I am one of the lucky women who doesn’t have trouble losing pregnancy weight. I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight in just a few months after both births (no doubt nursing helped). But I was overweight to start, and earlier this summer, I was feeling incredibly frustrated about my weight. And then I discovered that a Weight Watchers group meets once a week at lunch time in my office building. It seemed like a sign, and I knew I would always regret it if I didn’t join. So I did.
At $204 for 17 weeks, the At-Work program is a little more expensive than signing up at a center. But I do save money on gas and parking, since I just walk to my meetings. The At-Work program also includes access to E-Tools, Weight Watchers’ online portal that includes an online tracking program, which I absolutely love. So I don’t think I’m paying much more than I would for traditional Weight Watchers, and of course, I’m saving lots of time by attending meetings at work. 
I’ve been a little surprised at the impact – or lack thereof – of Weight Watchers on our grocery budget. I thought I’d spend more on produce and “special” low calorie foods. But that hasn’t really been the case. I do buy a lot of produce, but not much more than I used to. I buy a few things that I didn’t used to – particularly Laughing Cow Light Cheese and rice cakes – but I’m just using the money that I used to spend on chocolate and cookies. It doesn’t cost more. I do keep some Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen dinners in the freezer for times when I don’t want to eat what I’ve made for the rest of the family (like hot dogs), but again, that cost is mostly canceled out by the food I didn’t eat. (Especially because I buy frozen dinners on sale with coupons.
One positive change due to Weight Watchers is that we eat out a little bit less than we used to. Because I need to plan ahead, I’m better about cooking at home. And when we do grab some fast food on weekends en route to our various activities, I usually don’t order anything.
Overall, I’d have to say that Weight Watchers has had minimal impact on our budget. Which surprises me, because one of the reasons I’d avoided it for so long was the cost.
Have you ever been on Weight Watchers, and if so, how did it affect your budget? Head on over to the forum and discuss!
Cathy is a wife, mother to two young boys, and an attorney. At her blog, Chief Family Officer, she writes daily about personal finance, parenting, cooking and lately, about Weight Watchers. She loves to make money, save money, and have fun along the way.
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