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.

Weight Watchers 360 Update

I just wanted to add an update about how I'm doing using Weight Watchers 360. I'm no longer on my trial, so this is on my own dime now.  To be honest, that works better for me because then I have something to lose if I don't actually lose weight. Namely there is money on the line. My money!

I'm going on month #4, but to tell you the truth I was having a really difficult time staying motivated.  Honestly I stopped using W.W. for a couple weeks and boy have I noticed it in my clothes. 

So....I back on Weight Watchers and with renewed enthusiasm.  It's really like when I started Weight Watchers back in 2010 when I lost 50+ pounds. I'm really ready to stick with this for the long haul.

This week I managed to lose 4 pounds this week.  I stayed within my points and even splurged (within my points of course).

I'm kinda strange maybe in that I love salads. I'm not a fan of the individual salad ingredients by themselves, but I really enjoy them all mixed together.  However, one thing I've noticed is when I eat more salads and greens the veins in my legs start to ache. See my family has a history of poor veins in our legs and blood clots.

Then it hit me.

My hubby is on a couple types of blood thinners (Warfarin/Coumadin and aspirin regime). One of the first things his doctor told him was that there are certain foods to avoid in large quantities.  Namely dark green leafy vegetables.

The problem with eating a bunch of these foods is they vitamin K and large quantities thicken your blood and potentially could cause blood clots. Which is probably what was happening with my legs.

There are other foods beside dark green leafy vegetables that thicken your blood, but when most people think of diets, salads are one of the first thing to pop in their head. It's especially tempting on  Weight Watchers because lettuce is 0 points.

Don't get me wrong I am not suggesting you avoid salads or greens, but the key is moderation.

If your goal is to lose weight it's really important to meet with your doctor and discuss your history and your plans for losing weight. 

Remember to shoot for a nice variety of foods to insure you get the right amount of vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy.  Eat all the colors of the rainbow.

Supporting Links
http://www.livestrong.com/article/537528-can-lettuce-thicken-your-blood/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/warfarin/AN00455
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Week #12 Weight Watchers Online 360

It is week #12 on Weight Watchers 360° and unfortunately I gained this week*. It wasn't much of a surprise to me because I was on vacation and pretty much ate whatever I wanted.  I'm not too worried though because I know now what to do to get the weight back off.

That's one thing I really like about Weight Watchers, it teaches you how to eat in the real world. I can eat whatever I have available - it's all about the portion sizes. Of course, I try to eat healthier foods because they do a better job of helping me feel full. I treat myself to a small treat everyday, so I don't feel like I'm dieting. Plus I have more energy so I can play more with my kids and have less aches and pains.

I only have one week left on my free trial and I plan to stay on it on my own. I do plan to lose about 50 more to be down to my ideal weight.

All in all I have to say if you are overweight, feel tired a lot and can't get motivated. Give Weight Watchers a try because I've noticed I feel more energetic and happier just from losing 10 pounds.

Sorry, not trying to sound like a commercial only sharing my personal experience. I would honestly recommend Weight Watchers and I plan to continue using their online program as I have in the past. I will post updates less frequently (probably monthly).


* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Week #11 on Weight Watchers 360

It is week #11 on Weight Watchers 360° and I lost another pound. Slow and steady is my motto.

With summer almost over many people will be taking one last vacation. But then I thought what would you do when you are away from home on Weight Watchers? Eating out in unusual places most of the time.

Staying in a Hotel
When staying in a hotel you don't have much choice in where you eat.  It's almost always out in a restaurant.  Here are a couple tips to help you stay on track.

• Special Order meals - for example asking for sauces on the side of your dish
• Fill up on fresh fruits
• Store perishable items in your sink full of ice from the ice machine.

Staying in a Rental Home
If you and your family are going to stay in a rental home you have a bit more options. You can shop at a local grocery store and prepare meals you are used to in a regular kitchen. You can choose to eat out if you wish or eat in if you choose.

No matter where you are staying on vacation stick with meals that you know are healthier, in general, to stay in line with your diet.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Week #10 Weight Watchers 360

It is week #10 on Weight Watchers 360° and I lost 1 pound, but again I lost inch-wise. This week I did not stick to my diet though. I went to a birthday party and out to dinner with family. Both times I splurged on yummy (totally bad for me) foods. Yet somehow I still lost 1 pound. Amazing!

