I'm starting my diet on monday and not sure which is best: Calorie count or Weight Watchers?

[BrideToBe51213]

My partner will be doing Weight Watchers and he does the cooking, I have said that I will come to the meetings with him but I found calorie counting that bit easier. Can anyone share their experiances of which they found eaiser and more sustainable?

[Hidden]

Hi BrideToBe51213,

Actually the best weight loss regime to adopt is one that you can stick to!

So far I've found the most helpful is the free 12 week plan on the NHC live well lose weight web pages (lots of other good and free information there too), though I adpated it a bit to fit in with my lifestyle.

I personally don't recommend any 'branded' form of weight loss programme, but I do accept that for some people, the group sessions of things like WeightWatchers can be helpful.

Also, I'd encourage you not to see this as a "diet" to get you in shape for some event (a wedding perhaps?).

But rather as a change of lifestyle leading to a slimmer, lighter you. And by that I mean a you that is going to stay slimmer and lighter, because you're not going to go back again to the 'old' eating habits which caused you be overweight.

Good luck to you both with your weight loss efforts.

[mld78 Visitor]

I count calories, but that's because I'm quite obsessive and find it interesting. I also like to cook my own food, so can count the calories of every thing that goes into the meal. But I'm also using the NHS choices website and therefore keeping a record of my calories and my activity (Well I would be if I was doing any activities!!) The form also allows for Oops! which are unplanned snacks or drinks. Suits me to the ground.

[Windswept1]

I have certainly found the NHS site very effective and fits in with everyday life. Most things, even unprocessed food and ingredients have their calories and portion sizes on the pack but I use a wee book called Pocket Calorie counter which is very easy. I did do some weight watchers points counting a few years ago but find this much easier.

Good luck

[Jellymum]

If you do decide to go for the free 12 week plan from NHS Choices that some of the other replies refer to, then there is an online 'club' starting on Monday. Quite a few people seem to be starting the plan then (including myself). Hope you find the right thing for you - good luck!

[bispers]

Hi

I have done both Weightwatchers and the NHS Choices 12 week plan and for me, the NHS plan was by far the easiest to follow. As I still have more weight to lose, I will be starting again on Monday with the new club.

I lost weight with Weightwatchers but found I couldn't keep it off - it was too restrictive for me and I felt too much I was being deprived and was on a diet. With the NHS Choice, I find I can eat what I want to as long as I calorie count it (I use My Fitness Pal to do this). I see this way as a healthy way of eating and trying to re-educate myself, rather than a diet.

Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

Bispers

[bruggen]

I would actually say neither, I have been educating myself with the advice of zoe Harcombe and the diet doctor, the education in the simplest form is avoid carbs, sugars, processed food and just eat real food. Fruit isn't good for you, fat is good for you, eat like your granny used to eat, three balanced meals avoiding carbohydrates and the weight will melt away.

[Penel]

Different diets suit different people. I need to keep my carbohydrates low to lose weight, especially processed carbs like sugar, pasta, breakfast cereal. If I eat too many carbs I just end up craving them. I have found it best to stick to the occasional high fibre carb, like sweet potato or oats, and eat a wide variety of veg and protein. I don't count calories.

Good luck with whatever you choose.