weight and jenny craig weight watchers or nutra sy

[steffipoo]

hi we are considering putting Olivia on one of these plans. The weight is coming off her sooo slowly and thought these may give her a jump start. Anyone have success with their kids on any of these programs?
she goes to karate 2 times a week (hIIIIYAAA) and swims the other 4 we usually take one day off of exercise. I am usually beat and she gets a chill tv lazy day once a week. This exercise regimen is just starting only about 3 weeks ago with karate and swimming at the y and she also participates in hi 5 league(team sports) at her school. Sheesh what the heck can I do to help her I am getting very frustrated?

[Jackie]

Join the club...LOL...wish I had an answer!

[Emilysmom]

Steff,
I've been on Weight Watchers several different times. It has a lot of advantages in that you can basically eat anything you want.........as long as you keep track of your points. And yet, that is almost a negative thing too, because I found myself eating a lot LESS food, but still eating plenty of JUNK food........keeping with my allotted points, but not eating healthy!!
I've recently lost 19 lbs, (gulp.......just 51 more to go!!) and it has been different than most of the other times I have lost. I talked to the dietitian where I work and she said "there is NO magic to losing weight.........you have to MOVE more and EAT less, and eat the stuff your body NEEDS." She recommended exactly what I never really wanted to do..........eat a lot more fresh fruits/veggies, whole grain breads/pastas, less fat, less red meat and more fish/chicken. And I try to stay away from white stuff..........potatoes, white rice, white pasta, etc. I've never been a fan of healthy stuff, so I wasn't excited about it. So, I've been totally shocked to find out that I'm enjoying this new way of eating!!!!!! Go figure!! I refuse to DRINK any calories....like sodas, milkshakes, etc. (only exception is an occasional Smoothie or orange juice). I'm trying to limit my salt intake too; especially in those frozen diet meals.........Yikes to the sodium in those things!!!


I can not recommend paying for a diet program at this point in my life.....like WW or Nutrisystem, etc.

We joined the YMCA on March 1st, and the whole family goes there now. I started out thinking Emily would want to do the "Cafe Express" thing.........it's like Curves. But she is loving the treadmill and recumbent bike. She brags about how many miles she walks, and looks forward to going with us. It's funny because the rest of the family walks out of the Y covered in sweat and barely moving........while Emily does jumping jacks all the way to the van.

My favorite exercise thing right now is the eliptical machine. I'm thinking Liv might enjoy that. You can plug in headphones and watch a TV program and it makes the time fly!


Good luck!!!

[Chris too]

Steff, it sure sounds like you have the exercise end on a good start - and it is a great thing to take one day off of exercise a week. I've lost lots of weight with one tiny change - fasted cardio. It's really easy to do. I go for a 20 minute walk in the morning before breakfast. It's not a power walk or even a fast walk, just a normal pace to get my heart rate to something around 100 - turns on my metabolism. Because my glycogen stores are almost used up from fasting as I sleep, my body has to burn some fat Following the walk, I have a high-protein breakfast with no fat, but plenty of carbs - like Greek yogurt with Grape Nuts, or a whey protein shake with a banana. That one thing, together with not buying junk (so that I won't eat it) and eating all day long (6-8 small "meals" a day) makes a big difference for me. Okay - add it up, and that's like 4 or 5 things The main thing is to keep that furnace burning on high all the time, so start right away in the morning with the walk and then put in some good fuel on a very regular basis all day long.

Let us know how it goes

[Chris]

I think the entire family has to get on the same program so Weight Watchers is probably the way to go. The only way Olivia is successful is if everybody adapts the same healthy eating habits. Not easy!

I am one who is constantly struggling with my weight and I am very aware of my daughter's tendency to be on the plump side. She has put on 4 pounds and hasn't gotten any taller since Christmas. I have not been careful about my eating and both of us are packing on the pounds. We just can't have junk food in the house.

