Weight Watchers overhauled their diet plan system in 2010, so I technically embarked on the old system when I did it in 2009. Under the old plan, ” you could use your points anyway you like. But we now know if you use your points wisely by eating foods rich in protein and fiber — these foods fill you up, keep hunger at bay, and help you lose weight in a healthier and more nutritious way,” Kovach says WebMD.

Weight Watchers has been around for over 40 years and they have continued to revamp their company and their system. I have to admit that the current plan, Weight Watchers 360, looks pretty darn sexy and appealing. Furthermore, Weight Watchers is one of the most recognized companies when it comes to weight loss, so they are clearly doing something right and helping people sustain smart weight loss the right way.

I decided to give it a try in 2009, after the birth of my first child. After the first few months after having a baby, the pounds just melted off. About six months post baby,  I still  had about 20 pounds I wanted to lose and joined with a friend. It seemed expensive to me at the time and the time to attend meetings and travel to a meeting really irritated me. Counting points and thinking and trying to figure out points of food I was eating was time consuming and I did not enjoy it. I often found myself saving up points for later and then eating wayu too much at the end of day because I would be so hungry. I stuck with the program for 6 months. About 2 months into the program, I stopped attending meetings and would walk by the meeting location and keep going- I figured that instead of talking about it, I would get out there and just do it. I stuck with the plan for 6 months and abandoned the plan right before Christmas.

1. Why didn’t I stick to the program?

Since hindsight is 20/20, I can honestly say now that the support groups and number counting was too time consuming (for me). I know that having a support system can be critical to helping one lose weight, but my time and money would have been better spent in a group spin class/kick boxing class/ in a running group or with a personal trainer. Talking about food only made me hungrier. The second aspect was lack of sleep. Being a new mommy and spending lots of nights awake with a hungry baby wrecked havoc on my metabolism and I didn’t realize it at the time.

2. Who would I recommend Weight Watchers to? 

Weight Watchers is an awesome program with an excellent support system, it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I would recommend Weight Watchers to anyone who enjoys being in a social support group, to anyone who feels like they have a lot to learn about nutrition and portion control, and to anyone who feels overwhelmed by the daunting goal ahead of them.

I would also suggest the program to anyone who is tired of their current plan. Sometimes we just need to change things up a bit. My taste buds enjoy variety and there are only so many chocolate protein drinks I can consume. Plus, some restaurants have Weight Watcher icons on their menu. When I see those, I know that particular dish is healthier and can opt for that dish and not feel guilty.