
Intermittent Fasting vs Weight Watchers: A Comprehensive Comparison
Intermittent fasting and Weight Watchers are two popular diets that have been gaining traction in the weight loss community. Both diets have been proven to be successful in people’s weight loss journeys and have a high success rate. So, what’s the difference between intermittent fasting and Weight Watchers? Let’s take a look at each diet and compare them to find out which one is right for you.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. During the fasting period, you don’t eat any food and only drink water, tea, or coffee. There are multiple types of intermittent fasting, but the most common one is the 16:8 method. This method involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window.
A 2015 review of 40 intermittent fasting studies found that on average, IFers lost an average of 7 to 11 pounds over 10 weeks—similar to the results achieved by other diet programs like Weight Watchers. Intermittent fasting is a great option for those looking for an easy and less restrictive diet without having to give up all of their favorite foods.
What is Weight Watchers?
Weight Watchers is an evidence-based program that has been proven to be successful in people’s weight loss journeys. It focuses on helping people to make better, healthier food choices and incorporate more physical activity into their lives. The program emphasizes portion control, balanced eating, and mindful eating. With Weight Watchers Freestyle, you have the freedom to eat whatever you want and you simply track your points.
Intermittent Fasting vs Weight Watchers: Which One is Right for You?
Weight Watchers and Intermittent Fasting are both great options for people looking to lose weight. Both programs are the least restrictive “diets” you’ll ever try, and both have amazingly high success rates. You don’t have to deny yourself the foods you love and you can still enjoy your favorite treats in moderation.
If you’re trying to decide between these two diets, you should consider your lifestyle and what works best for you. If you have a schedule and ability to eat earlier in the morning and then cut yourself off around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., then intermittent fasting might be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you have a busy lifestyle and need more flexibility with your food choices, then Weight Watchers might be the right choice.
Can You Do Intermittent Fasting and Weight Watchers at the Same Time?
Absolutely not. While there might be some initial water weight loss, if a person is keeping themselves well-hydrated during Intermittent Fasting, they will not see any significant results. Additionally, combining Intermittent Fasting with Weight Watchers could be dangerous, as it could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Success Stories
One mom who lost 42 pounds on WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and doing intermittent fasting shares what she eats in a day and other tips for success. She says that she was able to maintain a healthy weight loss by tracking her points, eating healthy, and following an intermittent fasting schedule.
Another success story is from a woman who lost 120 pounds by combining Weight Watchers Freestyle and Intermittent Fasting. She is proud to say that she is no longer prediabetic and her blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health markers have improved significantly.
The Bottom Line
Intermittent fasting and Weight Watchers are both effective diet programs that have been proven to be successful in helping people reach their weight loss goals. Depending on your lifestyle and food preferences, one of these diets might be the right choice for you. However, you should not attempt to combine Intermittent Fasting and Weight Watchers, as this could be dangerous and lead to nutritional deficiencies. With the right diet and lifestyle changes, you can be successful in achieving your weight loss goals.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of intermittent fasting compared to WeightWatchers?
Studies conducted in 2020 showed that intermittent fasting is not more successful in producing weight loss than regular dieting, and a large number of individuals find it difficult to maintain fasting over an extended period of time.
Does WeightWatchers permit the practice of fasting in cycles?
Weight Watchers does not recommend fasting due to the lack of information on its potential effects on overall health. However, you can incorporate some aspects of intermittent fasting into your Weight Watchers program, if desired.
What is WeightWatchers’ stance on intermittent fasting?
Fasting for 16 hours out of the day and eating only during an 8-hour window
may provide some benefits, but there is not enough evidence to suggest it should
be used as a dieting tool.
Does losing weight with intermittent fasting compare favorably to the traditional technique of counting calories?
A recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association has determined that intermittent fasting does not lead to successful weight loss; instead, the most effective method for losing weight is still calorie counting.
If you are interested in learning more about intermittent fasting and its benefits, check out Fasting Books. Fasting Books offers a wide range of books on intermittent fasting and related topics, including weight loss, health, and wellness. With our expert guides and resources, you can have a better understanding of intermittent fasting and how it can benefit you.