Finding the right plan has been life changing for me (WW vs. CICO)

I’ve always been a Weight Watchers girl… meaning for the past 15 years, i’ve been on the program probably 5 or 6 times. It always goes the same… I stay on for about 4-6 months, lose a good 40ish lbs, and then fall off and gain all the weight plus more back. I initially chose WW because of the advertising and community when I was young, and then it just became my choice because it was easy: I knew the program well, the points of my regular foods, the routines, etc.

After losing 42lbs in 2020 with WW and then gaining it all back plus an extra 8lbs yet again, I finally decided enough is enough. somethings not clicking for me. I did some heavy research into weight loss programs, diets, etc. and realized that if I wanted to make this a permanent change I needed to get down to the basics of weight loss. I decided to try CICO. Counting calories has always scared me because everyone tells you that it’ll lead to an ED and it’s dangerous and stuff like that (how did I not realize that WW is basically the same thing??? lol).

The difference I am experiencing coming from WW is indescribable. I can’t believe I spent 15 years doing this. Here’s the thing about me that I’m only learning right now: I don’t eat a ton, but I don’t eat the best. On WW, this is a death sentence. Their points system is set to push you towards healthier choices, and makes unhealthy choices so incredibly high in points that they basically become completely impossible to fit into your day. You have weeklies so you can fit in a treat once a week. Well you know what? Life is short and I want a treat every day.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the biggest changes I’ve noticed:

• I am eating way more than I was on WW, and i’m still in my caloric deficit and losing weight. I can only imagine how little calories I was eating before. I never really took advantage of the ‘0 point foods’ (fruits and veggies on my plan), and since they’re accounted for in your daily allowance I realize now that I was definitely under-eating. This is on me - i’m allergic to almost all fruit and i’m just never going to be the type to grab baby carrots and spinach when i’m hungry after work

• i’m losing weight slower. I was losing maybe 2lbs a week on WW on average. I’ve been doing CICO for just over one month and i’ve lost 6lbs

• I am eating foods that I LOVE that were on my “no” list on WW: milk, avocado, cheese, nuts. Ever tried to eat these on WW before? LOL. sure you can have half an avocado, but it’ll be your entire lunch

• I no longer have a “no” list of foods. nothings off limits

• WW is supposed to teach you portion sizes and control, but honestly my portion sizes were skewed. I would have 6oz of chicken for dinner, or 3 eggs, or a HUGE chunk of ham because it was low points. Counting calories has really given me a reality check on this

• healthy fats can really fill you up! I’ve always been told “protein, protein, protein” but now that i’m eating avocado cheese and nuts again, WOW they fill me up good

• I can actually eat out, and not get panicky about it. today I went hiking with a friend and after we went to get starbucks. My coffee was 150cals, no big deal. On WW it’s 10 points. I would never even consider using 1/3 of my daily allowance on a COFFEE before. I would have gotten a sugar free iced tea that truly tastes like nothing in a cup for $5 and been sad about it. I worked really late the other night, and a coworker asked if I wanted to grab mcdonald’s since we hadn’t eaten. My 600cal on plan meal would have been 30+ points on WW.

I guess my point is, I feel like this is actually sustainable and I can actually live my life like this. I don’t need to say no all the time or feel left out or have insatiable cravings.

I’m not trying to bash WW because I know it works amazing for some people. It is a good program for lots of people, and the community is honestly amazing. If you’re trying to eat healthier in addition to losing weight, then maybe it’s for you. But eating healthier and losing weight don’t always go hand in hand. I guess my point of this post is just to please please research all of your options and know the differences before you pick a weight loss method. I wish I had. Everyone’s body is different, we all eat different, we all need different things. don’t be afraid to switch up what isn’t working and try something new. you don’t have to stick to one method forever.

This is the first time in 15 years that I don’t feel like i’m on a diet, and i’ve lost 6lbs! I have a long way to go still, but i’m feeling really good with this change.

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28F Looking for a weight loss buddy!

Hai everybodyyyy. I'm a 28F from California who is a semi-new mom. I have a 2 yr old son. I've been struggling with my weight since I gave birth and I'm tired of being FAAAAT. None of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit and this is really damaging my self-esteem and definitely my health. I would like to have a weight loss partner who would like to work out together on Discord. I'm thinking about doing some Chloe Ting's programs as well as Blogilates. I would prefer someone who is also a mom since they can be more understanding if my son interrupts our workout 😅 (if that gets to happen). You're more than welcomed to msg me. Let me know! Looking forward to finding a partner!

