Weight Watchers Update: Coaching Makes a Difference

By Kenda - January, 6th 2015

This post was created as part of a relationship in which I was sponsored by Weight Watchers and given a free three month subscription to try their new Personal Coaching product and write about my experience. Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views – positive and negative – are my own. #WeightWatchers #WWSponsored

I had my first phone chat with my Weight Watchers personal coach, Lynne (30 minutes). I admit I was a bit nervous. I had no idea what I was supposed to say, what she would say. Would she scold me about my eating habits? Would I need to take notes? Within a few minutes I knew I didn’t have anything to worry about. This wasn’t someone just spouting off diet rules. This was a woman who has been where I am and understands that success relies on more than just counting points – it’s a mental game as well. We talked about my weaknesses, my strengths, my past experiences, my stresses and my goals. It felt like talking casually to a friend about their own weight loss experience. So what did I learn?

Facing My Weak Spots & Learning To Fight Them

After my first call I learned…

• Skipping breakfast is my worst habit. Even a small breakfast is better than nothing.
• I have to prepare. No more eating whatever is in the fridge and hoping it’s good for me. I need to plan my meals and shop for them.
• My diet plan has to be unique to me. If it’s not something I can work with then it isn’t going to work at all.

After talking it out with my coach, I was able to identify important starting points. If I’d just jumped into the diet I may have shot myself in the foot before I even got out of the gate. Knowing my blind spots (like skipping breakfast, not drinking enough water, and getting very little rest) will help me be better prepared to tackle each week and eventually reach my goals.

 

Goals You Can Achieve

We also discussed how setting smaller, achievable goals is the best plan for long term action. There was no mention of my final goal weight, inches etc. She didn’t flood my brain with worry about calories, BMI etc. We didn’t talk about the end – we concentrated on the beginning. What a great way to start!

My first Personal Coaching Action Plan was about preparing myself and my kitchen for my journey ahead. A great tip she gave me was seeking out Weight Watchers’ recipes that I can make ahead and then put single servings in the fridge for quick access.  This has really helped me fight the urge to grab something from a box because I’m so busy with work that I don’t want to stop and cook. Now my snacks (and some of my meals) are ready to go – just as fast as something less healthy.

Breakfast is still my hardest area. It’s not easy to reprogram yourself to eat when your body usually says, “Skip it”. I’m still only eating small things, but it’s definitely helping with my cravings during the day. Even if I get stuck or just discouraged, I can email, message or request a phone call at any time. She’ll check in with me, provide new action plans and give me little boosts when I need them – all to keep me on track and doing what works for me. I really like getting the text messages to check up on me and see how I’m doing; just a “Hope your week is going great. How did the shopping trip go? If you need any tips, I’m here!” It’s a great motivation to know someone is holding me accountable.

I’m still progressing in my weight loss. I didn’t lose as much this week as the week before. I’m sure it’s because I was sick and fell back into my habit of skipping meals because I wasn’t hungry. This week it’s on! I’ll be adding some morning exercise and scheduling another call with my coach to update her and get some more ideas and inspiration.

I’ll post a new update soon …if the exercise doesn’t kill me first.

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Weight Watchers Personal Coaching

• All Coaches have successfully lost weight on Weight Watchers and can provide inspiration, motivation and accountability throughout a journey that is far from easy
• Our new coaching offering helps our members to define their specific problem, develop an individualized solution, and create a customized action plan.”
• An initial assessment so the Coach can learn more about the member’s lifestyle and to provide a moment of self-reflection
• An initial a phone conversation with a Coach at a time that works for the member to talk about what they hope to achieve and to work with the Coach on a customized action plan with goals for the week
• Unlimited access to a Coach via phone and email as well as text message encouragement and reminders unique to their action plan

Want to know more? Visit Weight Watchers online