Is Weight Watchers Healthy?

First of all, let me just set the record straight and clarify that I won't be slagging off Weight Watchers in this article. I really don't feel the need to anymore as I know what I do gets the best results possible without compromising health.

Before we get into the meat of the article, I'm not disputing the fact that Weight Watchers definitely works and gets results so please don't think Im saying that it doesn't, HOWEVER IAM asking one simple question and that is:

Does it promote optimum health?

I believe that there's some MAJOR flaws in the weight watchers fatloss model, some of which I'd like to tackle in this article. so read on and lets get it on:

Is Weight Watchers Healthy?

As a fitness professional that promotes health and focuses on nutritional cleansing, I simply CANNOT advocate a system that allows you to:

1) Eat in moderation,
2) Consume sugar & processed food,
3) Focus on overall weight loss and not fat loss!

Eating In Moderation

As you may already know, the Weight Watchers model encourages you to "eat in moderation" which is fine (if you're actually eating in moderation!)but as I've said before in previous articles, the problem with eating in moderation is that no can do it?

Be honest, when was the last time you ate (and drank) in 'moderation' and got outstanding, draw dropping fat loss results that left your friends absolutely dumbfounded by your transformation?

Ask yourself this,

If eating in moderation worked then why is the UK now the fattest country in Europe?
If eating in moderation worked then why is there currently an obesity epidemic?
And if eating in moderation worked then why is no one getting AWESOME fat loss results from their programmes?

You may have guessed that I have a real problem with this piece of dietary advice and if you want to lose bodyfat (NOT WEIGHT) anytime soon than you simply HAVE to stop listening to this advice! Its not working for you!

2) Consume Sugar & Processed Food



When I first saw this picture above I couldn't believe it! The label above is from a Weight Watchers cereal bar. Interesting isn't it when you read the ingredients, especially when you'd think a weight watchers cereal bar would be considered "healthy" right?

Well, it's quite staggering the amount of sugar and cr*ap thats in this bar. MOST of the ingredients in it is basically sugar, chemicals and preservatives.

REALLY not great if you want to dump bodyfat anytime soon.

The problem with most of these so-called healthy cereal bars (not just weight watchers!)is that they are stuffed full of chemicals and preservatives. Chemicals that your body won't recognise and in order to get them out of your system will dump them into your fat cells. If you want to lose bodyfat then the first thing you need to do is get rid of the chemicals and toxins from your adipose tissue (fat cells).

Don't get me wrong, once you've achieved your fat loss results it's ok to have a dessert or a treat every now and then but there are healthier treats out there that are free from all these chemicals and preservatives that won't overburden your liver, so just because its from weight watchers, don't automatically think its a "healthy" option cos it aint!

3) Works with Weight Loss and Not Fat Loss!

The problem with overall weight loss is that you have to use the scales as a way of measuring your progress which is a TERRIBLE way of tracking your results. I'll give you an example:

You've lost BODYFAT and increased lean muscle tissue (which is a good thing because the more muscle tissue you have, your bodies ability to burn bodyfat quickens up considerably which is EXACTLY what you want) BUT on the scales your overall weight may not have changed? This often then leads to disappointment, demotivation and worse still, dropping out of the healthy eating plan completely.

This makes a mockery of the whole weight watchers way (and other slimming clubs that like to use scales to monitor progress), they look at overall weight loss and not fat loss.



Let me put it another way, would you be happy to be the same weight that you are now but have no bodyfat, have an amazing killer physique with an abundance of energy?

I rest my case!

Heck I recently finished a 9 week six pack challenge with some of my fellow fitness professionals and I didn't lose ANY WEIGHT (not a single pound!) but my bodyfat levels went from 10% down to 8%, my waist went form a 32 to a 30 and I had a killer sixpack to show off! (and I didn't eat in moderation!)



See what I'm getting at?

So now that we've highlighted a few flaws in the weight watchers model lets talk about some things you can do that Weight Watchers doesn't talk so much about:

1) Stop eating in moderation and focus on Cleansing your fat cells!

Lets face it, this advice isn't working for you is it. If it did, then you would have already achieved your dream body by now right?
Focus on cleansing your fat cells for the next 28 days. If you want to drop body fat then you need to allow time for your liver to heal. Your body will choose to drop bodyfat once youve restored liver health. No wheat, sugar, processed food and alcohol for 28 days.Focus on lean proteins with plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables. Be strict with yourself (no piss poor excuses! If you can't give up alcohol for 28 days then you need to take a long hard look at yourself) and remember you don't have to be boring to eat healthy. You can check out the Evolution Cookbook if you want some recipe ideas. Over 60 wheat, gluten & sugar free recipes to choose from (including chicken pizza, healthy fish & chips, chocolate brownies & clean choc chip cookies)

2) BIN THE SCALES!