While I understand that not sticking strictly to the diet will mean it takes longer to reach my goal weight, I also don't feel like I'm on a diet. I am learning to eat better more often and only splurging occasionally.

This week I wanted to talk about finding healthier versions of stuff my family really likes. I grew up eating home cooked, comfort type foods with a little bit of fast food mixed in, so those are the recipes I looked for.

Macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, ice cream, and more can fit into your healthy lifestyle with a few minor changes.  Portion control is a major part, but also the ingredients you choose are important too.

My major problem before starting this diet has been portion control. I could easily sit down and eat a huge bowl full of ice cream, 4-5 pieces of pizza or even a candy bar or two.  Now I purchase smaller single serving size ice cream and get to eat the whole thing. I also eat 1-2 pieces of pizza with a small salad and occasionally a candy bar - not everyday.

Here are some of my favorite places to find low-fat, low-calorie recipes.
AllRecipes.com
FoodNetwork.com
Cooks.com
BettyCrocker.com
SuperCook.com
WeightWatchers.com  (Paid Membership required)

Once you find a healthier version of your family's favorite foods it will be easier for you to stay on your diet or just to get everyone to eat better.

Short and sweet this week.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Week #9 on Weight Watchers 360

It is week #9 on Weight Watchers 360° and I lost 1.2 pounds. I had fun this week. I started exercising.

Since I started to exercise on a regular basis I've noticed I have lots more energy and a more positive attitude. Plus, I wanted everyone to realize that exercise can actually be fun. Really!

When most people think of exercise they automatically assume it means going to a gym. I want to mention a couple ways you can exercise that don't involve going to a gym. Hopefully you will find something that you enjoy.

Walking
This is the easiest, cheapest and most convenient way to exercise. There is no special equipment necessary - all you need are a pair of regular sneakers. It can be done almost anywhere anytime. Lots of people walk during their lunch break, first thing in the morning or after their dinner in the evening.

You can make it even more enjoyable by listening to a mp3 player with your favorite songs.  Just try picking songs that have a good beat to walk to.

Walking is also a great way to clear your head at the end of a long, stressful day. You can also make it a family event by taking the whole family along with you.

Video Games
There are loads of video games to choose from Just Dance, Dance Central, Wii Fit, AE Sports Active 2, Biggest Loser Workout, Zumba and more.  Depending on what you enjoy doing, sports, dance, yoga or old fashioned exercises, there are a couple games to chose from for each gaming system.

These are great for the person who do not want to exercise in front of others or cannot get out for whatever reason (ex. caring for kids, no vehicle).

My absolute favorite is Just Dance 4. My daughter and I compete to see who can get the highest score. I also like Wii Fit Plus' yoga, snowball game, rhythm parade, and ski jump.


Swimming
This is probably the easiest activity if you are concerned about your joints. If you have a pool at home or a community pool this is a great option. However, you will need to find another exercise for winter months if your pool is outside.


Dancing
This is my favorite type of exercise. Simply turn on your favorite type of music and start moving. If you start to get tired switch to marching in place or stepping side to side. Get that heart pumping.

Basically find an exercise you like and then do it everyday. Shoot for 30 minutes or more each day. Work up to it if you have to. You should start to feel more energetic in no time and of course you can track your activity points on Weight Watchers Online.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
 

Week #8 Weight Watchers 360

It is week #8 on Weight Watchers 360° and I didn't lose any pounds, but I've lost a few inches. I'm a little disappointed because I stayed within my points and still didn't lose any pounds, but inches will do.

I've been more committed than ever to losing weight. I love that my smaller clothes are starting to fit and my stomach is getting flatter. It's really exciting.

This week I wanted to warn against drinking a bunch of extra calories. It seems even the beer companies are getting in on the low calorie craze with their 64 calorie beer commercials. They are right - you don't want to waste all those calories on a drink - do you???

You may be surprised to see how much sugar is in your drink.  By the way, this would make a great science project. Here are a couple examples.

Vitamin Water (20 oz bottle)   8 tsp
100% Apple Juice (10 oz)   10 tsp
Coca Cola (12 oz can)   10 tsp
Snapple Lemon Ice Tea (11.5 oz)   10 tsp
Mountain Dew (12 ounce can)   11.5 tsp
Monster (12 oz)   13 tsp
Welch's Grape Juice (10 oz)   15 tsp

Reduce flavored drinks and stick with regular plain tap water most of the time. Save your calories for something nutritious, filling and tasty too.


* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
 

Week #7 on Weight Watchers 360

Well this week on Weight Watchers 360°  I managed to lose 4 1/2 pounds. I found some low point value foods I really like.  Basically, I made the system work for me, so I get to eat foods I like and still stay within my point limit. It's easier to stick with it when you like the foods and you don't feel like your missing out on what you love.

One thing I found that I really, really like is scrambled egg whites. Then I add 2 tablespoons of salsa and mix it all up. For a total of 1 point. Awesome!!!  This coming from the person who really doesn't like "diet" food.  I admit it - I'm a fast food lover.

I don't eat out at fast food restaurants a lot, anymore. However, I lost 60+ pounds on Weight Watchers a couple years ago and I ate out every weekday. It was easy because I worked odd hours, had little time, and all the food's point values were listed online.

I'm not, by any means, suggesting you eat out every day to lose weight. I'm only saying you can lose weight even if you need to eat out occasionally. The key is to find healthy choices. A regular hamburger and side salad are usually my meal of choice because I love burgers.

I've only found a couple occasions where the information wasn't listed in Weight Watcher's food point tracking system. It was smaller restaurants, homemade foods, and restaurants having new menus. At which point I entered the restaurant and meal and "nutritional info" into Google.com. There are lots of sites online that list all the nutritional information that you want.

Once you get the nutritional information, take that back to Weight Watchers online tracking and enter it to find the points value.

I'm almost down 10 pounds and am totally psyched! My clothes are getting loose and my stomach is getting flatter. LOVING this!!!

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
 

Week #6 Weight Watchers 360

This is week #6 of the Weight Watchers 360 program for me and this week I managed to lose 1 lb. Not great, but I'm down into one size smaller. I can actually fit into my size 16s and big 14s. I started out in size 18 (baggy), but my 16s were getting pretty tight.

I have to be completely honest. This week I really didn't follow the program. We had a big birthday party for my hubby and a 4th of July cookout with my family. I decided to skip tracking my food this week as we were eating little bits here and there. Most of which were homemade meals. I found these too time consuming to track because you either had to find something similar in Weight Watchers' database or enter in the recipe to get an exact point value. It took too long, so I just skipped it.

Don't get me wrong the Weight Watchers system works great for most fast food/chain type restaurants where you can easily find nutritional information online, but for homemade recipes, especially made by others, it's a bit of a pain.

I'm still glad to be using their program because in the past it worked so well. I'm just having a bit of difficulty sticking with it this time.  Any suggestions???


Anyways, this week I wanted to talk about salads. Whenever most people think of diets they automatically think of eating salads. I wanted to point out that all salads aren't created equal.

Today I wanted to show you the highest and lowest calorie salads at some popular fast food chains. I chose these restaurants because they are the most popular in my area.

McDonald's 
(information obtained from McDonalds.com on 7/10/13)


Premium Southwest Salad w/ Crispy Chicken  - 12 points
450 cal
23 protein
21 fat
42 carbs
820 sodium

Side Salad (no dressing)  - 0 points
20 cal
1 protein
0 fat
4 carbs
10 sodium



Wendy's
(information obtained from Wendys.com on 7/10/13)

Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad w/croutons and dressing (full size)  -  12 points (salad w/chicken only)
780 cal
41 protein
51 fat
40 carbs
1570 sodium

Garden Side Salad (no dressing)  -  0 points
200 calories
4 protein
13 fat
18 carbs
370 sodium

Burger King
(information obtained from McDonalds.com on 7/10/13)

Chicken BLT Garden Fresh Salad with TENDERCRISP and dressing  -  19 points
690 calories
35 protein
48 fat
31 carbs
1750 sodium

Side garden salad with avocado ranch dressing - 6 points
230 calories
5 protein
21 fat
7 carbs
520 sodium

The whole point of showing you this is so you know that salads can be high in calories too. One easy way to cut calories from your salad is to choose grilled chicken over crispy. Another way to lower the calories is to choose a low-fat salad dressing and use it sparingly.


* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
 

Week #5 on Weight Watchers 360

Well this is week #5 of being on Weight Watchers 360 and unfortunately I haven't lost any weight. I did lose some inches, but I'm finding it frustrated at how little of my regular food I can eat.

