FitSugar

The Proof Is in the Points: Weight Watchers Scientifically Works, Study Says

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:20:16 PDT

For celebs like Jennifer Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jenny McCarthy, and funny lady Tina Fey, Weight Watchers was the key to slimming down their figures. The program also offers success to us commoners - I know a handful of people who've lost college or baby weight using the point system. We know it works, but now we really know. A recent scientific study has proven those on Weight Watchers lose twice as much weight as compared to those dieting under the care of their primary care provider.

Although funded by Weight Watchers International, an independent research team carried out the study and collected all the data. I know it seems a little fishy to take note of a study about Weight Watchers that was paid for by the company, but the results speak for themselves.

Keep reading to hear more details about the Weight Watchers study.

Are You a Fan of Prepackaged Diet Plans?

Leta Shy — Wed, 11 May 2011 16:49:18 PDT

Consumer Reports recently came out with its latest diet ratings, and Jenny Craig is on top. The diet program took top billing in part because most people on it stay on it for a while; a recent study found that 92 percent of dieters on the plan stayed on it for two years.

Three of the top four, actually, also featured branded prepackaged meals. Rated just behind Jenny Craig was Slim Fast, which offers branded meal replacement bars and shakes to help you lose weight. The Zone's delivered meals also were rated highly, coming in fourth. And while third-place Weight Watchers doesn't require product-endorsed meals as part of the diet, it does sell optional frozen meals and includes meetings or online counseling for support.

The diets that came in last, however, were the low-carb Atkins program and Ornish, the diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting animal products. While there are support plans available for both diets, the main tenets of both can just be followed by buying a book.

Finding a diet that works for you can no doubt be a challenge; some people may love the convenience of knowing what and how much to eat, others may scoff at eating processed or frozen foods. Are you a fan of prepackaged diet programs like Jenny Craig and Slim Fast? What do you like about them?

Jennifer Hudson Talks Body Image and Weight Loss on The Ellen Show

Michele Foley — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:00:00 PST

Jennifer Hudson is hard not to love, especially after seeing her recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. During the interview, Jennifer talks about going from a size 16 to six, but says that she's as happy now as she was then and always loved her body, regardless of its size. Jennifer slimmed down to play Winnie Mandela in the upcoming movie about the South African first lady. To lose the weight, she enlisted the help of Weight Watchers and trainer Harley Pasternak. She also had a little help from her adorable baby boy - watch the video to see how he keeps his mom in shape and the one thing that Jennifer says being slim makes "more fun."

Tim Gunn's Tips For Dressing Postpartum Figures

Heather Maddan — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:00:54 PST

Every woman wants to feel like she could walk a runway even those who have just given birth! So who better to offer up the gold rules for dressing the postpartum figure than Project Runway's Tim Gunn. I had the chance to chat with the cohost and Chief Executive Officer for Liz Claiborne after he hosted a Weight Watchers fashion show. Check out his pointers for selecting flattering and appropriate outfits!

Ginnifer Goodwin Covers Health: "I Have Been a Member of Weight Watchers For 23 Years"

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:59 PST

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin is smiling her way into the new year on Health's January/February 2011 cover. In the interview, the actress speaks candidly about her struggle with weight and admits that she's been on and off the Weight Watchers program since she was 9 years old. She only uses the diet program for times when she is exceptionally indulgent, and instead keeps up a healthy fitness and diet routine. Here are the highlights:

On her go-to snack: "Jeanne Tripplehorn taught me . . . make some instant oatmeal, and put a tiny spoonful of peanut butter and a tiny spoonful of jelly in it, and mush it all up. It is like a mushy peanut butter-and-jelly. It's genius. And it's very satiating."
On being on Weight Watchers: "I have been a member of Weight Watchers for 23 years, and I'm back on it right now. It's the only thing on the planet that doesn't dehydrate you or just make you miserable. I've never had a dramatic weight problem, it's just that I tend to indulge, and then I need to get back on track so I can button my pants."
On her ballet-based workouts: "Looooove ballet! I have a trainer who used to be a New York City Ballet ballerina, and she does a lot of hybrid Pilates ballet."
On her favorite form of cardio: "I like the elliptical, 'cause I feel like I'm dancing. And I'm also big on speed-walking outside. Like, I'll speed-walk a couple of miles, get a cup of coffee, speed-walk back. It's so easy. Just break a sweat for 30 minutes and you're fine."