Scales have to be THE WORSE way to measure your progress! Ditch the scales and go on how you look, how you feel and how your clothes fit you. Take measurements before you start from your chest, waist, hips and thighs, all at the widest point) and measure as you go to monitor your results. Do ANYTHING! just stop using the scales!!! If you dont trust yourself then just bin them! Im serious!

So to come back to the title of this article? Is Weight Watchers healthy?

Here's where I respectfully disagree.

Definitely get's results for some as Im sure many will testify but for me it doesn't advocate optimum health. We should be striving to restore our health, going back to basics with our nutritin and when we do then we'll naturally achieve our ideal bodyshape and we wont have to worry about calorie counting and complicated point scoring.

It really is THAT SIMPLE!

In the words of my business partner and fellow fat loss expert Nisha Obaidulla:

"WEIGHT WATCHERS. GREAT BUSINESS MODEL, CRAP FAT LOSS MODEL".
Couldn't have put it better myself!

Peace out :-)

Sam

Day Fifteen Of Diet Challenge

Well, it’s the start of week three and I can genuinely say that I’m feeling much better than I did on week one.

Any “detox-nasties” that were still left in my system seem to have disappeared and I’m feeling fresh, revitalised and ready to attack week three now so beware! : )

I myself have lost a couple of pounds (although this wasn’t the main reason why I’m doing the diet, I’m doing it for the health benefits) and I’m looking leaner and more defined than I have done in a while.

I’m working hard with my exercise (although not becoming obsessed with it!) making sure I get in 3 workouts per week whether it be at my local gym or in my garden. My stomach muscles are starting to come through again (yay!). I didn’t have much excess bodyfat in the first place if I’m being honest, although I am starting to notice some changes now, which is good.

I’m drinking plenty of fresh clean water (although not filtered water). As I’ve been saying for quite some time now using a high powered “super-duper” water filter can not be as great as we might think!

Why?

Well as well as sucking out all the bad bacteria, it also takes the good bacteria with it too so I’ve been opting for Evian bottled water.

So anyway whilst I’ve got you here, I just wanted to take some time out to talk to you about the 2 diet techniques that I refer to in my report and that’s Metabolic Typing and calorie zigzagging.

I’ve had 3 of the same question hitting my mailbox this week and the question was “when to start eating according to your metabolic type” and “when to start zig-zagging calories?”

Good questions these but you can relax!

These 2 diet techniques are implemented on day 50 (Week 8) of the Diet Challenge so you’ve got a while yet although it won’t hurt to find out what metabolic type you are now! You can go here to fill out the questionnaire and find out more info on it if you like (if you haven’t done so already).

So for now, keep going as you are (Remember this is a 60 day commitment so don’t stop here), and here are three more fat burning tips to help you stay on course this week

Cut out the alcohol

Having a drink whilst on this detox will not only seriously reduce your strength and recovery after your workouts but will also put a “screaming halt” on your fatloss goals.

I mentioned the affects of “acetate” in my report but incase it didn’t go in the first time, let me refresh your memory : )

Alcohol is converted into a substance called acetate and this stuff is bad news if you wan to burn that stubborn bodyfat.

You see, acetate stays in your system for a very long time. A car engine typically uses only the one source of fuel, however your body on the other hand draws from a number of energy sources such as protein, carbohydrates and fats.

The choice of fuel (for your body) is dictated by its availability. In other words, your body will use whatever you feed it! So when acetate levels rise, your body simply burns more acetate (for fuel) and LESS FAT!

The exact opposite of what you want to achieve!

So in essence, acetate pushes FAT to the back of the cue.

Need I say more? Do yourself a favour and cut it out completely for the next few weeks.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying “don’t ever drink alcohol ever again” that would be both foolish and unrealistic but what I am saying is that you do need to stay off the source for the next few weeks if you want to see some great results by Day 60.

And if you want some more reasons to stay sober for the rest of this challenge then check this out : )




Classic eh? Although some of those guys must have been seriously intoxicated to do some of the stuff they were doing : (

Anyway, just stay off it ok?

(ok where were we!)