I try to only buy whole grain, high fiber and lowfat foods. I also try to get in lots of fruits and veggies. I need to exceed the daily 5 to keep my weight in check. It's hard enough to control my weight and it is realy hard to control Sarah's. Good luck!

Chris

[char]

I bought Neutrisystem twice. It is expensive as it runs about $11.00 per day plus fruits, veggies and dairy products. It has a lot of soy, and I ended throwing stuff out so it was a financial drain. The fist time I did lose some weight but the second time I just blew money I didn't need to blow. I'd have been just as successful if I'd thrown the money out of the car window.

I'm currently using Weight Watchers for the points and cheating all over the place. I have refused to keep cookies, ice cream, chips, dips, and all of the other "bad" stuff in the house and actually drove by Starbucks today and did not stop.

I do believe WW is the very best.

Char

[Jackie]

My most success (except for the gosh awful 3 months on the liquid Opti Fast ;D) was the ORIGINAL WW diet back in the 70s. At that time it was extremely simple...no points...and no extra fat like mayo...(which they did rethink and allowed a TBs finally). It was based on the ADA balanced diet guidelines which are still firmly in place today. You know...5 servings of non startchy fruits and veggies...limited portions of meats and red meat only 3 times a week..fish at least 2x a week....etc. It was plenty of food and easier in those days because many fewer options for eating out.

I think if someone really wants to diet they should probably try for maybe 2 months at first to avoid eating out totally and see if that makes a difference. Even healthy foods eaten out are prepared with all sorts of 'no nos' for healthy eating. It all mounts up.

And...in my case...get off the pc and out on the sidewalks....LOL

But Steff with a teenager who has DS it is easier said than done. I think with our kids who have gained...you have to cut wayyyy back to get any of it off...and exercise, exercise, exercise. I used to have dreams of being wealthy enough to send Emily away to one of those kids wt loss programs where she would learn to eat correctly, diet, exercise and have fun at the same time.

Jackie

[steffipoo]

Hi gals!!!!!

Well what do you know? Olivia has lost 12 pounds. AND it wasn't through any diet plan. Actually last week she got sick and would not eat. Well she tells me Monday (after a sick long weekend) that her tooth is loose and hurts. I look in her mouth and can see why she was sick. She had an obvious infection that wasn't there the day before. Took her to the dentist they started her on antibiotics and she'll go back Monday to get her loose tooth pulled. Well yesterday was the first day she ate anything at all. She has only been drinking since last week. I took her to the docs last week not knowing she had a tooth infection and her doctor said she still wanted to see her this am. Well since last friday she lost 12 pounds! She takes a couple bites of something and claims she is full so am going with it. I'm taking this as a blessing in a very painful disguise as a way for her to jump start the weight loss. Lemme tell you not a fun way to start but a start nonetheless. I have never ever seen Olivia so sad as when she got back from the dentist and before I could get Motrin she cried. She NEVER EVER cries. I wanted to cry too cause she was soooo sooo sad. Broke my heart to bits. But Thursday the antibiotics must've kicked in cause she woke up a different kid.Soooo after all this stuff is over and done with I believe we can get this under contol cause she is starting to already look n feel better and we made a BIG deal out of how pretty she looked in her clothes and how much smaller her belly was. So hopefully the appetite has immensely lessened with this fast weight loss and she will feel better and get motivated. We're making a list for the store now for next week. She ate a quarter of a yogurt this am and was "full." wow this is new to me.
(((HUGS))) thanks for all your help will fill you in later in the summer of her progress. Steff

[char]

Good for her! I wish losing weight was as easy as gaining weight!

[sandi]

Well, I have lost 50lbs in the last year. I basically stayed away from all the white stuff, and ate more protein. Flour, sugar, pasta, potatoes, bread, cereal... etc.. Maybe cutting down on some of those foods, and upping the veggies, fruit, and eggs.. would help.

