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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,047
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I have used myfitnesspal for bulk/cut. I don't usually keep up with the daily counting otherwise.

You only get the 1200 recommendation if you choose the 2lb a week loss I think. I couldn't survive on 1200 calories a day, no way.

I sometimes log just to see what I end up with for the day, calorie wise, I tend to be on track most times. I'm a HUGE supporter of weight lifting/training. People don't really need to kill themselves with tons of cardio, which IMO that is what a lot of 'dieters' do. They think they need to go burn off tons a calories a day, they don't, IMO. Find a healthy level of calories that will allow a weight loss and pick a small deficit. Slow and steady wins the race.

Most everyone I know who went on a 'diet' and looked for quick results, it ended a couple ways.

They either lost a lot of weight quickly, but just as QUICKLY re-gained in and then some.

or

Lost a large amount of muscle mass and looked saggy with extra skin.

*edit, don't worry about the scale so much. Go by how your clothes fit or measure yourself once a month or so. You'll be surprised that if you focus on body re-composition you can lose a minimal amount of weight but be smaller.

New Member
Posts: 1
Registered: ‎07-15-2010

You are experiencing what Chris Powell calls "calorie confusion." It's great to watch calories but your body becomes smart and you don't lose as easily. If you eat the same number of calories every day, try throwing in a higher calorie day at least once a week. Keeps the body guessing. {#emotions_dlg.thumbup}

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,111
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Gazelle and Cranberries ~~ Yes, you're both right about muscle-strengthening exercises. I've been doing cardio, and that isn't doing it for me.

Luv2Smile ~~ I'll check into "calorie confusion." Heck...I'm just plain confused about weight loss! LOL!

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. ~~ Steve Maraboli
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,456
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I don't believe for a minute that WW doesn't work for some people. If you follow the program and attend meetings regularly there is no way you can not lose weight and/or keep it off.

I have not missed one meeting since Jan 9, 2013 and have dropped 73 lbs....still not at my goal but I WILL get there.

I suggest trying it again....if you are not happy with your group leader find another meeting until you find the "right fit".

I have weeks where I lose more than I thought I would, and I have weeks where I might gain a little (when I thought I should have lost). It's a daily journey.

I also believe a true weight gain/loss takes about 2 weeks to show on a scale.

Some form of exercise is important too.

Good luck with whatever works for you and don't give up hope.

"People with closed hearts will always feel as though they are at war with the world." ~My friend Nancy
Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,000
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Way to go, Lotus!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,111
Registered: ‎03-10-2010
On 2/26/2014 Lotus~ said:

I don't believe for a minute that WW doesn't work for some people. If you follow the program and attend meetings regularly there is no way you can not lose weight and/or keep it off.

I have not missed one meeting since Jan 9, 2013 and have dropped 73 lbs....still not at my goal but I WILL get there.

I suggest trying it again....if you are not happy with your group leader find another meeting until you find the "right fit".

I have weeks where I lose more than I thought I would, and I have weeks where I might gain a little (when I thought I should have lost). It's a daily journey.

I also believe a true weight gain/loss takes about 2 weeks to show on a scale.

Some form of exercise is important too.

Good luck with whatever works for you and don't give up hope.

I don't know about that. Everywhere you look around the internet, you find people complaining about the new Points Plus Weight Watchers. Everyone says that it doesn't work like some of the old plans did. I couldn't lose weight on Weight Watchers, and I didn't cheat. I've tried Weight Watchers three different times in the past few years. It doesn't work for me.

I just don't buy into this eating as much fruit as you want and not gaining weight. Fruit contains a lot of sugar. Excess sugar is stored as fat. I believe in the principle of the glycemic index, and Weight Watchers isn't into that at all.

As far as finding a new leader goes, can't do it in a small town. She controls all the small towns around me too. One meeting a week per town.

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. ~~ Steve Maraboli
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,456
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Hi Brink.....I probably should have been more specific.....I modify my WW Points Plus. I don't eat as much fruit as I want, but I basically have been doing the Simple Start since before it started. I'm very conscious of points, but I use them more of a guide than a rule.

I stay away from all white carbs and limit my daily fruit....and if I feel like eating 3 pieces of chicken, I do.

I find that going to the meetings inspires me to stay on track and have decided that it will continue to be a lifelong challenge for me. I never had a problem with my weight until about 17 years ago, (I'll be 61 soon) and I truly believe that if I want to continue to lose and then maintain, I will not be able to give up my meetings. I have a great group leader and a wonderful bunch of members at my meeting.

So perhaps you're right.....maybe WW doesn't work for everyone, but I think it's a pretty good outline to follow.

I'm a firm believer in "if it's working for you, then keep it up".

depglass....thanks very much. :-)

PS....Brink....I've spoken to members who are still using the old point system.....have you tried that? There are various online sites that you can find out the information.

I also have a few sites bookmarked that have some good ideas and recipes if you are interested.

"People with closed hearts will always feel as though they are at war with the world." ~My friend Nancy
Super Contributor
Posts: 270
Registered: ‎03-15-2010
I am a post menopausal, hypothyroid, 5'2" woman and I have eaten 1200 calories a day for the past 3 yrs. It allows me to maintain my weight. Losing weight is hard for me and if I eat more calories than 1200 consistently, I will gain weight. It may sound like a little bit to other people but I gain weight easily so this works for me.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,057
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

Totally, totally, understand and hear what you're saying. That's why I am continuing to read different ideas and ways to beat the monster. They all say fruit and veg's first. The body is readjusting all the time as to what we eat and burn whether we count it or not.

I've decided this is my life-hobby, since I have no answer. Got to WW goal before and I'm back at it, and the closer to goal, the harder.

I'm so amazed at the beautiful women who have a handle on the answer for their bodies. I continue to try, like I said, it's gonna be a life time job with me, I can see it now. I know I don't need much food, but no one told my stomach to not be hungry. It's a long battle. If you figure it out, fill us in.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

qualitygal: You are so correct about the different way all are saying "fruit & veg's first"! Even the hardcore Paleo or hardcore Vegan...fruit & vegetables are foundation of any healthy, sustainable way of eating. It makes me so, so, so sad when I see people limit fruits....they are Nature's treat for us....sweet, juicy, beautiful, hydrating, chock full of vitamins/minerals...why deny that pleasure? "Extra sugar" doesn't turn to fat...extra calories do. Extra sweetness will afford you the energy to move more. Rare that an athlete will fuel their workouts w/ meat only. Fruits & vegetables are the foundation. They are King.