Review of Weight Watchers Momentum Plan Books: Week 2

Since I've been following Weight Watchers 2009 Momentum Plan for a month now — and since I'm actually taking the time to (re)read all the books that come with it, I figured it couldn't hurt to "review" each week's materials.  Because I am a firm believer that the program only works if you go to the meetings (after all, if you could lose the weight at home, you would have already lost it, wouldn't you?), and because I don't want to give away any secrets to non-members, I'll just go over it on a light sense. Although the intent isn't necessarily to drive you to a Weight Watchers meeting if you're not already going, I truly do believe in the program and think it will do virtually anybody who tries it a world of good. (If you'd like to read all my postings related to the Momentum in one click, follow this link. If you'd like to read about Weight Watchers new materials, follow this link.)

Book 2:
Activity Basics — START MOVING MORE

 

One of the changes that took place when Weight Watchers switched to the Momentum Plan is that they modified the Good Health Guidelines to now include "at least 30 minutes of activity a day on most days of the week." Weight Watchers has almost always (at least as far back as the eighties) included a push on activity, right down to the four-way approach they have at the beginning of their materials and on their flip charts we use to teach the members;  but this is the first time they've included it in their Good Health Guidelines. 

What does that mean?

Traveling for the first time while on Weight Watchers

OK, that title is actually a misnomer. After all, I've been on Weight Watchers since 1971. Since I have not been locked into my house for those entire 37+ years, I have traveled. The difference this time is that I'm following the new Momentum Plan and — contrary to past excursions — I am hoping to actually lose weight, rather than merely maintain.

Wanna know what I discovered?

OMG! This is not an easy process!

I am the newest member of a speakers' Mastermind Group with Rich DiGirolamo, Anita Paul, and Margie Thomas. They (now "We") meet four times a year in various parts of the country. Each meeting lasts two days with a day before for socializing. That means four days of being on the road, which means four days of not being able to weigh and measure everything. Well, to be honest, I don't weigh and measure everything, but when I'm at home, I've been much more careful lately. Also, since last week's weigh-in caused me to stay flat, I am really hoping for a loss this week. I know these minor plateaus are part of the picture, but I'd prefer them to be a smaller part of the picture.

In the recent past, when traveling, I'd go on a "modified Core plan." That meant, that I'd eat what I wanted in small servings and only at meal time. I would only eat one serving when I did eat. I would not bring food into my hotel room. I would rarely eat between meals. I would walk whenever possible and I would drink lots of water. That served me pretty well because I would usually come home at about the same weight as I left, which was all I wanted. However, this time, I'm hoping for a loss.

So, how do you lose weight during the holidays while on the Momentum Plan? Wanna know my secret?

Big Loss First Week on New Weight Watchers Momentum Plan

I didn't get to post yesterday because it was one of the those "crazy busy days" that periodically slap you upside the head.  Deadlines and such kept me moving from before dawn to very late at night. However, I completed my first week on the new Weight Watchers Momentum plan, which I have been diligently following. As part of such diligence, I decided I would not step on a scale all week also. I tend to do that to give me an excuse to:

A) Be disappointed with my results and figure, "oh what the hell, I might as well eat"
– or –
B) Be excited with my results and figure, "Wow! I didn't think it would be going so well, I can eat more."

Either way, I end up the same: chubby. Gotta stop it. So I did. I figured I'd just wait it out and let the program do its job.

So it's with no small amount of consternation that I climb on the scale Tuesday at my meeting (which I might point out is AFTER lunch — yikes!). At first, I just kind of "tested the waters:" wearing my sweater, shoes, belt, etc. That looked OK.  Then, I removed the "extra weight list"

1. Sweater
2. Shoes
3. Belt
4. Wallet
5. Money clip
6. Pen
7. Spare change

I was alone in the room but I resisted the urge to strip down to my skivvies. There's a fine line between compulsive and obsessive and I tread it. Must be very careful, you know?

So, lo and behold, I was expecting three pounds, thought I might get four, really wanted five — and I got

Biggest changes in Weight Watchers new 2009 Momentum plan

I've been following the Momentum plan for a week now with my first weigh in in about one hour. (I think I might have lost 3-4 pounds, which for me is amazing!) Of course, in addition to following the program, I've conducted two (rather wobbly) "getting started sessions" for my members. Should you not be totally "up" on WW lingo, a "Getting Started Session"is the 30 minute session we do at the conclusion of the regular meeting. It's for new members. This week, which Weight Watchers calls "Conversion Week," we basically turn the entire meeting into a GSS.

I am what is called a "Diamond Leader." As near as I understand that, it means I'm in the top 20% of leaders in my area. I admit to being a little confused as to how that is determined but I'm still flattered and I've been a Diamond Leader for both years that it has been offered. I mention this not to brag — well, OK, maybe a little — but more so to point out that I am very comfortable with leading WW meetings. In my 20 years working for WW, I've probably conducted thousands of GSSs. Yet, for some reason, I'm awkward in doing this one. That said, last night I started getting my footing and I think that's because I finally decided that the changes from the Flex/Core plan to the Momentum Plan are more psychological than physical.

Don't get me wrong; that's not to say they are not substantial. Quite the contrary, you can change your actions all day and all night but if you don't change your thoughts, you'll still find yourself returning to old habits. Weight Watchers has always focused on habit change; that is not new. However, there seems to be more of an embrace this time.

Huh?

Yeah, right. OK, let me explain it a little better. The plan still uses points, which it has for the last decade or so. The daily points target, that amount you get each day, has not changed for any of my members. It's the same as it was in 2008. I have not noticed any major changes in points values of any foods.  In my opinion, what has changed however, is the emphasis put on "filling foods,"  hunger levels, activity, and liquids.

Filling Foods

Weight Watchers New 2009 Plan (Momentum) Went Live Sunday!

Alrighty then, I just finished watching the official DVD for the new Weight Watchers Momentum plan, which went live today. It's a video for leaders of how to do the "Getting Started Session" (which is how we explain the program to new members). I had seen it before at Innovations, but I wanted to make sure it all made sense. So, diligently, with my 2009 Weight Watchers leaders materials and my "read along" book, I watcher the trainer and leader on video show a roomful of new Weight Watchers members how to get started.My first meeting is Monday at noon so I needed to be ready. (She has some idiosyncrasies in her speaking that drive me crazy but aside from that, it was a good thing to watch.)

 

The biggest difference between the old and new Weight Watchers Plans?