The problem I'm having is that my family is not on the diet with me and frankly they have no desire to totally change their eating habits. It's not just my immediate family either - my extended family as well.

All our family functions, including casual visits, center around eating. Eating dinner, going out to eat, snacking while watching tv, or just talking about the latest recipe they've found.  They are a food loving family.  It's mostly cakes, cookies, chips, crackers, etc. I'm not sure how well it would be received if  I start sharing my favorite grilled chicken or vegetable recipes.

So my solution to this problem is to start bringing a dish I can eat. I don't bring my whole meal just a side dish or dessert that I am able to eat without completely blowing my diet. It also allows them to try the dish, if they wish, without feeling any pressure to change their way of eating.

Let's face it, I'm the one on the diet - not them. I've always hated when others pushed their views on me and I refuse to do the same.  If they ask I will gladly share with them, but I'd rather show them by example.

While I'm motivated to lose weight I am still finding that this is an uphill battle especially with my family always tempting me (not on purpose - just trying to keep old routines I guess).   I will continue to search online and on the WeightWatchers.com website for meals that my family and I enjoy.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear any suggestions on how to get your family to accept the fact that you want to eat healthier or how to gracefully turn down almost all the food they offer without totally alienating your family. HELP!

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
 

Week #4 on Weight Watchers 360

Source

This is week #4 for me on Weight Watchers 360° and I'm down 2 more pounds. Not too shabby :)

I wanted to mention something that has really helped me this week. It's to eat more fruits, veggies and whole grains.

Have you ever found yourself saying "I just don't feel full"?  Well, I did all the time. I really never felt full. I could just keep eating and eating all day. Then I realized that what I was eating had almost no nutrients in them. Foods like potato chips, cookies, cakes, etc.

I noticed on Weight Watchers I would run out of points pretty quick and still feel hungry, so I started eating more fruits and veggies that were 0 points. I'm a huge fan of bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon and broccoli, so it wasn't too hard to eat them more often.

I would actually feel full (well almost), but I felt much more satisfied when I finally switched my regular breads for whole grain. They had a better taste and finally filled me up.

I started off slow by switching my mini bagel at breakfast from regular plain bagels to whole wheat. Plus I added a fruit or veggie to every meal.

Not a fan of fruits and veggies? Maybe you just haven't found the one you like - there are tons to choose from. One idea is to go to an all-you-can-eat restaurant and sample different ones until you find one you like. The same goes for different types of breads and pastas.

You may be thinking that fruits and vegetables cost a lot more than prepackaged foods. That is true, but it takes less food to fill you up when it is full of nutrients.

So bottom line is...eat your fruits and vegetables! Just like your parents and grandparents have been saying all along.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
 

Week #3 with Weight Watchers 360

This is week #3 on Weight Watchers 360 and I've lost right around 4 lb this week. Not too bad if you ask me. I'm pretty happy with it.

The one thing I've found most helpful is using a food log. Both times on the Weight Watchers' diet I've used their mobile food/activity tracker. (see photo below)

I list EVERYTHING I eat on there. Even if it's just one cookie or a couple grapes. If I eat it - it get listed.

I like that I can see how many points I have left at any time throughout the day via my phone. I can record foods and activities while I'm out. Most importantly I can see how many points a food will cost me.

My only complaint is that you cannot add recipes to the mobile app. For example, I ate enchiladas last night that I made from scratch and I needed to add it by adding the recipe online. No big deal really, but it had to wait till I could get online. This is a little annoying when you are eating at someone else's house and they make something. In that case I usually find something similar that's already listed in their database.

If you prefer paper and pencil log there are plenty of free printables you can find online. Just make sure you record everything you eat. The little snacks here and there are what ruin your diet. All those little calories add up.

Well bye for now and see you tomorrow.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Week #2 with Weight Watchers 360

This is my second week on Weight Watchers 360 program. I must confess I didn't follow it very closely a couple days. I was busy celebrating my 40th birthday and my 16th wedding anniversary this week. There were dinners out, cake and ice cream too. To be honest I kind of gave up for a couple days.

The good news is I'm back on the plan and motivated to lose the weight. Plus I didn't really gain any weight being off the plan for a couple days. I even lost a couple inches.

So I know I've mentioned in a previous post that I couldn't afford Weight Watchers, I want everyone to know it really isn't that expensive if you catch them having a sale.

