How to get Started with Weight Watchers

Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming, but getting started with Weight Watchers (now known as WW) certainly shouldn't.

Weight Watchers has, for decades, been a popular choice for its flexible approach to healthy eating with its supportive community & easy to follow plans.

Whether you’re signing up as a full member or looking to follow along without an official subscription, there are key steps and strategies to help you make the most out of WW.

1. Signing Up with Weight Watchers

By far the easiest way of how to get started with Weight Watchers is to become a paid member. You can sign up for Weight Watchers on their website here. Signing up for WW involves:

• Choosing Your Plan: WW offers different plan options to suit various lifestyles and goals. These include the Digital plan, which is app-based and budget-friendly, and more comprehensive options like Workshops + Digital, which include in-person or virtual group meetings. Weight Watchers is also now offering Weight Loss Medications to qualifying members in its new WW Clinic. You can read more about this and my views on it here!
  
• Setting Up Your Profile: Once you've researched the plans and signed up for the one that suits you and your lifestyle most, you’ll be required to answer questions about your weight, height, age, activity level, and goals. This information helps WW create a more personalised plan for you and to assign you your weekly and daily Point allowance.
  
• Accessing the WW App: Once signed up, you’ll have full access to the WW app. The App includes a food tracker, a barcode scanner, recipes, and activity tracking. It calculates and keeps track of your unique daily and weekly Points budget and will also keep track of your Weight and any losses. You can sync your smart watch to the App to automatically track your activity and you can scan foods to check how many Points your favorite foods contain. There's even a section that lists the Points for all the dishes from popular chain restaurants . The App is full of great features that should help inspire you on your weight loss journey.
  
• Join group in Connect: If you take a look at the 'Connect' tab on your WW App, you will see that there are many groups that your can join. It is here that you can meet & chat with other people following the WW program. This helps members feel that they are part of a community. Of course, you don't have to join any connect groups but many members find that it helps them keep on track.

2. How to Follow Along Without Being a Paid Member

I would always suggest joining up to one of the Weight Watchers plans. However, if you’re not able to or not ready to commit to a subscription but still want to follow along, it is possible—though it comes with challenges. Here’s how you can approach it:

• Use Free Online Resources: Many WW blogs, including this one, offer free recipes, tips, and tricks that align with the program. You can find meal ideas, snack recommendations, and general weight loss advice. Look at sample meal plans and stick to those!
• Track Your Meals Manually: While you won’t have access to the Points system, you can create and track your meals in a food diary.
• Track Points: If you have ever followed the WW program and remember what Points Plan your followed, it should be easy to find some recipes online that list the Points for that Points Plan system. You can find the Points for the Freestyle and MyWW (Green, Blue & Purple plans) plans for many of the recipes on this blog.
• Follow the WW Philosophy: Focus on portion control, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. WW’s approach emphasizes balance and sustainability rather than extreme dieting.

Challenges of Following Along Without a Subscription:

• No Points Calculation: Without the WW app, you won’t know your exact Points budget. While many WW recipes include point values, you won’t have an automatic way to calculate your intake.
• Limited Community Support: Paid members can access WW’s Connect feature—a supportive, social network. Free resources may lack that sense of community.
• Lack of Official Guidance: Personalized advice is harder to come by if you’re not a member.

3. Tips and Tricks for Success

Whether you’re following WW officially or using free resources, these tips can help you get the best results:

• Stock Up on ZeroPoint Foods: ZeroPoint foods are a game changer. These include items like fruits, non-starchy vegetables, eggs, skinless chicken breast, and certain seafoods. These ZeroPoints foods can help keep you full without impacting your daily points.
• Plan Your Meals: Meal prepping ensures you stay on track. Choose recipes in advance, prepare your ingredients, and portion your meals for the week.
• Track Everything: Be honest and consistent with tracking your food intake. Even if you’re not using the WW app, try to be as precise as possible.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water supports digestion and can help curb overeating.
• Move More: Try and incorporate movement into your day. Make sure that it something that you enjoy! Whether it’s walking, yoga, or dancing round your kitchen, all movement helps. Exercise not only boosts weight loss but also enhances your mood.
• Stay Accountable: Join online communities, whether on social media or through Connect on the WW App, to share your progress, challenges, and successes.

4. Where to Find Inspiration and Support

• Weight Watchers Blogs: Find inspiration from WW-focused blogs, such as this one that share meal ideas, tips, and sometimes stories from others on the same journey.
• Social Media: Follow WW-friendly Instagram accounts for daily recipes, meal prep ideas, and motivational content.

Final Thoughts

Starting with Weight Watchers can set you on a path toward sustainable, healthy weight loss. Whether you’re an official member or just looking for guidance through free resources, consistency and a positive mindset are key.

Embrace the journey, experiment with recipes, and find the balance that works for you! You can do it!