Weight Watchers diet: a personal diary

Follow our writer as she takes up the Weight Watchers healthy-eating plan to reach her target weight!

Name: Linda Thompson
Starting weight: 13st 8lbs
Target weight: 11st 0lbs

I am known as a fashionista among my family and friends, but find it hard to keep up with trends, having gained two-and-a-half stone over the last two years, creeping up to a size 16. So I've finally decided that enough is enough - I need to do something about it!

Which is where Weight Watchers online comes in. Weight Watchers is a healthy-eating plan that involves counting Points®. Everything you eat has a Points® value associated with it. Depending on how much you weigh at the beginning of the plan, you are allocated a certain number of Points® to use daily - for example, my allowance is 22 Points®. The aim of the plan is to stick within your allocated Points® and reach your target weight quickly. I have decided to take up the Weight Watchers challenge, as what really appeals to me about this diet is that you can eat pretty much any food you want.

Online dieting is a totally different ball game. There are no meetings and no group leader to encourage you - basically, you're on your own! However, my busy schedule means I'm no longer able to make the weekly classes, so I welcome the convenience of the online strategy, although I think you have to be a self-motivated individual to diet this way!

So, being the self-motivated individual that I am, join me as I start my dieting journey...

Week one, Day one - Points® allocated: 22

I decided to go grocery shopping over the weekend to stock up on my healthy foods. Out went the burgers and chips and in came the salads and fruits... now that's commitment!
I tried to keep my Points® to a minimum today, but was starving by 7pm. I decided to go to bed early to stop me from munching unnecessarily.

Week one, Day four - Points® allocated: 22

Help! I've run out of recipe ideas! I know, I know, it's only been a couple of days, but I'm so used to the usual junk I shovel down my throat that when it comes to preparing a healthy meal option, I feel lost! I got to work and logged onto Weight Watchers immediately for some helpful tips on meals. I found some extremely useful hints and tips. Not all the meals are to my taste, but there is a huge variety to choose from, so there's something for everyone.
My hunger pangs aren't as severe as they were on day one. And two. I have to keep reminding myself that it will get better! I guess my body has to adjust from constantly eating an unhealthy diet. I went home with my printed recipe ideas and headed straight to the kitchen! I also decided to hike up my Points® intake. Out of the 22 Points® that I'm allowed a day, I have been trying to keep it to a minimum. That might be the reason I have been starving at night.

Total weight loss at end of week one: 4lbs

Week two, Day three - Points® allocated: 22

I woke up early to exercise as usual and left home with a spring in my step - still on a high from the previous day. I got to work early and logged on straight away to chart my success and gain further inspiration from the Weight Watchers site. My hunger pangs have now stopped completely which is definitely a good thing. Although I'm not using all of my 22 Points® on a daily basis, I haven't been craving more food. It also means that I can be less rigid on the weekends and allow myself a treat or two.

I went swimming after work too. I absolutely love swimming and 30 minutes of this helps me earn an extra four Points®. I swam for about 45 minutes. I only wish I could do this everyday but due to other commitments, it would be somewhat of a struggle. I am going to try and commit to going swimming at least once a week... anything to help me gain those ever so precious extra Points® and keep me fit.

Week two, Day five - Points® allocated: 22

Another early morning! I exercised first thing and drank my usual warm water and lemon juice. Apparently, this helps to clear your system of toxins and I can definitely vouch for that.
I got to work and had my usual breakfast of yoghurt and fruit. I had planned to make a recipe I had printed from the Weight Watchers site last night but was feeling too tired to go to the supermarket to purchase the ingredients. So instead of having a homemade lunch, I opted for a jacket potato with chilli con carne. It's filling, healthy and it tastes great.

I am going on holiday in December so have extra incentive to shift the pounds. I will be going to Ghana with my sisters (who are all extremely slim by the way). We haven't been back there for over 20 years so it would be nice for the family and friends I last saw over two decades ago to see the new slimline, healthy me.
I have been drinking plenty of water, eating healthily and exercising and I must say, I am definitely starting to see and feel the fruition of my hard work and dedication.

Total weight loss at end of week two: 4lbs

Week three, Day five - Points® allocated: 22

Things are definitely getting easier. I now know what foods I like that have low Point® content, although I sometimes feel I might possibly get tired of the same old meals day in, day out. I am though enjoying this healthy eating plan. I have also realised that portions form a major part. Instead of heaping my plate full of food, I now have smaller portions and have not been suffering as a result.
If things go as well as they have been doing, I might possibly be wearing the size 12 jeans that have been in my wardrobe for the past few years.

Total weight loss at end of week three: 4lbs

Week four, Day two - Points® allocated: 22

The dreaded day of truth - weigh-in day! I have started to feel quite apprehensive on Tuesday mornings lately. I arrived at my local Boots bright and early as I like to weigh myself before the store gets busy so that I don't have strangers peering over my shoulder trying to sneak a peak. To my surprise, I lost another four pounds this week! I wasn't expecting to lose so much, but I haven't been feeling too well. I got the dreaded bug that has been going around lately and have lost my appetite.

I logged on the Weight Watchers site to log my weight and was informed that my weight loss this week was slightly drastic. I totally agree! Four pounds in my fourth week is a lot to lose but it is purely down to this bug. Hopefully, I should be right as rain by the end of the week.

Week four, Day five - Points® allocated: 22

Went in to work today as I didn't feel too bad and because also, it is Friday! Besides, it stops me from stuffing my face at home. Even had enough energy to work out first thing this morning!
I must say, I do feel very proud of myself! I have lasted the pace even though it was tough at times! All in all, I have lost a total of 12lbs so far... that's nearly a stone! I am so determined to stay with Weight Watchers, as I know that with perseverance and determination, it really does work.

As you can see from my diary, I have eaten a varied diet through out the weeks. I have had moments when I have been very naughty and moments where I have been very restrained. That's exactly why I feel I will definitely reach my goal weight very soon, maybe in time for my holiday!

Total weight loss at end of week four: 4lbs

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