Right now Weight Watchers is having a sale (through 6/29/13).  It costs $1 to sign up if you purchase a 3 month savings package for online memberships. The total comes to $57.85 for 3 months membership after that it's $18.95 a month. If you just wanted to sign up for one month you would pay $48.90 ($29.95 sign up fee and $18.95 for first month).

For less than $20 a month you get access to loads of online tools. (Does not include meetings).  That's only $5 a week. It's less than the cost of one meal at a fast food restaurant.

Plus you also get a FREE Summer Starter Kit if you purchase a 3 month online membership by 6/29/13. It includes:

• Summer Success booklet - with weight-loss tips, tools and strategies
• Entertaining Guide - with menus and tips for 4 classic summer celebrations
• Exclusive Tote Bag
• Weight Watchers coupons

I have to honestly say their program does work when you stick to it. I've lost over 50lb in the past using their program. It wasn't hard once you got used to it. Once it's a routine - it's pretty easy.

Well I'll write about my journey again next Wednesday. Wish me luck! 

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

My First Week on Weight Watchers 360

I mentioned last Wednesday that I started Weight Watchers' 360° Program and yesterday I finished up my first week. To be completely honest, I'm a little disappointed. I only lost 1.3lb!??

I was really expecting to lose more than that. I've cut my food intake quite a bit, followed the program to the letter and didn't even use all my weekly points (28 remaining) or even touch my activity points (32 available).  I also did a lot physically - helped relatives move, got my garden ready for planting, and more. I even cut out my diet soda and juice drinks and stuck strictly to water.

I know, I know 1-2 lbs a week is perfectly healthy, but last time I lost 5lb the first week and about 7 the second week. Then it tapered off to 1-2 lb a week. It was a nice jump start.

After entering my updated measurements into their weight tracking tool I realized I lost inches. Last time I used Weight Watchers (on a previous program) I would lose weight one week and lose inches another. I'm okay with that.

One thing I do want to mention is all the delicious recipes they have listed on their site. You can even sort them by points value and meal or prep time. Just check out this amazing Mexican Breakfast Burrito. OMG!!! and only 6 points.

Source WeightWatchers.com

Overall, I'm satisfied with the actual program. They offer a mobile food/activity tracker that I find very convenient. I'm definitely going to stick with it because I know it works for me.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

I'm Gonna Lose It!

Back in 2010 I managed to lose 50+ lbs using Weight Watchers Online. I felt great! I got down to 143 lb. Wore a size 8 and felt amazing. I had tons of energy. Could wear almost anything I wanted. I could even shop in any store I wanted.

Well, I got down to the last 5 lbs to lose and Weight Watchers switched programs. I'm not blaming Weight Watchers or anything. I just lost motivation. I only had 5 lbs left to lose and didn't want to start back from the beginning learning a whole new system. I figured I could lose the rest and then maintain. WRONG!

It's been almost 2 1/2 years and I've gained it all back and then some. I'm turning 40 within a week and I feel like poop most days confidence-wise because I can't find clothes I like in my size. My knees are starting to ache and my back needs to crack on a daily basis. I know it's all because of my weight. This is NOT how I want the rest of my life to be.

Then something amazing happened. I was contacted by Weight Watchers to try again. They offered me a 3 month trial in exchange for posting once a month. Needless to say I say "Heck yeah!!!" I've never had any company approach me before to try their products and I feel truly blessed for that. I also want to make it crystal clear that everything I write will be my own opinion and real life experiences. No rose colored glasses here.

I started this morning and plan to post once a week for now with updates. I'd love for you to follow along on my journey. I know it will take more than 3 months to lose all I want to lose, but it's a great start. This time I hope to stay with it until I reach the maintenance phase, so I can learn how to do just that - maintain my ideal weight.

Sorry, I'm too embarrassed to put all my stats out there for everyone in the world to see, but let me tell you I'm 5'4" and wear a size 16/18.

Let me also say, as a wife and mom I've always wanted to be healthy so I can care for my family and enjoy my life. Be able to play and do things with my family - not just watch. My goal is to start my 40th year off with a bang and to make it my best yet.

I hope you will follow along and maybe be inspired to get fit as well.

* This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers.com, but ALL opinions are completely mine and 100% honest. These are my actual experiences and feelings about following Weight Watchers 360° online program.

**  People following the Weight Watchers plan can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.