How To Do Weight Watchers for Free

Some of you may know that I used Weight Watchers® back in 2011 and lost 50 pounds. I've since gained it back, like many people do, and even tried their system 2 times since then with no luck. I just had trouble sticking with the plan and couldn't keep paying each month.

I am a full believer in doing what works. Weight Watchers® worked for me in the past and I'm sure it will work again.  However, I didn't want the added bill each month plus the start up costs.

So....I did a little searching online and found some nifty tools to allow me to follow what I learned from Weight Watchers® and do it on my own.

Daily Point Allowance
First, I had to figure out what my daily points would be based on my age, height and current weight.  That's when I discovered there are points calculators available online.

Here are a couple sites that offer points calculators.
http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/ww-allowance-calculator.html
http://gnomes22.tripod.com/dailypptarget.html
https://www.easycalculation.com/health/weight-watchers-points-plus.php

Points Calculator
Next, I needed to know the points value of the foods I would eat.  There are two ways to do this. One way is to search the web, your library or anywhere else you can for Weight Watchers® recipes. Believe me there are tons out there.

Here are a few of my favorites:
http://www.skinnytaste.com/
http://www.food.com/recipes/weight-watchers/?pn=2
http://www.skinnykitchen.com/

The second way works with pretty much anything that has a label. It's a points calculator. Here's two.
http://www.calculatorcat.com/free_calculators/weight_watchers_calculator.phtml
http://www.calculator.net/weight-watchers-points-calculator.html

Besides your daily points you are also allowed 49 points a week. Use a little each day or all at once on a splurge. That way you won't feel deprived which is why most people quit a diet. You can still have foods you love - just with moderation.

Tracking for Success
To be successful at losing weight you need to keep track of your points and what you eat. Here is an amazing spreadsheet (Open Office) that includes a calculator.
http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/weight-watchers-points-tracker.html

Here is a nice printable tracking form.
http://www.skinnymommyfitness.com/free-download-weight-watchers-points-plus-tracker/

* I am not affiliated with Weight Watchers or any of the linked websites.  Also, I am not a doctor or dietician, so be sure to consult your doctor before you start any diet or exercise program.