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Advice needed

Hi all, i am a 24 yr old F and I need some advice from all of you lovely folks. I currently weigh over 400 pounds and i honestly don’t know where to start when it comes to exercising. Everything hurts from walking to stairs and the only thing I enjoyed is swimming but due to the pandemic public pools are closed. Just started eating healthy the past week and i have high hopes because this time I’m doing it for my health as before it was for vanity/fitting in reasons. I know that i didn’t reach this point overnight so I’m aware this will take a long time to reverse. I would love any advice on calories, weight loss, healthy eating and most importantly exercise. I want to love exercising instead of it feeling like a punishment 😭. My goal is to go to the gym after atleast 2 months of consistent healthy eating/calorie tracking. Is there any at home exercises that are easy on the body? Everyone here is doing an amazing job btw and it’s so inspiring! I would love to have an accountability buddy on here as well if anyone is down. thank you for ur time!

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Gained 5 pounds in my sleep, feeling like I’m spinning in circles.

F19, 5’4 SW:260 CW:241.9 GW:170

I’ve been on my weight loss/health journey (for the 4th time) for roughly two months now. I have lost 19 pounds, and really feel better. I exercise 5+ times a week, i stopped eating meat and am really conscious about what I eat snd counting calories.

Last night after my workout and dinner, the scale said 241.9. This morning, after my bm and my workout, the scale said 246.

I know realistically it’s nothing but it is just so frustrating. I was excited to be 241. That would be the smallest I’ve been since 8th grade.

Can someone explain why this happens? I just don’t understand it and it makes me feel like I’m stuck in this cycle of 5 pounds

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I went over my calorie budget last night

Every time I’ve tried to consistently log calories for weight loss I stop on days I go over because I’m ashamed that I don’t have more self control. This time I logged my “bad” day in its entirety. I was 890 calories over budget, and seeing that number made me hold myself accountable in a way I never have before. In the past I would binge after one bad day and justify that binge by telling myself “you’re a lost cause anyway.” But today I’m jumping back on the horse, getting back into my routine and I’m so proud of myself for that. I know this isn’t the kind of accomplishment you expect to see, and it feels kind of backwards to be proud of myself for this but I know it means I’m heading in the right direction.

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Plateau issue solved —Am I starving myself?

I have been sticking to 1,600 calories since Monday. Last week I did fine but went over a bit from 1,700-1,800.

Everywhere I read says my body might be in starvation mode while I’ve been in a plateau for 2 months now. So I moved it up to 1,700 for the rest of this week and I hope they will help! I will try it for 14 days then maybe bump it to 1,800 if that doesn’t work.

You are supposed to cut calories down from 500 but it is obviously not working. I was 270 at the beginning of May and now I’m at 282.2, Basically back to where I started last year. I was 284-286 for a while and finally broke that a bit. So I guess I’m doing something right? That is 4 lbs down in a month after all. If whenever I feel I am hungry I will up my calories a little to take care of myself. Usually when I’m in a bad place mentally I will go for days without eating or drinking and starving myself slowly. But this time I am doing better than ever before and it’s time to focus on myself this summer. Even if I don’t lose a lot like I used to I’m still doing my best. I was losing 3 lbs a week so I know now that is too fast.

I will get back to the gym soon, So that should help with burning extra calories. I was doing good with walking and will get to it soon, I just didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. Maybe I’ll go today though, I lose weight the fastest when I walk more than 3 miles!! So obviously I need to keep doing this daily. I am hoping all this will finally break my plateau/slow weight loss soon. I really need to lose over 100 lbs.

My goal is to lose 20 lbs by September. Then hopefully another 20 before the year ends because I can’t believe how slow it is this year when I had such high hopes of losing fast.

Also- I lose weight faster when I weight train, So when I hit the gym I will do 45 Minute weights + 30 Minutes cardio on the bike.

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11 Hydrating Foods for Warm Weather Activities

It’s hot! Which means it’s easier than ever to get dehydrated. That can have consequences for your health and for your enjoyment of summer activities—exercising while dehydrated can result in dizziness and cramps, so it’s important to load up on hydrating foods. It can also effect your performance while you move: According to Human Kinetics, if you’re dehydrated as little as five percent, your workout’s “power output” can be reduced by 30 percent.

Staying hydrated can mean not just that your active summer activities are more fun, but also that your weight loss plan is more effective. One study published in the The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism found that when dieters drank two liters of water per day, they burned 400 extra calories each day—even if they didn’t change anything else. For men in the same study, those extra calories were specifically burned from belly fat.

You don’t have to actually drink a full two-liter to stay hydrated, though: You can get the water your body needs to function properly through hydrating foods. And, according to Science Daily, it can help you eat more while you lose: Scientists found that when people ate water-rich foods, they ate fewer calories without reducing the overall sizes of their meals.