Use your food diary

Keep using your food diary and keep planning what you’re going to have to eat for the next day. Remember if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail. Ok : ) that sounded a bit of a cliché (even by my own admittance!) but the truth of the matter is that those who stick to a food diary are more than likely to be successful than those who don’t.

So write down everything you eat and drink and make sure you know what you’re going to eat for the next day.

Use low fat Cooking Techniques.

Avoid frying and microwaving, instead replace with steaming, baking, grilling or stir-frying.

Good luck, keep the momentum going and I’ll speak to you in the week : )


Sam

Day Eleven Of Diet Challenge

Hey guys, only me!!!

Ok, midway through week 2 and I'm still receiving amazing reports of people losing on average between 6-9 pounds and thats just in the first few weeks!

And from the reports I've been receiving from alot of you, the "detox nasties" seem to be well and truly over and the increase in energy, mental clarity and general wellbeing is huge!

This is great news. keep it up guys, we've only just begun!

The next 2 weeks you can expect to further enhance your fatloss, excess fluid loss and increase muscle tone, further reduce your parasite population (if they were high!) and your energy levels will continue to rise too. Mine have noticeably started to get better, I actually feel like I have a spring in my step again and I've had some of my best workouts this week!

So things are looking good for you at the moment!

Hang in there!

So anyway, I wanted to blog my meal plan for today that I promised you from my last message and if you remember, all the ingredients were bought from my local farmers market at the start of the week so the chicken is fresh and the fuit and veg is all organic.

I actually find this way of shopping, coincidentally, MUCH cheaper than shopping "all organic" in the big chain supermarkets so before you start shouting me down saying "hey, organic is too expensive" then think again.

Ive said it once and I'll say it again. We don't have to break the bank to eat healthily! And if you want another reason to eat organically, then read my article "How Toxic Are You?" in the main forums area of my new community I'm building.

Oh and by the way, if I can make time to go down to my local farmers market once a week then I'm sure YOU can too so there really is no excuse NOT to eat organically whilst following this diet.

OK, mini rant over : )

I love you all really!

Here's my meal plan for the next couple of days

Breakfast
Organic muesli with rice milk
mixed seeds and raisons sprinkled on top.

Mid Morning
Organic peanut butter with Celery sticks

Lunch
Grilled chicken with Green leafy Salad

Mid Afternoon
Half a handful of Mixed nuts with plain natural live yoghurt

Dinner
Chicken Both (leftovers for tomorrow)
See Recipe uploaded.

Remember to eat a varied diet to avoid cravings guys!

Till next time,

heres to your fatloss success,

Sam : )

Day Eight Of Fatloss Challenge

Well, its week two and by all accounts from the emails I’ve been receiving today and over the weekend, people are doing really well.

Most people so far on average have lost between 5 and 9 pounds. Some losing more and some less but on the whole though some good results right?

(Remember there are no “rules” as to how much you’ll lose and at what rate you’ll lose it.)

I myself have dropped 4 pounds so far (I must have been REALLY toxic over the Christmas period!) but after having some minor headaches over the weekend I feel much more energised now.

So look, here’s a bunch of tips for you all this week to fast track your fatloss even further : )

Eat little and often throughout the day.

This will help to keep your energy levels steady so that you don’t feel tired at any point during the day

Eat protein with every meal.

Base each meal around some protein (either meat, fish, chicken or half a handful of nuts if you’re snacking) as this will help hunger stay locked up for a lot longer and will stop you from snacking on sugar.

Drink plenty of fresh, clean water.

Water will help flush out the toxins and by-products you’ve been consuming over the festive season. A general rule of thumb is to try and drink a litre of water for every 50 pounds you weigh. So, if you weigh 10 stone, you should be drinking just under 3 litres of plain, clean water every day.

Eat plenty of fruit and veg (but don’t go mad!)

Eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. Make sure it’s fresh and steer clear of anything tinned, canned or frozen as these have been processed to a certain degree.

Stay off the caffeine!

All caffeine beverages are out (that includes coffee and decaf). Decaffeinated coffee (incidentally) is actually VERY processed because of the chemicals used to remove the caffeine so steer clear of this too : )

There you go! 4 more detox diet speed up tips

OK, I’m off to my local farmers market tomorrow to get my fresh fruit and vegetables for the week. I’m also going to stop in on my local butchers to stock up on some fresh meat and chicken.

I’ll keep you posted on what recipes I did with these purchases later this week to give you some more ideas on what to eat.

