What some people are not taking into account is that everyone has a different lifestyle, some people may have other issues to contend with. I suffer badly with depression for example, and some day just getting out of bed for me is a task and a half, never mind then having to stand about cooking. SW pre prepared meals which state if it's red or green how many syns it contains, if it's suitable for us vegetarians etc would make life easier. Plus, we don't all have children and also I very much doubt the odd pre prepared meal here or there (not every day!!) is going to ruin a child or make someone a bad parent. It's no different than letting them get a happy meal or giving them a soda.
I personally think denying children completely certain foods will have an adverse effect later in life. As when they get old enough to make their own choices, most will rebel against the grain of what they've been taught. Before I started at school I'd never had chips/fries, never seen a hamburger. I was an active child with a Mother who ensured I ate well, and yet I still ended up with foodie issues.
What I'm saying is we're all different, we all at some point have to make our own choices, you can't say "oh no that's a terrible idea" just because you may enjoy cooking every meal every day from scratch.
So yes, pre prepared meals, snacks etc with the SW values all there in black and white may be a God send for some. And if you are so against the idea of SW doing this, nobody will be forcing you to buy the products.
Sorry but I totally disagree with this, children can still have things like pizza, burgers and fries etc, infact anyone can but made in a much healthier way. I don't believe limiting them from having ready meals is going to have an adverse effect on their lives. Getting them involved with helping to cook meals from fresh ingredients encourages healthy eating and also encourages them to try things that they wouldn't otherwise try. You skip that entire process by serving them up a ready meal. I am not saying an occasional convenient meal is wrong, but everyone should be encouraged to cook from fresh products and know exactly what ingredients they are putting in their mouths. Supplying ready meals will just stop some people from doing that altogether, not everyone of course, but unfortunately some will and where is the healthiness in that? It goes totally against what the SW plan is about.
I hold my hands up and say I was one of those people who ate far too much of the convenience rubbish in the past, and it was that which was the main cause of my weight gain. Since doing SW however my attitude of food has completely changed not just for me but my entire family.
My son still has all the usual treats. I just choose to make most of them myself with him so I know exactly what he is eating. My son gets great enjoyment out of baking cookies and preparing meals etc with me. Choosing to not serve my son ready meals is not going to have an adverse affect on his life, what utter nonsense.
If my son asks for something in particular I don't deprive him and say oh no you can't have that. He can have pretty much anything he chooses. But there is no need to serve him up a ready meal and I can't see him ever wanting or asking for one to be honest. His first choice when wanting a snack is usually fresh fruit. He loves all kinds of fruit.
I also love the fact that my son can identify so many different ingredients. He is not going to learn that by eating a ready meal.
In all honesty though, SW making ready/convenience meals or not, isn't going to make much difference to me as I will be sticking to my fresh produce, as I wouldnt be 46lbs lighter and feeling the healthiest I have in years without the SW plan and the concept behind it. However I
CAN say when I don't like the idea of something and think it is a bad idea, but it certainly doesnt mean that I expect everyone to agree and feel the same. It is my personal view on the subject.
I have never for one minute since starting SW, ever felt like I was on a diet. It is what I love so much about the plan.
