Kiva, Core program, lost 63 lbs*
*At 6 months, participants in a clinical trial of the WW weight-loss program lost an average of 9.7 lbs (5% of body weight). And, people who track their food more often lose more weight. When actual WW members track their food at least two times a week for 6 months they lose on average 16.6 lbs. (7.9% body weight). Kiva lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on the WeightWatchers program.
In Kiva’s words:
In college, I was always up for socializing. As I gained weight over the years, I retreated. I never wanted to draw attention to myself; friends would invite me out and I’d decline. I tried to lose weight but nothing stuck. In March 2016, a friend joined WW. After a few weeks, she asked if I wanted to try it. I thought I’d wait until I felt ready, but my friend said, “Why put off what you can do today?” So I jumped in as a WeightWatchers Core member.
Finding a community
Instagram success
Because I’m a Core member, I needed to find ways to stay accountable. I wanted to create my own little community that would help me get to my goal. I created an Instagram account specific to my weight loss journey. I started posting my main meals on my profile and I began to create a following of like-minded people. I started to meet others, virtually, who were on the same journey as me. I’ve slowly created my own Instagram family. We keep each other honest!
Food finds
I’ve discovered so many great food finds online. One is lavosh, which is a small, thin, unleavened flatbread. I’ve used it to make breakfast burritos; I’ve cut it into triangles, added spray butter, Splenda, and cinnamon, and popped it in the oven to make cinnamon chips. I’ve even made a pizza on lavosh using shredded chicken, onion, pineapple, green pepper, and barbecue sauce. It’s so delicious!
For good measure
I love ice cream — it’s my go-to treat. I still wanted to be able to have it, so I started using a measuring cup to scoop the right portion. When I noticed that my portions felt off, I started weighing the ice cream in grams on my food scale. I’ve realized that when I weigh and measure my food, I lose weight, so I stick to those tools of success.
How Kiva’s success with WW has improved her life
Back to my old self
Today, my life has changed in more ways than I could’ve imagined, and I’m back to my outgoing self. I’m friendlier than ever — if I see someone at the grocery store scanning a barcode, I’ll go right up to them to start chatting about that item. I’m more willing to speak up. I’m a wallflower no more!
Getting moving
When I first started WeightWatchers, my primary form of exercise was the treadmill. As I gained confidence, I signed up for a three-month boot camp class. During the 12 weeks, we used TRX bands, did jumping and bodyweight exercises, ran up stairs, and more. I work in Washington, D.C., so during my lunch break, I also love to walk around the city. I don’t have time to pop into museums, but it’s wonderful to walk along the National Mall and see the monuments. All this exercise is prepping me for the future. One of my goals is to travel back to Europe. When we were there in 2015, by the end of a day of sightseeing, my knees would be aching. Now, I can’t wait to go back with this body.