Keep it up : )

Sam

Day 5 Of Fatloss Challenge

Well it’s the end of the first week of my Diet Challenge (only 7 weeks to go, yay!) and already I’m starting to receive early success stories from you. : )

Now if you’re anything like me, you maybe starting to feel the affects from eliminating your banned foods.

Affects such as:

Bloating,
Bad breath (nice!)
Zits,
Gas,
Sweet cravings
…and headaches : (

Everyone is different when it comes to side affects. Most people following my diet will experience these symptoms for a few days, provided they’re not cheating! For others, they will linger for a little longer and for many, they may not kick in until week 2.

Some won’t experience hardly ANY symptoms at all!(hey that’s not fair!)

The thing is, symptoms can vary from person to person.

YOU may experience one symptom more than say, your best friend (for instance if you drink a lot of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, coke or any other caffeine beverage then it’s pretty common to get headaches or migraines).

If you eat a lot of sugar (or processed food) you may get some kind of sugar craving.

Whatever category you fall into, you can rest assured that there’s no right or wrong so relax.

Everyone is unique.

My advice is hang in there, these affects won’t last for long, provided you stick to all my guidelines. Drink plenty of water as this will help flush out all the toxins(that are causing your symptoms) a little quicker and take some hot baths as this will speed up the toxin release too : )

Now you maybe thinking "Oh, it's ok, I'll just have a bit of chocolate or a quick coffee...surely that won't hurt?"

Well let me tell you that it WILL hurt, and it WILL make a difference.

Here's why...

You know I said that these symptoms usually only last for a few days?
well guess what, if you add MORE toxins into your system whilst your trying to expel all the old ones, then these symptoms will last alot longer than a few days!

Now if you're anything like me, I'd prefer to get them over and done with in just a few days rather than have them drag on for longer wouldn't you?

So look, it’s plain and simple, be determined that you WILL complete these 60 days and refuse to stop.

I know you can do it!

In the mean time here’s a workout you can do if you want to speed up your results : )




Enjoy your weekend and I’ll catch up with you on Monday

Day 2 Of Fatloss Challenge

Well it's day 2 of my fatloss challenge and have to confess I'm feeling a little stiff from my H.I.T workout I did with my brother yesterday but all in all not feeling too bad. Got to bed at around 1030-11 last night (I managed to stop working by 10 and switch my computer off which was a miracle!!!) however I want to try and drop that down to 10-00 for atleast 4 out of 7 nights just so that I'm not losing out on that vital hour (between 10 and 11) where my muscle tissue is repairing itself.

Eating is going well. So far today, I've had organic porridge with some nuts and seeds for breakfast.
Mid morning I had half a handful of nuts with some natural plain live yoghurt.

Just had organic chicken with some mixed salad for lunch and later for dinner I plan to have chicken (left overs from lunch) with a small amount of brown organic rice with some vegetables.

I'm not going to train today but tomorrow I'm going to do another H.I.T workout in my garden around lunch time so I'll let you know how that goes.

I have to dash as I have 4 clients back to back tonight...busy, busy busy!!!

Talk to you tomorrow

Fatloss Challenge Countdown!

Hey,

I won’t keep you for too long today, I know you’re very busy.

Just wanted to let you know that we’re only a few days out from the start of the next 60 day diet challenge, and by the volumes of email I’ve been receiving, it looks like people are more than ready for it.

The last few days I’ve been busy preparing myself for next Monday sorting my fridge, freezer and cupboards for the next 60 days.

I’ve been getting rid of all my banned foods and replacing them with my allowable foods.

If , for some reason, you haven’t downloaded the latest version of my 60 day diet challenge yet, then click here to go get it:

Remember there’s no reason not to commit, its completely free and I’ll be going through it with you to help you along the way, so no excuses!

Sam Winkworth
Your Fatloss Coach

How To Accelerate Fatloss Even Further - Are You Doing This?

Hey there how are yah?


Sorry I haven’t written to you in a while. I’ve recently just returned from my summer vacation in Spain, during which time I spent relaxing with friends and family recharging my batteries with new surroundings.


Trust me, there’s nothing better than sitting on the beautiful southern beaches of Spain with a cool sea breeze, watching the world go by without a care in the world! And now I’m raring to go again with new ideas and inspiration for you!


When I got back only last week, upon returning to my PC, I discovered that I had just over 300 downloads for my fat loss report, which I’m really pleased about.


