Diets A-Z: Weight Watchers success secrets

Survive the danger zone
All dieters have danger times during the day or week when that willpower wavers. In order to get through, iVillager klongland reveals what works for her:

'I go to the gym on a Saturday and Sunday morning which sets me up for the day as I always feel better after going (even if I don't feel like it). I also save some of my points from the week so that I can have a nice treat on Saturday night - maybe two glasses of wine or a takeaway. I find that helps to keep me motivated. If I feel hungry then I drink water or distract myself by logging on to the iVillage Weight Watchers message board and reading everyone's weigh-ins and how well they're doing. I weigh-in first thing on mondays so that is a good motivator - I don't want to have put any weight on over the weekend.'

hellysbelly says planning is key:

'Recognise your 'danger times' and plan accordingly. Drink plenty of water and try to plan ahead as much as possible. Stock up on healthy foods plus fruit to snacks on. Weekends are especially hard, but if you plan ahead and are as prepared, you should be able to beat those cravings.'

How to maintain your target weight
You've reached your goal - congratulations! What now? Many dieters wonder how many points they should stick to in order to maintain their goal weight. iVillager kbsg suggests the following for your average daily point allowance:

'Answer the following questions to work out your weight maintenance points:

1. Are you female?
   Score 3 (male score 9)



2. How old are you?
   16-20: score 5
   21-35: score 4
   36-50: score 3
   51-65: score 2
   over 65: score 1



3. How many stones do you weigh?
   (ignore the lb number. Someone who weighs 12st 4lb would score 12)



4. How tall are you?
   Under 5ft 4" - score 1
   5ft 4" or above - score 2



5. In your main occupation, are you:
   Sitting down most of the time - score 0
   Occasionally sitting, but mainly standing - score 2
   Walking most of the time - score 4
   Doing physically hard work most of the time - score 6



6. Do you want to:
   Lose weight - score 0
   Maintain your current weight - score 6

Now add up your score, this is now your daily POINTS allowance.'

Get started!
The ultimate way to stay on track is with the iVillage Weight Watchers messageboard where you will find all the help and support you need from fellow Weight Watchers at iVillage.

Whether it's a query about the points total of those four Bacardi Breezers you put away last night, an interesting new recipe or just a virtual shoulder to cry on when you feel your willpower wavering, someone out there will be able to help you with any Weight Watchers issues you may have. Good luck!

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