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Here are 11 hydrating foods for warm weather activities:

1. Strawberries

Water content: 90%

One 50-calorie cup of strawberries can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk for diseases including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They also raise your risk of having a totally delicious summer. Try blitzing them into this Strawberry Mint Smoothie >, mixing them into Strawberry Popsicles >, or using them to top a refreshing Summer Salad >

2. Pineapple

Water content: 86%

Pineapple’s sweetness is suprisingly low-calorie: One cup has just 82 calories. But those 82 deliver 100 percent of your daily Vitamin C, as well as bromelain, an enzyme that can help you digest your meals more easily. Enjoy fresh rings or chunks, or for a sweet, refreshing treat that’s like a time-traveling trip back to childhood, try this simple, two-ingredient Pineapple Whip recipe >

3. Cucumbers

Water content: 95%

Cucumbers are one of the lowest-calorie foods you can find—clocking in at just 8 calories per cup. But low-calorie does not mean they’re low on flavor: Cukes are the ultimate way to deliver a refreshing, hydrating flavor to your barbecue guests. Whether it’s mixed into this Zesty Cucumber and Dill Salad >, whipped into this Greek-inspired 5-ingredient Cucumber Dill Dip >, or as the surprising base for a cucumber cup appetizer, you’ll be keeping your guests—and yourself—hydrated, full and satisfied.

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4. Skim Milk

Water content: 91%

When it’s skim, it’s almost all water. For non-dieting milk lovers, that can be a turnoff. But in the heat of summer, it makes skim a great, hydrating way to enjoy 9 grams of protein per cup when making a refreshing, cool-down smoothie— like this frothy, icy Lemon Cooler shake >. It’s summer perfection!

5. Zucchini

Water content: 94%

If you’re already a “zoodle” lover, this one’s a slam dunk. But for the uninitiated, here’s a crash course: By using a spiralizer, you can turn zucchini into “noodles” that freshen up vegetable dishes with a pasta-like eating experience that you’ll love. The great news for summer: Zoodles don’t have to be cooked! In a recipe like these Vegetarian Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles >, you can let the sauce warm up the raw zoodles to get the most hydration from the veggies with the least amount of labor—perfect for a quick summer dinner.

6. Oranges

Water content: 87%

There’s a reason these slices are on the sideline of every soccer game at the half: Oranges keep are a top pick for hydrating foods! But they also bring other nutrients along—like potassium, one of the electrolytes that’s lost when you sweat. So have your own slices on hand, or go for a more grown-up taste this summer: This 101-calorie Orange Carrot Ginger Smoothie > is a sweet, vitamin-rich, and refreshing glass that’s perfect for breakfast or for a late day snack on any hot day.

7. Celery

Water content: 95%

Here’s another potassium powerhouse: One cup of chopped celery has the same amount of the heart-healthy nutrient that you’d get from half a banana—but for just 14 tiny calories. But those little cals help beef up your favorite cool summer salads, from pasta dishes to chicken salad. Here’s a new favorite: Chop some celery to combine with another water-rich summer staple—watermelon—for this surprising, sweet and protein-packed Watermelon Chicken Salad > Sounds weird, tastes amazing!

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8. Tomatoes

Water content: 94%

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in tomatoes, may help lower your risk of stroke and certain cancers, according to Science Daily. And the redder your tomatoes are, the more lycopene they have—meaning summer is the healthiest time to eat ‘em. One surprising way to change up your tomato game: Add asparagus to the traditional Caprese Salad > for a fresh taste that feels luxurious—and adds a satisfying crunch to this staple summer side.

9. Edamame

Water content: 72%

This one’s surprising: With such a meaty texture, edamame doesn’t seem watery. But it’s got that hydration, and much more: like 18.46 grams of belly-filling, muscle-building protein per cup, and more potassium than you’ll get from two whole bananas. That’s good news in the heat, since eating more potassium can help reduce blood pressure risk, as well as your risk of stroke, according to the National Federation of Professional Trainers.

10. Carrots

Water content: 88%

Spending a few minutes turning a bag of raw carrots into pre-portioned, snack-ready containers or bags won’t just give you a low-calorie, high-fiber, water-rich source of food for when you get peckish. The act of cutting those carrots may also help you eat healthier overall: Those were the findings of one study, where more time spend on food prep was associated with healthier eating habits—and, as a bonus, with saving money on food. So you’ll be hydrated, feel full, and have fat where you want it—in your wallet.

11. Blueberries

Water content: 84%

What says summer like a cup of sweet, ripe blueberries (one of our favorite hydrating foods)? And they’re not just super good, but a superfood: Blueberries reduce the risk of heart attack in women by 33 percent, improve your memory, and can help widen your arteries so blood flows smoother. Have them fresh, or enjoy your blues in the smoothest way possible: As part of this super-simple, 5-ingredient homemade Blueberry Lemon Ice Cream Sundae >

*All water content percentages taken from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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