Why I left Weight Watchers new "Freestyle" Program
gooz71
Posts: 97 Member
I left WW this week because the new "Freestyle" program just will not work for me. I have lost over 20 pounds on their smartpoints program.
WW used to be about flexibility and being able to eat foods you like as long as it fit into your point range. With this latest change, they added 200 food items that are zero points, but by doing this, they took away 7 points a day for everyone. So I went from 30 points a day to 23 points a day. I am a picky eater (and I know they are trying to get people to eat healthier) and most of the foods on the list I wouldn't eat anyway. So I got 7 points taken away for no reason really.
What really got me was yesterday a member posted on the message board (called connect) about how she wasn't enjoying connect anymore because she was "so tired of reading negativity about the new program and this should only be a positive place." Over 5,000+ members "liked" her post and commented things like "preach girl" or "I agree!" So those of us who are struggling with the new change were basically told to not look to connect for support cause they didn't want to hear it. That is was did it for me. I left a post and said "I hear all 5,000+ members loud and clear and you are right this program is not for me. I don't want to belong to a community where so many people can gang up on the few of us that are struggling." It was a really horrible feeling....to be honest. Talk about not feeling part of a community anymore.
So here I am, back to MFP, and I am excited to be able to eat what I want within my calorie range and try to make healthier choices along the way! If there is anyone who would like to start a group to support each other please let me know!
WW used to be about flexibility and being able to eat foods you like as long as it fit into your point range. With this latest change, they added 200 food items that are zero points, but by doing this, they took away 7 points a day for everyone. So I went from 30 points a day to 23 points a day. I am a picky eater (and I know they are trying to get people to eat healthier) and most of the foods on the list I wouldn't eat anyway. So I got 7 points taken away for no reason really.
What really got me was yesterday a member posted on the message board (called connect) about how she wasn't enjoying connect anymore because she was "so tired of reading negativity about the new program and this should only be a positive place." Over 5,000+ members "liked" her post and commented things like "preach girl" or "I agree!" So those of us who are struggling with the new change were basically told to not look to connect for support cause they didn't want to hear it. That is was did it for me. I left a post and said "I hear all 5,000+ members loud and clear and you are right this program is not for me. I don't want to belong to a community where so many people can gang up on the few of us that are struggling." It was a really horrible feeling....to be honest. Talk about not feeling part of a community anymore.
So here I am, back to MFP, and I am excited to be able to eat what I want within my calorie range and try to make healthier choices along the way! If there is anyone who would like to start a group to support each other please let me know!
212
Replies
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Wow, sorry that happened. I was told on Connect that I'm doing the program wrong by weighing, measuring, and logging the zero point foods, as well as using points. Apparently a bunch of misinformed people think your supposed to eat off the list only and be miserable. Not me!
I think there is a group for people who left WW. But you have to search around for it. I support anyone on any plan (as long as its healthy) so feel free to friend me. My diary is open. 46 -
I left ww today too because of the new program! I lost 50 pounds on the system they had. Losing 7 points a day has me starving! What they don’t understand is that just because it has 0 points doesn’t mean it has 0 calories. It still has calories! I am with you girl and I am picky too! Decided I would come back and just count calories.46
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I left it a while ago, I loved it 10 years ago but what are the200 foods they now have added? Also, why not just do the smart points program since you have the info? I didn't like smart points because with the old program I could look at a food and tell the points plus too many points for carbohydrates.15
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I left ww today too because of the new program! I lost 50 pounds on the system they had. Losing 7 points a day has me starving! What they don’t understand is that just because it has 0 points doesn’t mean it has 0 calories. It still has calories! I am with you girl and I am picky too! Decided I would come back and just count calories.
How do we become friends on here?!
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I left it a while ago, I loved it 10 years ago but what are the200 foods they now have added? Also, why not just do the smart points program since you have the info? I didn't like smart points because with the old program I could look at a food and tell the points plus too many points for carbohydrates.
Hi There -
You can't really do any old programs once they change it because everything is done on the WW app now. I guess I could still do it and be a -7 everyday but that would mess with my head seeing the - everyday. WW has changed so much if you haven't been on it in 10 years you would be in for a major change going back. The 200 food list I am sure you can google it "zero point food list" and find an image.7 -
newheavensearth wrote: »Wow, sorry that happened. I was told on Connect that I'm doing the program wrong by weighing, measuring, and logging the zero point foods, as well as using points. Apparently a bunch of misinformed people think your supposed to eat off the list only and be miserable. Not me!
