How many months does it take to undo the four month damage of destructive eating habits? I’m going to find out even if it takes a long, long time. Because while this old body had a heyday piling on the pounds, it won’t be as easy to take them back off. I’m determined despite the difficulty that I will embrace my inner tortoise and forge onward.
Last week I started Weight Watchers and other than a tip from my brother-in-law, I’d no idea the program went through a huge overhaul. I cried a river the first few days and then got over it. All my favorite treats have doubled or more in points value! I’m a huge Coca Cola addict and used to be able to indulge in one or two a day because a 12 oz. can had a points value of four. Now that same can is 9 points. Yikers! Also, General Mills’ Fiber One Cookies have gone from 2 points to about 5 or 6. I don’t remember the exact number because I was so upset that I couldn’t enjoy these cookies like I used to. I can still have them, but it’s harder to work that number of points into the daily food plan.
After the initial shock wore off, I realized that fruit was filling me up as well as eating whole wheat bread instead of my usual crackers. I haven’t been as hungry. Usually I have enough points leftover to be able to eat a sugar-free Jello pudding or have a Quaker Oats reduced sugar, chewy granola bar. That satisfies the sweets cravings I have. The program has been retooled in order to better benefit us members. It’s about eating less sugars and processed food. I guess there’s a reason the new program is called Smart Points (it used to be Points Plus).
Oprah has long been an inspiration to me. I’m glad she’s come into Weight Watchers and that she makes people feel like we’re all in this together. Like Oprah however, I’ve yo-yo’d throughout my life. This last time I swore I would never go over a certain number ever again. Well not only did I see that number again, but I surpassed it! You can only eat like there’s no tomorrow if there really won’t be a tomorrow. For me, tomorrow arrived with a serious reckoning.
My mistake aside from the free-for-all eating frenzy was to quit Weight Watchers. I quit to save money. And while I saved money, I ended up costing myself in pounds. Also, it cost in terms of more aches and pains in joints that were doing so much better with less weight to bear.
Lesson learned. I will need to be on Weight Watchers for the rest of my life. I need the accountability and the structure. It’s as simple as that.
I lost 4.5 pounds this past week. It’s a better start than I’ve had since I was a lot younger. I can do this. I just have to believe and do the work. Tortoise style is better than no style at all. 🐢
This post is my opinion only. I am not being paid to promote Weight Watchers. Please consult a physician before undergoing any weight loss program.
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