How to Succeed With the Weight Watchers Program at Home

Weight Watchers was founded by American housewife Jean Nidetch in 1963 after she invited friends over to share her diet plan and tips. Weight Watchers is still considered one of the best weight loss programs on the market. There is "nothing one can complain about with Weight Watchers," according to the Best Diet For Me research analysts. Although there are many Weight Watchers meetings in most areas, there are plans available for those people who prefer the anonymity of following a program at home. It's also possible to find good peer support when using a plan at home.

Instructions

• 1

  You can join Weight Watchers online for instant access to interactive tools, video workouts and comprehensive information about which foods you need to eat. Weight Watchers is based on a "four pillars" approach to weight loss; this combines healthy eating habits, exercise, the right food choices and supportive environments. Join the online community immediately. Mutual support is key to successful weight-loss with this plan, and if you're not attending meetings in person, ensure you are in touch with other members online. Read other people's success stories to help motivate you in your own efforts.

• 2

  Familiarize yourself with the PointsPlus program. The original Weight Watchers points plan was updated in 2010 to allocate and count points differently. Originally foods had the same amount of points if they had the same calorific value. An apple, therefore, would have the same value as a handful of pretzels. The PointsPlus program now takes nutritional value into account instead of just calories.

• 3

  Keep a daily food journal. Do this either online through the Weight Watchers interactive food tracking facility or with a good old-fashioned pen and paper. A 2008 study reported in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine" states that individuals who keep a food diary can double their amount of weight loss in a managed program. It helps you become aware of what you're eating, how you're eating and why you're eating. The Weight Watchers site has a tracker tool to help you do this online and saves a list of your favorite foods to help make the tracking easier.

• 4

  Weigh yourself weekly. Don't be tempted to weigh yourself more frequently because weight fluctuates significantly from day to day. Set a realistic goal and expect to lose one to two pounds every week. The most reliable time of day to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning.

• 5

  Exercise regularly. Find your healthy weight range online at weightwatchers.com and take their quiz to find your fitness "personality." Incorporate exercise into every part of your life along with the regular routines, and take the stairs whenever you can or walk instead of driving.