I think there is a group for people who left WW. But you have to search around for it. I support anyone on any plan (as long as its healthy) so feel free to friend me. My diary is open.
Oh geez, I certainly wouldn't survive only eating off the list!! LOL! The list is why I left!
How do I friend you? I'm a little rusty on here....4 -
newheavensearth wrote: »Wow, sorry that happened. I was told on Connect that I'm doing the program wrong by weighing, measuring, and logging the zero point foods, as well as using points. Apparently a bunch of misinformed people think your supposed to eat off the list only and be miserable. Not me!
I think there is a group for people who left WW. But you have to search around for it. I support anyone on any plan (as long as its healthy) so feel free to friend me. My diary is open.
Oh geez, I certainly wouldn't survive only eating off the list!! LOL! The list is why I left!
How do I friend you? I'm a little rusty on here....
I'll send one to you. But from your phone you click on the members name and their profile picture come up. Click on their name again, and two icons come up. One on the left that looks like an envelope to send a message, the otherin the right that looks like two people. That's the one to send a friend request. Click that one, then follow the prompts. Can't remember how to do it from the website.1 -
I left it a while ago, I loved it 10 years ago but what are the200 foods they now have added? Also, why not just do the smart points program since you have the info? I didn't like smart points because with the old program I could look at a food and tell the points plus too many points for carbohydrates.
Hi There -
You can't really do any old programs once they change it because everything is done on the WW app now. I guess I could still do it and be a -7 everyday but that would mess with my head seeing the - everyday. WW has changed so much if you haven't been on it in 10 years you would be in for a major change going back. The 200 food list I am sure you can google it "zero point food list" and find an image.
"The list" https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/sites/default/files/freestyle_zero_points_foods.pdf
I just bought a kg of cherries. I assure you, I can eat a kg of cherries in a day no problems (I have to have a little bowl to put the pits in to count later, b/c I will just grab a few every time I wander past). That's 500 calories right there.24 -
Nony_Mouse wrote: »I left it a while ago, I loved it 10 years ago but what are the200 foods they now have added? Also, why not just do the smart points program since you have the info? I didn't like smart points because with the old program I could look at a food and tell the points plus too many points for carbohydrates.
Hi There -
You can't really do any old programs once they change it because everything is done on the WW app now. I guess I could still do it and be a -7 everyday but that would mess with my head seeing the - everyday. WW has changed so much if you haven't been on it in 10 years you would be in for a major change going back. The 200 food list I am sure you can google it "zero point food list" and find an image.
"The list" https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/sites/default/files/freestyle_zero_points_foods.pdf
I just bought a kg of cherries. I assure you, I can eat a kg of cherries in a day no problems (I have to have a little bowl to put the pits in to count later, b/c I will just grab a few every time I wander past). That's 500 calories right there.
so much dumb from weight watchers... =/
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HellYeahItsKriss wrote: »Nony_Mouse wrote: »I left it a while ago, I loved it 10 years ago but what are the200 foods they now have added? Also, why not just do the smart points program since you have the info? I didn't like smart points because with the old program I could look at a food and tell the points plus too many points for carbohydrates.
Hi There -
You can't really do any old programs once they change it because everything is done on the WW app now. I guess I could still do it and be a -7 everyday but that would mess with my head seeing the - everyday. WW has changed so much if you haven't been on it in 10 years you would be in for a major change going back. The 200 food list I am sure you can google it "zero point food list" and find an image.
