

Laura on September 4, 2014

I am not sure I ever told you I was a WW......I have used you for years now..I prefer your recipes and your extra cuteness I use for sugar..LOL...Thank you so much always being there to help in any way,,,
Love the new ice cream recipes- do it yourself...Ice cream is my downfall and these really work- keeping me in check....Appreciate it snack girl..XOXOXOXOXOXOX Lois

Lois Valentino on January 21, 2016