Lauren lost weight with a prior Weight Watchers program and the PointsPlus® program.

At more than 100 pounds overweight, Lauren woke up one day and had an epiphany: it was time to put herself first again.

I was kind of heavy as a child, but really started gaining in my late 20s and after I got married. Before I joined Weight Watchers meetings and started following the Plan, I was fed up with my unhealthy lifestyle. I felt like I was trapped in my body and I didn’t know how I’d gotten to that point. It was time for a change and I knew I was ready.

I chose Weight Watchers because I’d heard about a lot of people’s successes. My mother-in-law is also a Lifetime Member and has always spoken so highly of the Plan. I knew it was the right choice.

Growing confidence

I wanted to be able to incorporate foods that I loved into my life. I didn’t want to give anything up. I did some research on Weight Watchers and thought this fit exactly with the type of change I was trying to make. I found a meeting that night.

I started out by sitting in the back of the meeting room and just listening. But now that the weight has come off I’m more confident and I share my stories and struggles with the group.

Rethinking the mirror

I just recently started looking in the mirror and seeing what others see. For the longest time, I kept thinking people were only saying I looked good because they felt like they had to. But as my wardrobe got smaller and smaller I started to say, “OK, maybe they’re right. Maybe I do look good.”

I’ve been married for almost four years. My husband loves this new wife more because I’m so much more confident. I needed to get myself happy and this has just made our marriage so much stronger.

The PointsPlus difference

The timing of the switch to the PointsPlus program was perfect for me because I was at plateau and was struggling to lose the last of my weight. It forced me to take a second look at the food I was eating. So PointsPlus was the boost and change I needed to get me to my goal. And now earn even more activity PointsPlus values when I work out. Bonus!

Weight Watchers is still really all about balance. The meetings taught me to evaluate all the food I eat and why I’m eating it. But guess what? If I want a cheeseburger, I’m going to eat a cheeseburger, as long as I track it and compensate for it throughout the day.

I’ll never be one of those “naturally thin” people. I’ll have to work at this all my life but it feels great knowing that Weight Watchers will always be a part of my life. It’s comforting. I knew I would be successful, I just had no idea how much I would lose. But I was determined and I knew I was worth it.

The fitness factor

Before starting the Plan, I was exercising a little bit. But I was coming home and eating a steak and cheese sub with a small order of fries. Now I’m smarter. After I work out, I treat myself to something like almonds or cheese, but I don’t want to “ruin” my workout by eating a lot of unhealthy food.

I’ve definitely upped my workouts as well. I go to the gym five days a week and I do an hour of cardio and then a half hour in the weight room. And I also do Zumba which is so much fun! You get to dance and get your cardio in while you dance. I’m not good at it at all, but I have a blast doing it. A year ago I never would have even stepped foot into a Zumba class because I was so unconfident.

Getting to Goal

When I hit my goal weight, my Leader, Jane, had a family celebration during the meeting for me. My husband, father and stepmother all came to the ceremony. I shared my journey with other members as well as my successes and struggles along the way. I loved being able to shop for new clothes and, for once in my life, share my clothes with my best friend!

My husband has also gotten into better shape. We’re both in the best shape of our lives now.

I just love the new me. Before I started, I would always hide in the back of the group for pictures or crop myself out. But I’m not the same person I was. If there’s a camera, I’m like, “Hey! Look at me!” I’m so much happier and healthier and more active than I was before. I take much better care of myself. While people notice the weight loss, they also notice I’m much more confident than I used to be. Weight Watchers was the best thing that could have happened to me and at the perfect time in my life when I was willing to change. It has honestly changed my life.

Lauren’s Tips

The idea of losing 100 pounds is really intimidating. I never even dreamed I’d get under 200 pounds. Set mini goals for yourself. That just kept me going and going. Look for the perfect meeting for you. There are meetings closer to where I live, but I drive a lot farther to hear my Leader Jane’s tips and inspiring words. Snack throughout the day so you’re never starving. And plan your days in advance so you’re never worried about what your next meal will be. I look for the most flavorful foods so I can get the best bang for my PointsPlus value buck. Use you weekly PointsPlus Allowance in the way that’s best for you. I use them for eating dinner at a nice restaurant every Saturday night. Other people spread them throughout the week.