[wendy]

Dr. Oz is really good about this stuff. Seriosly. A healthy approach is the only way, as opposed to losing weight. Processed or prepared foods are a no-no, corn syrup is the worst. And if it doesn't rot, don't eat it. Eat protien, fiber, fruits & vegies, and exercise. We all know how. Don't rush her, teach her how to live healthy.

[Jackie]

STEFF...I think exercise is a big key. We had emailed Gabriella (Ems foster carer) about my nieces wedding in August and how we needed to have Em look her best for it...and this was her email back. Katie also emaled me and told me that just two weeks after Vegas when she saw Em at an art event...she was AMAZED...she said "Mom...I can see her chin again!!!!" So guess this is working...I will share:

How exciting that you guys are going out for a few days. Have lots of fun. I will inform Emily of it. I already put it on my schedule for that day, and of course, she will look her best that day! And you should be proud of Emily because we have all been working out four days out of the week, and Emily is on the treadmill, the stationary bike, and the Zumba aerobics twice a week. She actually works out for 40 minutes a day. I am so proud of her and she LOVES knowing that we all are working out together and we have BIG goals to be trim and slim this summer. After our workouts we have focused on eating more salads, bake potatoes, extra vegetables for our dinners. Its actually pretty fun doing this. So for this wedding, Watch out, Emily plans to have a fab look! I look forward to seeing you guys next month!

[Jackie]

oh YES...forgot to add...that they have all joined GOLDS GYM...and Katie said Emily is so excited to be able to say..." I go to Gold's" ;D Now that is a real typical '30 something 'statement!

[steffipoo]

OOOOOh Jackie makes my heart proud to hear all that Emily has accomplished so far and all on her own. I KNOW from our own experience that this is the most difficult learning experience for Olivia.
I swear they'll hafta exchange pictures after the summer cause Olivia is also on a roll and enjoying her newfound stamina. Since I had her home with her tooth infection and wrote my formalletter to school regarding her NOT getting extra lunches( BTW she doesn't even EAT school lunches yet the lunch ladies were so charmed by Olivias love of food and her amazing gratitude and thank yous afterwards they practically killed my girl) I even had a nutrition goal and also strict instruction for her diet and having smaller portions during parties. ( can't deny her the party food I just can't but they are stating they will make better choices for parties) The girl has lost 19 pounds now. Took away all bread and she missed it at first but loves her turkey roll ups ( just plain turkey rolled up as opposed to a turkey sandwich with mayo mustard bread etc) ) karate 2 times a week a teen fit class twon times a week at the YMCA which we just joined and swimming at the Y a few times a week. I noticed after karate when I told her the last 2 times we had to walk home no whining nothing not a ppe I was soo shocked I had to tell everyone cause that has never ever happened. her stamina is so UP UP I am really proud of her . . She's relly trying to learn all she can about whats good food and stuff it's been much easier than I thought especially since we figured out about all the extra food. I wanted to wring the dang lunch ladies necks when I came to speak with them and then .... ahhh geez they were soo sweet. They are very overweight themselves and I believe had the love= food mentality. I did however explain to them all the weight all the dr.'s appts I took her to all the unnecessary pokes she had to have. They got it and I know I got through to them.Anyhow I am a sap lol. I always intend to get mad then dang I just can't unless someone is completely ballistic well.. ? can't helpit. So all is well in Liptonland. Soo happy for Emily and YOU!!! (((HUGS))) Stephnie

[Jackie]

Steff...sooooo proud of Liv...and you too for your intervention. It IS hard to deny our kids the things they seem to enjoy most in life, isn't it. But like you have done getting her involved in the nutritional aspects of all she is doing...it sort of becomes a game and much more fun than just being 'told' what to eat. Emily called yesterday to tell me they had all weighed and she had lost 5 lbs...not sure from what total...but a loss is a loss. Of course it wasn't lost on me that the other two girls had lost significantly more...they are all eating just the same and doing the same exercise...Em's bod just does not give up the wt as easily but she was psyched. If you havent checked out the EAT THIS NOT THAT series you should...it's an eye opener and since it is pictoral she will relate to those.

Jackie