*At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WW weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). Heidi lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WeightWatchers.
As told to Katerina Gkionis
WW and I go way back: After my second child was born 16 years ago, I joined WW and was incredibly successful. Several years later I had defaulted to old habits, then returned to the program that worked. After reaching my goal, though, I thought I could maintain my weight loss on my own. With two kids and a full-time job, life got busy. I’d grab whatever food was in front of me, whether it was potato chips, candy, chocolate, or a burger and fries at the drive-thru. Over nine years, I gained 30 or 40 pounds and reached my heaviest weight ever.
I didn't realize just how much my body had changed until a shopping trip in March 2016. I needed swimsuits, dresses, and sleeveless tops for an upcoming cruise, but everything I tried on felt too snug or looked unflattering. I ended up buying the only items that fit out of necessity, not because I liked them. Days after our cruise ship arrived back home, I walked into a WW Studio.
A member again
I felt a sense of relief as I stood in line waiting to register for my third WW journey. I knew from experience that I’d lose weight if I tracked what I ate—and I was ready to commit for good. What’s more, having attended weekly WW Workshops in the past, I knew I’d leave feeling motivated.
In my absence, WW had developed an app with a barcode scanner, tons of recipes, and Connect, the members-only social network where people post about their progress on the program. I loved seeing then-and-now transformations of members around my age, many of whom were also working moms like me. Scrolling through members’ posts made me feel like I had the support of my Workshop group at my fingertips throughout the week.
And then there were the new ZeroPoint™ foods. Because I like to eat large quantities, I appreciated knowing I could have several servings of fruit or vegetables to save WeightWatchers for the rest of the day.
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Eating with intention
Although it isn’t typical, I lost six pounds* that first week. But as the weeks went on, I continued to experiment with different foods and habits. I found that swapping processed foods for fruits, vegetables, and grains, for instance, helped me stay full throughout the day. I also fought fast-food temptation on the go by keeping snacks, like small baggies of cashews or dates, in my car and made it a rule to keep a healthy stock of bananas in my fruit bowl.
Since I’m a teacher and weekdays can be hectic, I also started meal-prepping on weekends. I’d grocery shop every Saturday, and on Sundays I’d cook bean chili or Instant Pot® rice and beans to add to different meals throughout the week.
What Heidi ate then vs. now
| Then | Now | |
|---|---|---|
Breakfast | Shredded wheat cereal with milk | Overnight oats made with old-fashioned oats, almond milk, flaxseed, chia seeds, bananas, and blueberries |
Lunch | A frozen meal or sandwich, or a school lunch like pizza on Fridays | Turkey or three-bean chili, split pea soup, or rice and beans, and an apple |
Dinner | Tacos, meatloaf, pizza, or burgers | Black beans and brown rice with frozen mixed vegetables, or veggie tacos with black beans and sweet potatoes, lettuce, salsa, and avocado |
Snacks | Chips, ice cream, or cookies | Fruit, nuts, dates, oatmeal with fruit, or cashews |
Finding fitness
After about a month on WW, I’d conquered my biggest obstacle: defaulting to processed foods. Feeling like I could accomplish even more, I set my next goal: to ride beside my husband in the 50-mile bike ride he trained for every year.
With 12 months to prepare, I knew I’d be ready for the challenge. I bought a bike right away and started riding on a trail near our house three to four times each week. On days that I didn’t ride, I’d use the elliptical we had at home. Then, about 10 months later, we bought an at-home spin bike, and the virtual classes helped me get even stronger.
As the ride approached, I was nervous but excited: Having lost 40 pounds,* I had more energy and felt less tired than ever before. Gearing up on game day was exciting: For years, I’d sat on the sidelines while my husband rode with his friends. But pedaling through the miles myself, I found, was exhilarating. Although it wasn’t a race and I could've ridden at my own pace, I was able to keep up with the group. After crossing the finish line, I felt more confident than ever.
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Winning all around
Three years and over 50 lost pounds* later, my family booked another cruise. This time, I had no trouble finding clothes that fit and flattered my body. (Hello, sleeveless tops!)
On the cruise, I had way more fun getting dressed for dinner and sunbathing in my swimsuit, since I liked the way my body looked and felt. And because I’d grown used to paying attention to foods I ate and staying active, I didn’t even gain weight while I was away, transitioning right back into my regular routines when I returned. After 16 years on and off WW, I’ve found success beyond the scale. And let me tell you—it feels amazing!
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