Simple Start To Losing Weight

One thing I love about a new year is the feeling of a fresh start, a clean slate. I know I can do that easily each day, but I feel like a new year gives me the chance to step back and look at the big picture and plan from there.

One of my goals for this year is to go to Weight Watchers for free. I've been paying my monthly dues for awhile now and haven't reached my weight loss goal. I'm dedicated for a few weeks, and then I stop being dedicated and gain back what I've lost. It's annoying, and it's my own fault. My weight is a life long battle, and it's kind of stupid to be tangled up in something so ridiculous for so long. Know what I mean? I think last year I gave myself a reprieve after an extremely difficult 2012, but looking back, I pretty much wasted 2013 in terms of getting myself back on track. So, I'm ready to buck up and do this thing...not because it's a new year, not because it's "resolution time," but because I'm continuing the process of what I already started about three months ago. I'm already down several pounds, and I'm working on keeping the number going downwards.

One of the things I love about doing Weight Watchers is there are no restrictions on food, literally. I saw a commercial for another weight loss service on TV and the host said, "Can you have mac and cheese? Ummm...nooooo...of course not, but you can have [this weight loss system's] version and it's good!" With Weight Watchers, I can have the real mac and cheese because it teaches me how to account for indulgences. When I first started with the program, I was a little confused by the points and just wished they had a program that I could follow with recipes to get me going. I'm so excited they've now released a version of the program called Simple Start, complete with recipes.

It's a two week program with an emphasis on what Weight Watchers calls "Power Foods": lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free dairy and dairy substitutes. It's truly a no-brainer way to lose weight for those who are just starting out. It's also a great shot in the arm for those of us who have been doing the program for awhile. As long as you eat Power Foods until you are satisfied, there's no need to count. There are also 7 extra "indulgence" points for items that aren't power foods, like chips, jam, butter, ice cream, etc.

Simple Start has some seriously easy, no-brainer, meal ideas, plus ideas on how to create your own meals. There's also a Simple Start app for the iPhone and Android, so you can easily access the recipes. It really takes the guess work out of what to eat. Since I'm still not doing a lot of gluten or dairy, I'll just follow the alternative ideas the guide provides.

So why am I telling you all of this? Because I've been there. I remember what it was like to start losing weight. It should be easy - "eat less and move more" - but for those of us who battle weight, it feels complicated. I've had great success with Weight Watchers (when I follow the program!) and I love that they've made it even easier for someone to get a jump start on life change. If that's where you are, I just wanted you to know there's something out there that can help you get the ball rolling.

Here's to a great 2014!

Erin


(PS - really, Weight Watchers isn't paying me to talk about them. Everything I said, I said for free and on my own. I'm a middle child like that.)