Celebrity Body Transformations of 2010: Stars Who Lost the Weight and Got in Shape

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 05:00:31 PST

Weight loss stories are inspiring - especially when there's photographic proof. Even though a good majority of Hollywood stars are already in great shape, there were quite a few weight loss reveals in 2010. If you're looking for some motivation to lose a few pounds or add a little definition to your arms, keep reading! And don't forget to take a look at the picture to your left - since appearing on DWTS, Kelly Osbourne has dropped five dress sizes. Inspiring, right?

New Weight Watchers Plan Gives Fruit a Freebie Pass

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:00:49 PST

Watching your weight? Go ahead and dig into that apple! Weight Watchers announced changes to its points system Monday, and veggie lovers can rejoice: fresh fruits and most vegetables are now zero points. But before digging into that bag of prunes, know that dried fruits and some vegetables, like potatoes and corn, still have points assigned to them.

Weight Watchers says the change is based on research and aimed at helping clients make smarter, more fulfilling choices. That's just the message spokeswoman Jennifer Hudson has shared about the program, saying, "I feel empowered with what I've learned, everything from portion control to what foods will help keep me satisfied. It's a lifestyle change, not a diet."

No matter what form it comes in, calories need to be counted and reduced for weight loss, but the promotion of fresh foods is always a healthy one. Have you used - or are you currently using - Weight Watchers, and if so, what do you think of the change?

Foodie Friday Link Time

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:30:02 PDT

Warm yourself up with a healthy chickpea curry - Oh She Glows
Weight Watchers using social media to raise money to help the hungry - Fit Celeb
Power your next workout with this salmon and spinach saute - Tone It Up
Superfoods to help you get your snooze on - That's Fit.ca
Full of vitamins and flavor: green smoothie with chocolate - Peanut Butter Fingers
Vegan cupcakes to help you eat animal free - MindBodyGreen
DIY cookie dough cereal is good for the waist and the taste - Fitnessista

A Healthy Bite: Jennifer Hudson

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:00:09 PDT

"I don’t want to lose any more weight, and you’re never going to see me skinny. I think this is a good, natural size for me."

- Jennifer Hudson talks to InStyle Makeover about being happy with her current weight. The actress, who is also the current spokesperson for Weight Watchers, has dropped from a size 16 to six since giving birth to her son last year. Jennifer credits Weight Watchers and working out with trainer Harley Pasternack for her amazing body transformation. It's totally refreshing to hear that Jennifer feels comfortable in her curves!

BabySugar Diaries: Weight Watchers Worked For Me!

babysugar — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:00:02 PDT

What goes up, must come down, right? That's been my philosophy as I tried to shed the last of my baby weight. Five months after my second lil one's arrival, I still found myself up a handful of pounds. Refusing to invest in an entire new Summer wardrobe, I was determined to shed the extra weight.

While LilSugar has been working with a specialized personal trainer to battle her baby weight, I decided to rely on my tried and true method from my first child – Weight Watchers (currently $20/month). The portion control-oriented weight loss program has been the diet of choice for postpartum mamas like Jenny McCarthy and Jennifer Hudson, and it helped me melt away my belly in mere months after my first son was born. After three months of counting points assigned to each item I ingested, measuring out my food, filling my plate with veggies and snacking on cups of air popped corn, I'm excited to be back in my skinniest white jeans just in time for grilling season. My weight loss goals met, I've completely overhauled my eating habits and am now changing the makeup of my family's meals. Did your postpartum weight loss change your family's eating habits?