Do This: Weight Watchers

(I mean, do this if you want to lose weight.  I'm not saying you should.  You look great!)

In 1997, I graduated from college and moved back home with my parents while looking for a job.  At some point during this, I went to the doctor for a yearly check up.  Like most check ups, they weighed me.  What I saw on the scale was the biggest number I've ever seen on a scale.  At that point, I did the most logical thing, which was ask for another scale, as clearly that one was wrong.  Unfortunately, the second scale had the same number as the original scale.

I came home determined to do something about the fact that I had apparently gained some weight in college.  I first called Jenny Craig, mostly because I had memorized their catchy number thanks to their commercials ("Call 1-800-97-Jenny!")  The conversation went like this:

Jenny:  "Hello, thanks for calling Jenny Craig!  How can I help you?"

Me:  "I'm fat. Help me."

Jenny:  Silence

Me:  "Are you there?"

Jenny:  "I'm sorry, I've just never had anyone say that before."

Me:  "Huh.  Well, what do I need to do to lose weight?"

So I went to a Jenny Craig center where I discovered I would have to buy their food.  That seemed like a real drag, never eating real food again.  So I looked into Weight Watchers, where coincidentally my mother's friend had lost 115 lbs.  There was a meeting in my small hometown, and I started going, joining my 4th grade teacher there, which was weird for me.  The cost was significantly cheaper, just  $12 or so a week.

I lost 30 lbs on Weight Watchers and became a lifetime member.  I've returned a few times over the years (the weight I had brought myself to was not sustainable once I began working out seriously and I set a new goal weight) and after I had each of my babies (they have a program for nursing mommies).   It's not easy and it's not rocket science (eat less in reasonable portions and exercise) but it works.  I recently returned to my pre-baby weight using the new PointsPlus program (just like Jennifer Hudson!) and am excited to have all my old clothes back to me, though I don't want to wear most of them and need new ones of course.  I don't go to meetings (no time!) but do the program using the online tools and iPhone app.   I'm not at my goal weight yet, but am excited about the progress I've had.

I've been very impressed with the way the program has evolved over the years, and can't recommend it enough if you are interesting in losing weight.