I've been debating between WW and JC just because I realize that I can't do this by myself. I need support and help. I joined both JC and WW in the past (I say joined because I never followed the plan), and I like what they both have to offer. But from my experiences (and searching on here) WW seems to have a more positive outcome as far as maintenance.
The thing that I REALLY like about JC is the fact that the food is prepared. I'm a student so if I can't just throw something in my lunch bag, I eat out (wendy's mostly).
So, is it possible or even recommended to start WW points using the prepackaged smart ones and just adding my own fruits and veggies? I'm concerned about sodium, so I'll have to see if lean cuisine is better. What do you guys think?
I have been doing WW on my own now for several months and I use the frozen Smart Ones, Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine for lunch almost every weekday. It is easier/quicker for me that packing my own lunch. LC even has the WW points value on the side of the box for their meals. My weight loss is slow (maybe 1 lb. a week), but it is steady.
I'm a Lifetimer who just started back on WW...I have found that smart ones are usually on sale every few weeks 1/2 price at times. you can check on line circuler( I'm sure I spelled that wrong) There are also serving size frozen veggies that are on sale every few weeks,just watch out for added sauces. I think alot of them have a high sodium count. Good luck
i love my smart ones i usually use them for lunch with an 18 month old on the go it just makes for a quick easy healthy portioned meal i love them the truth about carb ones are great
Everyone has different lifestyles and what works for them.
However, in my experiences, the Frozen meals are expensive, not very filling (at least to me) and you can get much more food for less points and with less additives and salt by just doing something yourself.
It really doesn't take much time to make a sandwich or wraps or things like that. For instance, I make a quick low point chili. I dump a can of chili beans, some frozen veggie burger, chili style tomatoes, seasonings and veggies into a bowl and microwave for 5 minutes. I get a much bigger portion of the chili than the boca, which is like over three dollars for the whole bowl and it tastes better too
If you feel the only way to do it is to buy the meals, I guess you have to do what you have to do, but for me, you get more and better food by doing it yourself. It also sets you up for eating well for the rest of your life.
I'm gonna ditto what Multi said and add that you can get more food for the same or less points if you spend about 5-10 minutes packing your lunchbag the night before or in the morning. Additionally you'll save bunches of money even on sale the Frozen foods are not that cheap. Plus you don't need all the added sodium that they add to your dietary needs. if you watch your other meals 1 of them a day isn't bad but if you start doing it for 2 meals and eat more processed food your sodium intake is going to go up.
Thanks for the replies! I think I'm going to use them to jump start my lifestyle change, then gradually transition to cooking my own food. Hey, it has to be better thsn Wendy's, right?
I think you have to find what works best for you. I agree that I think eating alot of prepackaged food is not always the best choice but as an alternative to eating something totally OP it is probably a better choice
Smart Ones are great (usually 5-6 points for a box). I use them, or Lean Cuisines, for lunch every weekday. I work full time and go to graduate school at night, so anything fast helps. I usually have a frozen dinner for lunch, snacks (raisins, wheat thins) throughout the day, and a big salad for dinner. I get out of class at 10 pm most weekdays.
At first, the frozen dinners were too small for me. But since I started on WW and I've been drinking lots of water and paying attention to portions, I've been eating the dinners and getting full before the last bite! I never thought that would happen.
Lean Cuisine enchiladas are AMAZING. I usually go for the pasta dishes and the thai noodles when eating Smart Ones.
Smart Ones are great (usually 5-6 points for a box). I use them, or Lean Cuisines, for lunch every weekday. I work full time and go to graduate school at night, so anything fast helps. I usually have a frozen dinner for lunch, snacks (raisins, wheat thins) throughout the day, and a big salad for dinner. I get out of class at 10 pm most weekdays.
At first, the frozen dinners were too small for me. But since I started on WW and I've been drinking lots of water and paying attention to portions, I've been eating the dinners and getting full before the last bite! I never thought that would happen.
Lean Cuisine enchiladas are AMAZING. I usually go for the pasta dishes and the thai noodles when eating Smart Ones.
I think that's what I'll end up doing. Eating one smart ones or lean cuisine for lunch since I can throw that in my bag with an apple and popcorn. As far as getting full, I always add a quarter to a half a bag of frozen veggies when I'm eating a tv dinner.
You might want to give Healthy Choice brand a try. They have less sodium, and they usually have a lot more food for the same amount of points (5-6) as the LC or SO. Some even have an extra veggie serving. Plus there are a few chains that put them 50% off pretty often.
Is Using Smart Ones a good way to Jumpstart WW?
