Weight Watchers: would it be possible to do this ala Atkins? nt

[Ellie]

nt

[Faith]

Well, really they are so different. WW is about eating from all the food groups. Getting in healthy oil, plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy, vitamins, water and lean meats, whole grains.

You really need to choose one program or the other for it to really work.

[Anne in Hawaii]

It's not Atkins, but it's a lower carb and higher protein option. Fruits are allowed and encouraged, and whole grains are allowed, too. I love it and have been at goal for more than a year using that plan. You don't count points if you're eating foods on the Core list, and you get 35 extra points a week for whatever you want to use them on -- bread, etc.

[Angela in TN]

I'm doing weight watchers now and have done it before (losing 30lbs of baby weight), it's much more balanced than Atkins and nothing is completely off limits as it is with Atkins. I tried Atkins and had to stop 3 days later because I had NO energy from the complete loss of carbs. After you get used to WW it just becomes what you do, more a way of life than a diet. I've lost 10lbs (only 5 more to go) since Christmas on WW and I don't feel like I'm missing out on certain foods. I'm a big fan of WW! :)

[Faith]

It's not Atkins, but it's a lower carb and higher protein option. Fruits are allowed and encouraged, and whole grains are allowed, too. I love it and have been at goal for more than a year using that plan. You don't count points if you're eating foods on the Core list, and you get 35 extra points a week for whatever you want to use them on -- bread, etc.

Yes, I forgot about core. You can do core but it really is not low carb. It concentrates on healthy carb options over bad ones. Still you eat plenty of carbs, lean meats, fat free dairy, fruits and veg., whole grains.

I do flex and have for many years. I've lost over 100 lbs. I have done core only a handful of times but always go back to flex as I like it better for me.

You can also ask on the WW message boards for more answers Ellie. Best wishes with whatever you decide to do.

[Rose in BC]

I have lost 60 pounds doing this. It has really changed the way I and my family eat. I highly recommend it.

Rose

[Ellie]

last year I lost about 20 lb with Nutrisystem....but my cholesterol went up to over 300. Two months back on Atkins brought it down to just over 200 (good cholesterol over 70), but I don't lose weight.

What a conundrum: To be thin or have low cholesterol...:(

[Crissy]

Have you checked out any other low-carb plan? South Beach, perhaps?
Maybe you can find a balance between the typical low-fat and low-carb.

[Joanne]

WW can be very healthy.

Atkins/Low carb can be very healthy.

What does your body and personality respond best to?

There are more moderate/balanced low carb styles than what most people consider "Atkins". There are ways to do a higher protein WW.

For *me*, high protein works best. Why are you considering combining the 2?

[Ellie]

For *me*, high protein works best. Why are you considering combining the 2?

Because although my cholesterol is low when I'm on Atkins, I don't lose weight. I want to lose weight *and* keep the cholesterol low.