I was only on holiday for 2 weeks!!! ;-)


This is indicating that not only is my fat loss message FINALLY starting to get out there across the internet, but more importantly, people are finally staring to take their health seriously. From what started off as a diet that I’d give to just my clients, has now grown to over 9,000 online users from all across the world.


Not bad huh?


However, although extremely popular, during those 2 weeks I also had many questions regarding the 60 day diet aspect of the report that have been puzzling some readers.


So I’ve decided to share with you some of the questions that have been dropping into my inbox over the last few weeks.


Hopefully, the answers I give will help you-whatever stage of the diet you’re at, whether you’re half way through the 60 days, coming to an end or are just about to start it
(shame on you!!!) ;-)


Anyway, enough build up, you ready?


Why do I have to give up all these foods whilst I’m on your diet?


The diet is quite simply a detox. Its primary focus is that of health (although a side effect from it is that you WILL lose body fat).


Let me tell you what I mean:


The food we eat these days is unfortunately heavily processed to that of food 30/40 years ago. When I say processed, I mean the food has been tampered with before it gets to you, and can be done in various ways.


Lets take fruit and vegetables grown on a commercial farm for example. These have been sprayed with fungicides, herbicides, pesticides and rhotendercides to, shall I go on?


When you eat this kind of produce, these toxins will enter your system. This is the same with commercially raised animals. They are stuffed full of steroids to bulk them up quicker for market day and again, the toxins from this process will enter your system.


Lastly, anything that’s been tinned, canned or packaged has been tampered with to preserve its lifespan. Anything with additives, preservatives or emulsifiers are ingredients food manufacturers use to preserve the products lifespan and in short, your body won’t recognise them and store them as toxins.


Still with me?


OK ;-)


Now, when your body becomes overwhelmed by these toxins from your diet, it will
‘Dump’, any toxic substances into your adipose tissue stores (fat) in order to reduce their circulation throughout the body.


This is the main reason why people are overweight. They think they’ve tried everything when it comes to losing body fat and can’t seem to understand why they aren’t shifting it anymore or have plateaued in their results.


The fat is effectively trapped in their cells by the toxins!


Not good huh!


So that’s why I want you to eat clean and organically for the full 60 days your on this diet. Not only will this expel all the toxins that have built up in your fat cells, meaning you’ll accelerate floss but you’ll also see a improvement in your skin, your hair, your teeth, mental clarity, fingernails and an overall improvement in your energy and well being.


You see, when there are no longer toxins entering the body those toxins will be expelled along with the fat (and excess water) that’s storing them meaning you’ll start to look more toned, more shaped and more defined.


This isn’t rocket science, If you achieve deal health, and you eat the way Mother Nature intended you to eat then you’ll achieve your ideal bodyweight. There’s no if’s or but’s on this one. One rule I’m always telling my clients is that if it wasn’t around 100 years ago, then don’t eat it!


Can I have bread?

Yes, you can have wheat free bread e.g. Rye or millet.


Why am I allowed butter and live yoghurt but not milk?


Butter and live yoghurt with no additives hasn’t been processed as much as cow’s milk. Also, yoghurt contains helpful ‘friendly’ bacteria that aid digestion. Remember, cows milk has been pasteurised before it reaches you. Try oat, rice or nut milk if you REALLY want to drink milk over the 60 days.


These headaches are killing me? Is there anything else I can do to stop them?


Try not to worry; this is a good sign that’s telling you that the toxins are leaving your body! Drink plenty of fresh water to flush out the toxins and try having some hot baths. This will help to sweat out the toxins quicker.


Can I have rice? If so which kind?

Yes you can have rice, provided its brown or wild rice. Rice grain is less of a problem than rice noodles, which are made from a kind of rice flour and turn to sugar far far quicker. So white or noodle rice is off limits.


What happens after the 60 days? Can I go back to eating the banned foods?

Slowly add your banned foods back into your diet one at a time to see the effect they have on you. Really tune into how you feel during this time. Pay attention carefully to what’s going on with your body e.g. gas, stomach bloating, and flatulence. If you experience any of these side effects, then it could be safe to say that you may have a problem with that food and should ideally be avoided or cut down on.


Use your food diary during this period. This is a great way of identifying any food allergy or intolerances that you may have.


I hope these replies are helpful and have given you a little more insight into the 60-day diet. Good luck with it, I know you can do it and and I’ll be contact with you very soon.


Here’s to a new you!


SAM ;-)


PS – If you’ve got a burning question regarding the diet, then go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwevolutionfitnessandnutritioncom/10060279844 and post your question and I’ll answer it the next time I go online.