Weight Watchers vs.MFP

Bumdrahp

It doesn't matter if you log it or not, your body will count it.

^^ this..

Stay within your calorie goal! If you put it in your mouth..count it!

mizarmadillo

Weight Watchers works on a point system that doesn't take calories into consideration. They look at Protein, Fat, Carbs, and Fibre (you either count calories or fat intake, not both, for diet/weigh management). Since Vegetables have high Fibre, moderate/low Carbs and low Protein/Fat, they count it as free points.
Allowing Vegetables to be considered "Free" also encourages program users to fuel up on vegetables instead of forcing them to weight vegetables to timbits as opportune costs (i.e. "I could have 6 carrots, or enjoy this yummy doughnut!" ).
Also keep in mind that 1 Point is equal to 50 calories, but again they weigh differently. I agree that vegetables should be enjoyed as much as possible, especially raw greens, however what I don't like is Weight Watcher's new "Fruits are Free" rule. It used to be just Vegetables, but they have now included fruit, which has a higher carb/sugar content and less Fibre than veggies. the reasoning for this, however is similar in that they encourage smoothies and a greater fibre intake. :happy:
Sorry this was long, but I hope it helps!!:flowerforyou:

tinkermommc

I agree, a calorie is a calorie no matter what it is.
I also believe if you use WW, you need to use WW... nothing else and vice versa.

They all work a bit different and when I started on MFP I tried to do WW too and it was a mess.

I have used WW numerous times and always had success losing 40ish lbs, but I always gained it back.
On MFP I have had bigger success over a longer period of time, and lost it quicker to be honest. This time I wanted a LIFESTYLE change, not a diet that I consider WW to be (that is just me)

Second, but I had no success on WW. Between those extra points and the free fruits and veggies, I didn't have to make a single change to my diet, weird right?! So WW don't log it, MFP log it. But you should really choose one and stick to it.
Good luck!

NYAngel1089

I started on WW too. I couldnt seem to stick to it. The points just didnt work for me. I did the old version because its what my mom had and i wasnt paying for the new stuff. I like MFP much much better. but my friend does WW and tried MFP but is going back to WW because she cant seem to track on here. different things work for different people

sillab

I have recently started WW and therefore am now doing both WW and MFP. I feel that WW keeps me honest as I physically have to go and get on a scale! I love the support and great ideas that I get here at MFP. However, it really does come down to personal choice.

BigGuy47

Also keep in mind that 1 Point is equal to 50 calories

How about 1 calorie equals 1 calorie or 50 calories equals 50 calories? Keep it simple.

dldrucker

I tried Weight Watchers for several years. When I stuck to the program, it worked. However, I find MFP much easier and so far it is really working for me, and I kept dropping Weight Watchers because I HATED going to the meetings. If you didn't lose that week, it was miserable. And I didn't like sitting around and listening to someone whine that they couldn't eat vegetables or drink water.

I will say that if you know nothing about nutrition and how to lose weight in a healthy way (vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, etc., not Snackwells), then Weight Watchers can be helpful. But, you could also get a few books or read some web sites and educate yourself (WebMD is very good). If you already know about nutrition and exercise, I recommend myfitnesspal.

Also, I never liked the idea of being wedded to Weight Watchers "points" system. It is a company, after all - if they can get you hooked on their proprietary system, and you can't maintain your weight any other way, they make $$$$. I can find calories, fat, protein, carbs for most foods right on the Internet - for free. And I wonder if you really learn about a food's nutritional value if you are counting points rather than seeing the entire nutritional breakdown. (I'm on a low-sodium diet, and MFP has been incredibly helpful in tracking that.)

apriltrainer

I got fat eating close to 10 bananas a day. Never been on WW but wondering if something like bananas would have been considered free since it's a fruit?

FuneralDiner

WW wants you to stay fat. That's why their method is much slower than MFP's...