by Ellen Mulholland

Created on: July 27, 2007

Any diet program can work for anyone. All it takes is commitment and a true desire to lose weight. Of all the diet programs out there, I'd rank Weight Watchers at the top. Three components make it user-friendly:

1. Ease of Use: you're give a book of foods assigned points. You easily calculate your daily point allotment, then track the foods you eat. Your goal each day is eat those points, only. (Each week, you get some extra points; but, honestly, if you want to lose weight, don't eat those extra 35.)

2. Community: Probably the most helpful component of Weight Watchers is the number of other weight watchers who surround you at every meeting. Though mostly women, I'd say men make up about 20% of each meeting. A leader shares an anecdote about her weight loss challenges and successes. Then, she guides you through a discussion or activity focused on becoming a smarter eater.

3. Motivation: Each week, you need to weigh in before a Weight Watchers employee. She records your weight loss, notes the total lost so far, and discusses any questions you have that week. Knowing someone else will see your progress each week can be quite motivating. At the meetings, they also acknowledge anyone who met a goal (stayed on the program for 16 weeks; lost their first 5 pounds; lost 10%; lost weight on vacation - whatever, the idea is to motivate and support you!)

In addition to the above three reasons why Weight Watchers is a successful program, there are other factors to keep in mind in any weight-loss program.

1. Diet with a friend: again, we're talking support and accountability. Besides, it just makes the whole process more fun!

2. Don't feel like you are on a diet: actually, Weight Watchers lets you eat anything (as long as it's in your points range). If it's your daughter's birthday tomorrow. Plan on eating less today and tomorrow, so that you can share in a small piece of cake with her. Imagine the picture you are painting for her - you can look good, feel good, and eat what you want (in moderation).

3. Move it, move it, move it: if you are not already exercising, start! Begin by walking on your lunch break. Move up to walking after work or dinner. Continue by joining a gym and starting with cardio - treadmills, bikes, ellipticals. Join a yoga or aerobics or salsa class. Keep it fun, but move it! You will feel better, and you will lose weight more safely. The longterm benefits exceed my word-limit here!

4. Drink water: start each morning with a warm glass of water to get your system moving. Bottle up enough water for your day, so it's always available. Drink half of your weight in ounces (if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz daily). Water counts in any non-caffeine product.

So, if you are committed and possess that desire, find a Weight Watchers program near you. Check it out with a friend. Give it three weeks at least. Hopefully, it will get you on the way to a healthier, happier you!

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