WeightWatchers
After trying countless diets, I've found that WeightWatchers is the one I keep coming back to, and to be fair, at WW they call it a lifestyle, not a diet. The point system they have created simplifies healthy eating. If you ARE eating from their Zero points food list, then you ARE eating healthy. If you ARE sticking to your personal allotted points in a day, then you are in a deficit and you WILL lose weight. It really is that simple.
The hard part comes on a day to day basis when life throws you food choices, because we all know how difficult it is to choose healthy foods ALL the time. This is why WW tops other programs for me, it is because of the community that goes with the apps, the tracking, the recipes, etc. It is the people I have met that are so inspiring and keep me going. My goal is to lose 100 lbs and that is not a linear process for me, it is literally up and down and often more up than down. Losing weight for me is a struggle I have had since I was in high school, so it is not going to come off quickly or easily, but it will come off with the right tools, mindset and habits. WW helps me with all of those things and so I keep going and keep trying. I hope you will follow my journey and share yours with me, so we can achieve our goals together.
My Go To Snacks
Kodiak Power Waffles
I make an entire box of waffles at one time and freeze them. I like to add eggs, vanilla, banana, cocoa powder or cinnamon to add extra flavour. Their website has many recipes which look yummy, but on WW I have to watch how much peanut butter, nuts or chocolate chips that I add. I also tend to eat these as a snack and avoid adding extra sugar. 1/2 cup of mix=4 WW points
Broghies
Looking for something with a crunch, that is not a carrot or celery (or potato chips). You can eat 2 of these for only 1 WW point. Eat with hummus or egg salad instead of bread or pita. I find these in the bakery section and more recently have found them in mini size as well.
Protein Drinks
I use this as a creamer for my coffee. I am not a fan of sucralose, which these do contain, however I only use 1/3 to 1/4 of a carton per coffee and the coffee is strong flavored, so I can't really taste it as much as I might normally. It is one of those things I choose to do because I like my coffee and the amount of sugar or creamer I want to put in adds to my WW points too much. 1 whole carton = 2 WW points
Collagen Powder
To add even more protein to my coffee and to help with my joints, I add a spoonful of collagen to my coffee. Make sure it is flavorless. It dissolves easily and is zero points on WW.
Sparkling Water
Sometimes I am not hungry, and actually thirsty. Water isn't always what I feel like, so sometimes a bit of sparkle can make all the difference. I sometimes add a shot of cranberry or orange juice as well (or even white wine to make a spritzer) Zero points on WW.
Crispy Mini Rice Cakes
I love chips, but whenever I eat chips I gain weight, or hold water or something. When I eat these, that doesn't seem to happen and I really like them. 8 chips=2 points OR the entire bag is 13 points (gee, I wonder why I know that?!)