Weight Watchers has helped me to adopt a healthier lifestyle. But I realized that’s not the whole picture. (Please excuse me while I go check to make sure I don’t have a fever, because I never thought I’d say that while in my right mind.) For the first time in my entire life, I can’t wait for my next endocrinologist appointment. Since stabilizing my basal rate, I’ve seen a huge change in my blood sugars - they’ve been great. In all, I’ve decreased my basal rates by at least 40 percent. I stuck with it though, and I slowly lowered the basal rates on my pump based on the pattern I was seeing in my blood sugars. I would plan my meals and exercise regime perfectly to fit my daily point allowance – and then my blood sugar would drop - throwing a wrench into my whole day and sabotaging my plan to be bikini-ready by June. The program has encouraged me to step up my exercise game - I’ve taken up distance running, and I’m up to six miles!Īll of these changes are great for my body, but for the first month I was on plan, I experienced a lot of low blood sugars. I’ve cut down on my carbohydrate intake and replaced that with a lot more fruits and vegetables. Based on my own experience, I think it’s especially important if you’re going to start Weight Watchers.īeing on the program, I’m eating a lot less than I used to. It encourages users to talk to their doctor prior to beginning any weight loss plan, which I think is a good idea for any diabetic looking to make big changes in their eating and exercising habits. Translation: It gives no special instruction for diabetics. The Weight Watchers website specifically states that it is not a medical organization and, therefore, cannot provide medical advice. Of course, as with most aspects of my life, my type 1 diabetes complicates things. I know that when given the choice between a five-point granola bar and an apple as an afternoon snack, I’m going to choose the apple because I can think of much more satisfying ways to use those extra five points at dinner. While no foods are off-limits here per-se, abiding by the parameters of the plan encourages you to make healthy eating choices for yourself. This means consuming the recommended amount of dairy, fruits and vegetables, healthy oils and water, taking a multi-vitamin, and exercising. You earn additional points by exercising that you can use (or not use) any way you choose.Įach day, users are encouraged to check off when they follow the “ Good Heath Guidelines” provided by Weight Watchers. In addition to your daily points, you are allowed 49 weekly bonus points that you can use however you want. Fresh fruits and most vegetables are assigned a value of zero points.
Based on your age, weight, height and gender, you’re assigned a daily “point” limit. Here’s how it works - every food has a point value that is based on carbohydrate, fiber, fat and protein content. If the weekly meeting model doesn’t work for you, the program can now be followed online and from a smart phone. Since then, the program has expanded across the globe. The Weight Watchers concept began in the 1960s, when founder Jean Nidetch began inviting friends to weekly meetings inside her New York City home to discuss the best methods to lose weight. News and World Report ranked it as one of the best diets out there. The fact that it’s so easy to follow is one reason that U.S. It’s helped me not only lose weight, but to manage my diabetes in a way I can see myself keeping up with for the next 30 years. Weight Watchers doesn’t leave room for those sorts of mind games.
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