Local Weight Watchers Group Leader Builds Dedicated Following

In her role as a group leader at Weight Watchers in Freehold Raceway Mall, Valerie Rynecki, of Manalapan, is an inspiration to her clients. She has been in the position for 25 years, keeping off the 135 pounds she originally lost in the Weight Watchers program, and helping countless others meet their own weight loss goals. Valerie loves the job because she knows she is making a difference in people’s lives by giving the gift of a happy and healthier lifestyle she received so many years ago.

As a yoyo dieter, several serious health issues motivated her doctor to recommend Weight Watchers. From the outset, she was able to develop a steadfast commitment to stay focused on the program and the mentality to think positively. She attributes this to the meetings. At the meetings, Valerie and her members share their stories of failure and success. They learn and receive helpful hints concerning portion control, the physiology of the weight loss process, and lifestyle change. Val’s high level of training and experience enable her to take the lead to help members form the common bond that the Weight Watchers program was built upon.

Her enthusiasm and high energy transcend throughout her meetings. Many sessions start with open-ended questions that everyone gets to think about and then answer. These questions involve what to eat, how to survive specific situations, as well as how to develop the long-term eating habits to keep that weight off.

She has a huge following of successful life-time members, who have achieved their weight and healthy lifestyle goals. Many of these members have also become her closest friends and associates. In fact, you have to have achieved and maintained your weight goal to work for the company. There are a plethora of success stories working at each meeting.

What I loved about talking to her was her sincerity and passion for what she does each day. Val majored in communications and began her career working at WABC. It was after she had children that her current career change became ideal. Valerie’s honesty was apparent when she talked about the new Points Plus program. She said the reality is that we must change our eating habits; there will be guilty-pleasure foods that we need to limit. No successful weight loss plan is without regiment. She explained to me that the points are determined not by the amount of calories, but by the way the body processes what you intake. The dieter will be allowed eat that pizza or drink that wine because the power foods that are predominant in the diet will be low in calories and works with the metabolism. She also noted that activity is an important component.

Valerie talked about the confidence she has gained by improving her appearance and health through the program. She realized that she could handle situations without duress because she feels better about herself. Weight Watchers has helped develop this self-image. You are taught patience, tolerance and understanding. The physical image that is created involves not only looks but health as well. 

The door to the Freehold Weght Watchers is open to all men and women at any age. Valerie leads meetings in the center all day Monday and Wednesday evening.