"The list" https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/sites/default/files/freestyle_zero_points_foods.pdf
I just bought a kg of cherries. I assure you, I can eat a kg of cherries in a day no problems (I have to have a little bowl to put the pits in to count later, b/c I will just grab a few every time I wander past). That's 500 calories right there.
so much dumb from weight watchers... =/
Yup. It's almost as if they want people to fail...28 -
I said in the other WW thread that i think thats how the business model is designed, you don't make profit from lifetime members or no fat people lol25
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Calorie counting is so nicely flexible and easy to calculate. I couldn't stand having to figure out point values that WW assigned to foods. I felt it had become very commercialized as well. At least at the last meetings I had attended- they spent a lot of time pushing their products and foods it became more about making money then really helping people like it used to be years and years ago.10
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HellYeahItsKriss wrote: »I said in the other WW thread that i think thats how the business model is designed, you don't make profit from lifetime members or no fat people lol
Yeah (and gosh we have a lot of WW threads atm! No surprise, really...), it's sad though. As I said in one of the others, I was a WWer many years ago, the programme was sensible. I was also a leader, as was my mother. The area manager and other office staff (Mum worked in the office part time too) were like second family to me, I grew up with it. I know we all wanted people to succeed, but the actual corporate model seems less and less inclined towards that. Jean Nidetch must be turning in her grave.8 -
Calorie counting is so nicely flexible and easy to calculate. I couldn't stand having to figure out point values that WW assigned to foods. I felt it had become very commercialized as well. At least at the last meetings I had attended- they spent a lot of time pushing their products and foods it became more about making money then really helping people like it used to be years and years ago.
well nothing at WW has point anymore it seems lolol..8 -
Nony_Mouse wrote: »"The list" https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/sites/default/files/freestyle_zero_points_foods.pdf
I just bought a kg of cherries. I assure you, I can eat a kg of cherries in a day no problems (I have to have a little bowl to put the pits in to count later, b/c I will just grab a few every time I wander past). That's 500 calories right there.
I have a cherry tree in the backyard that s stupid with the amounts of cherries it produces. So I have bags with ~3kg in them frozen in the freezer. I've got no problem thawing and eating one of those. It doesn't fit my calories, but no way could I consider cherries non-calorie.
8 -
on the other thread, the girl on WW's defense said they have a program at WW for the people only wanting to eat the 0 calorie foods.. im trying to remember what she called it...0
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Tacklewasher wrote: »Nony_Mouse wrote: »"The list" https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/sites/default/files/freestyle_zero_points_foods.pdf
I just bought a kg of cherries. I assure you, I can eat a kg of cherries in a day no problems (I have to have a little bowl to put the pits in to count later, b/c I will just grab a few every time I wander past). That's 500 calories right there.
I have a cherry tree in the backyard that s stupid with the amounts of cherries it produces. So I have bags with ~3kg in them frozen in the freezer. I've got no problem thawing and eating one of those. It doesn't fit my calories, but no way could I consider cherries non-calorie.
I anticipate this 'problem' with grapes in a couple of months. And apples, and figs, and watermelon (if I ever get around to planting the poor things), and strawberries...there's possibly a blueberry too, but as yet it is not showing signs of fruit. 2 -
Nony_Mouse wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »Nony_Mouse wrote: »"The list" https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/sites/default/files/freestyle_zero_points_foods.pdf
I just bought a kg of cherries. I assure you, I can eat a kg of cherries in a day no problems (I have to have a little bowl to put the pits in to count later, b/c I will just grab a few every time I wander past). That's 500 calories right there.
I have a cherry tree in the backyard that s stupid with the amounts of cherries it produces. So I have bags with ~3kg in them frozen in the freezer. I've got no problem thawing and eating one of those. It doesn't fit my calories, but no way could I consider cherries non-calorie.
I anticipate this 'problem' with grapes in a couple of months. And apples, and figs, and watermelon (if I ever get around to planting the poor things), and strawberries...there's possibly a blueberry too, but as yet it is not showing signs of fruit.
just one singular blueberry? no wonder it wont grow, its probably sad, depress and lonely down there.13 -
Calorie counting is so nicely flexible and easy to calculate. I couldn't stand having to figure out point values that WW assigned to foods. I felt it had become very commercialized as well. At least at the last meetings I had attended- they spent a lot of time pushing their products and foods it became more about making money then really helping people like it used to be years and years ago.
