Learning Portion Control with Weight Watchers Personal Coaching

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

So, over the past couple of months I’ve been on the Weight Watchers plan. It’s not a diet – because honestly, diets don’t work. A “diet” means you are making a temporary change. You go “on” and “off” of a diet. That’s why they don’t work. Weight Watchers is an awesome lifestyle change, that helps you learn to eat proper portions of the right foods, and live healthier. But, that’s not always so easy. Which is why in addition to their awesome app, online tools, local classes, and all the rest – they now also have personal coaching. Someone to be your expert when you have questions, cheerleader for motivation, and more.

One of the big things that my coach stressed to me was portion control. This is hit or miss for me usually. I’ve had a lot of health issues lately – meaning, I’m either starving, or have no appetite at all. And, the Mister makes BIG portions when he cooks, and he does most of the cooking. And we eat out at restaurants a lot, where portions are totally out of control. So using measuring cups and a food scale to make realistic portions really opened my eyes to how much we all sometimes overeat. Another thing that has helped? Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen meals. They’re already portioned out for me, so I can see how much I should truly be eating. With this Chicken Alfredo, I added a bunch of “free, no-point” ingredients to jazz it up: frozen bell peppers from last year’s garden, red pepper flakes, black pepper – and a 1/2 point worth of Parmesan cheese. Then a side of apple slices. Making this whole lunch only 7 1/2 points. No depriving myself of stuff I love :)

Another tip from my coach that’s been working great – she reminded me that whole grains, fruits and veggies keep you fuller longer. I’m awesome with the whole grains and fruit… But you might have heard me mention before that I’m not good with veggies. I just don’t like very many, especially raw. So, she gave me the idea to chop up a ton of veggies into little tiny bites, and keep those in the freezer. I chose broccoli, peppers, and baby carrots. Then just toss a handful into or onto different meals – pasta, baked potato, soup, chili, etc. Has worked awesome for me! More nutrition, more filling, and no points!

The knowledge and support from the personal coaches is just so amazing. I’ve had a couple of different ones now. You can choose to have just one through the whole process, or switch it up – whatever works for YOU. I love that when I’m feeling kind of lazy, I can message my coach and she can push me to get my booty up and out for a walk. And – I know so many of my friends around the country are still covered in snow, sorry! – our weather is almost summery here in Central Washington. See this gorgeous view I have when I go for my walk? Between the motivation from my Weight Watchers Personal Coach and the weather and the view – how could I not get my daily exercise that she suggests?

And… This is where we walk to. It’s the most amazing giant park. You have to walk about a half mile past the river to get to it. But it’s a great place to “work out.” Jumping, climbing, walking, lifting…. and it’s fun! Because another tip from my coach was to make working out fun, and to try to gather supportive people to be active with me. So, my brother {the one in the very background, with the long hair} and Abby {jumping through the tires} and my brother’s kids all come with me. So we can all get active together!

And here comes the motivation for all of this. Yes – I want to be healthier. Especially with all of the issues I’ve had lately. But I’ll admit I also want to look a little better in a swimsuit when we open the pool in a month :) Don’t we all? After just a couple months of following the Weight Watchers plan, and having the support of my personal coach, I’m at the lowest weight I’ve been since I had Abby almost 5 years ago. #Winning, right? :)