What to Expect at Your First Weight Watchers Meeting

You took a huge step in your weight-loss journey by making the decision to join Weight Watchers—congrats! Of course you did your research, so you know it’s a frequent list-topper when it comes to weight-loss programs (U.S. News & World Report ranks it number one in best weight-loss diets, easiest diets to follow, and best commercial diet plans).

The hallmark of Weight Watchers is its weekly meetings for members, and now that you’ve got your first one coming up, you might not know what to expect (the points system is so confusing! You have to eat frozen meals! They’re going to make me hop on the scale in front of everyone!). Before you reach for the carton of ice cream to calm those nerves (virtual hand slap!), we’ve got the scoop on what will really happen at your first meeting.

1. No, you don’t weigh yourself in front of everyone. Some meeting rooms even have little booths, where the scale is only visible by you and your leader. (P.S. You don’t have to weigh in at all, if you don’t feel like it. Just don’t skip your weekly meeting!)

2. Speaking of leaders, yours will basically become your confidant, therapist, inspiration, and cheerleader all rolled into one, so put in the effort to get to know them at your first meetings.

3. You’ll be really upset when you look up the points value of your favorite drink, a Long Island Iced Tea (a whopping 15).

4. It’s totally OK to wear your lightest clothing items (sundresses or workout attire, anyone?) on the days you weigh in. And don’t be surprised to see people stripping shoes, socks, coats, belts, sweaters, and, yes, even bras (straight from the mouth of a leader, we swear) before stepping on the scale.

5. Salad bowls, fruit bowls, activity monitors, measuring cups—you name it, Weight Watchers sells it. You. Will. Want. It. All. (And to justify the cost, you’ll convince yourself that you “need” said items to aid in your weight-loss journey.) Where you should really spend your money is on the snacks. They are surprising delish—especially the Coffee Crumb Cake bars.

6. Remember how in school there was always that one girl who raised her hand for everything? There’s bound to be someone like that in every meeting room. She’ll share every week while you nod politely and try to decide whether you are intimidated by her, jealous of her, or really just wish she’d stop talking.

7. Guess what? You don’t have to eat frozen meals if you don’t want to (really!). Yes, Smart Ones microwaveable meals are branded with the Weight Watchers name, but you are not expected to eat them every day—or at all. They do come in handy when you’re in a bind, though.

8. You’ll probably forget to take off your name tag after the meeting and walk around with it for half the day. Don’t be embarrassed—embrace the fact that you’re taking charge of your health and be proud!

9. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you might have unrealistic expectations when you first join. Yes, you can eat what you want (in moderation, of course) and, yes, if you stick to the plan you will lose weight, but it takes time. Whether you want to lose five, 10, 15, or 50 pounds, that weight didn’t creep on overnight. It won’t come off overnight, either. Be patient—it’s totally worth it.

10. Honestly, your first meeting will probably be a little awkward. You’ll feel like the new kid in class who doesn’t know what to say or how to act. Keep coming back! The other members in this group will become a really awesome, kick-ass, motivational group of friends.

Source: shape.com