Assuming it's the same model as it used to be, leaders get a paid a pittance for taking meetings (considering the time a decent leader puts into them), and then a commission on sales. I have some vague recollection about meeting payment getting even worse several years ago, which is one of the reasons my mother quit.4 -
Well I bet WW is a FOR profit business and there is a reason why that is. Like when Amway changed to Quikstar and then changed back i think. They are just trying to reinvent something. Adding 200 things and I am assuming they SELL all these items at an extra cost to you. then no wonder its a great way to increase the bottom line. Now of course I know nothing really and I am guessing to be honest. If I am wrong then stick my foot in my mouth. OH wait how many calories are in my foot? ;-)
you are welcome to our gaggle of posters here.6 -
Well I bet WW is a FOR profit business and there is a reason why that is. Like when Amway changed to Quikstar and then changed back i think. They are just trying to reinvent something. Adding 200 things and I am assuming they SELL all these items at an extra cost to you. then no wonder its a great way to increase the bottom line. Now of course I know nothing really and I am guessing to be honest. If I am wrong then stick my foot in my mouth. OH wait how many calories are in my foot? ;-)
you are welcome to our gaggle of posters here.
nope they dont sell these 200 items...
its pretty much all lean meats, fruits.. veggies.. canned foods lol7 -
HellYeahItsKriss wrote: »Well I bet WW is a FOR profit business and there is a reason why that is. Like when Amway changed to Quikstar and then changed back i think. They are just trying to reinvent something. Adding 200 things and I am assuming they SELL all these items at an extra cost to you. then no wonder its a great way to increase the bottom line. Now of course I know nothing really and I am guessing to be honest. If I am wrong then stick my foot in my mouth. OH wait how many calories are in my foot? ;-)
you are welcome to our gaggle of posters here.
nope they dont sell these 200 items...
its pretty much all lean meats, fruits.. veggies.. canned foods lol
PFFFFFT things you can do on your own here. Then it must be a cliche thing2 -
@HellYeahItsKriss
I believe it's called Simply Filling2 -
HellYeahItsKriss wrote: »on the other thread, the girl on WW's defense said they have a program at WW for the people only wanting to eat the 0 calorie foods.. im trying to remember what she called it...
Back in the day, it was called "Core". I'm sure it's been renamed by now.0 -
HellYeahItsKriss wrote: »Well I bet WW is a FOR profit business and there is a reason why that is. Like when Amway changed to Quikstar and then changed back i think. They are just trying to reinvent something. Adding 200 things and I am assuming they SELL all these items at an extra cost to you. then no wonder its a great way to increase the bottom line. Now of course I know nothing really and I am guessing to be honest. If I am wrong then stick my foot in my mouth. OH wait how many calories are in my foot? ;-)
you are welcome to our gaggle of posters here.
nope they dont sell these 200 items...
its pretty much all lean meats, fruits.. veggies.. canned foods lol
PFFFFFT things you can do on your own here. Then it must be a cliche thing
Yeah.. you can do them here, but on WW they are 0 point foods so they don't count as eating anything
They also say you don't have to count or weigh these foods, so enjoy them.. LOLcamilledaisy wrote: »@HellYeahItsKriss
I believe it's called Simply Filling
Yes! There we go.. She decided not to bother explaining the concept of an an entire 0 point food diet lol0 -
The idea was that if you eat these foods, you don't need to worry about portion control, because you will "naturally" get full before you wipe out your deficit. The catch is that any foods not on that list are extremely restricted. Or, at least, they were when I did the program about 15 years ago. Well. That and not everybody gets satiated by the same foods. Or knows when to stop.3
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... okay... maybe i am the wrong person to try and wrap my brain around this with their new list of 0 point foods lol... i mean.. salmon is on the list... i can eat a ton of that.. i can also eat my weight in chicken.. =/13
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welcome!-1
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ww is just trying to get out of the declining "diet" industry and into the progressing "wellness" industry16
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HellYeahItsKriss wrote: »Calorie counting is so nicely flexible and easy to calculate. I couldn't stand having to figure out point values that WW assigned to foods. I felt it had become very commercialized as well. At least at the last meetings I had attended- they spent a lot of time pushing their products and foods it became more about making money then really helping people like it used to be years and years ago.
well nothing at WW has point anymore it seems lolol..
They still have points. I was at 30 points a day but with the new program it dropped to 23 points a day to get you to eat more of the foods on the list. So you kind of do both now...if you eat anything not on the list you have to count the points for that food not on the list. You also get weekly points of 42 for "extra's" but a lot of people don't use their weekly points.
I'm just excited to be back counting calories again. I'm going to try to watch my protein and keep it high and keep the sugar low. But at least there are things I will like and can live with and enjoy.8
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