Doing WW, but don't love the new system
SnowPanda824
Posts: 15
I have to say, I really don't like this 0 point fruit and veggie thing. I mean, fruit is great, and healthy, but has so much sugar and calories, it shouldn't be 0 points/free. I understand that they have upped your daily points to allot for the fruit/veggies we eat, but again, I don't like that. I like being in control of what I'm eating, and knowing exactly how many points I'm consuming that day, and with this, I don't feel like I'm in control.
A friend of mine said that one reason they did this, was because - Say an oreo was 1 point, and an apple was 1 point - People were eating the Oreo rather than the apple... So this was a way to encourage people to eat healthy. I get the thinking behind it, but again, I just don't like it.
I'm also confused about the fact that when using the WW calculator it doesn't ask for calories?!? That seems crazy to me! We've been taught to count calories, and while I understand that other things are important, i.e. fat, carbs, sodium, etc to totally omit calories is very hard for me to swallow!
Having said all this, I'm sticking to it all, and following everything to the T. I'm losing about 2 pounds every week with the help of a good amount of exercise as well. Just wish I could follow the old program...
ETA - Another thing thats annoying.... I'm paying for this, and the bar code scanning thing stinks! The one on here knows WAY more products than the WW one. Of course you can always just use the calculator, and thats fine because it works, but still - If I'm paying for a product, its nice if it has more/better/working features than free sites.
Okay, vent over!!!
A friend of mine said that one reason they did this, was because - Say an oreo was 1 point, and an apple was 1 point - People were eating the Oreo rather than the apple... So this was a way to encourage people to eat healthy. I get the thinking behind it, but again, I just don't like it.
I'm also confused about the fact that when using the WW calculator it doesn't ask for calories?!? That seems crazy to me! We've been taught to count calories, and while I understand that other things are important, i.e. fat, carbs, sodium, etc to totally omit calories is very hard for me to swallow!
Having said all this, I'm sticking to it all, and following everything to the T. I'm losing about 2 pounds every week with the help of a good amount of exercise as well. Just wish I could follow the old program...
ETA - Another thing thats annoying.... I'm paying for this, and the bar code scanning thing stinks! The one on here knows WAY more products than the WW one. Of course you can always just use the calculator, and thats fine because it works, but still - If I'm paying for a product, its nice if it has more/better/working features than free sites.
Okay, vent over!!!
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Replies
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IF you are not using the online portion for recipies, or going to meetings, you could get away with spending $2.99 on an app in the app store. its called "itrackbites" it also gives you the ability to use the classic or the new WW program. Just a thought.0
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Or just track here for free???0
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I used to use the old WW system and had a lot of success with it, and fruits and vegetables had points depending on portion size (e.g. a 160g apple would be 1 point). I agree the new system is kinda weird. Fruits and veggies still have calories so why on earth would they be 0 points aha? You can eat 3,500 calories worth of carrots and still gain loads of weight.
If you still wanted to use the old WW system, www.mypoints.me is a really helpful site for giving you the amount of points in your food
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Or just track here for free???
This!0 -
Yes but fruits and veggies at zero points are a way for people to boost their calories up!
WW is pretty low in calories. A lot of people are at 26 points @ an average of 40 calories a point, that is only 1,040 calories.
So many people don't eat their weekly or activity points, getting into that "diet" mentality if I eat less, I will lose more. Of course, we all really know that doesn't always work out that way.0 -
I also say WHY worry about WW...use this one its free and you are already here...follow the macros and aloted calories and you will be ok0
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My WW friends and I have been voicing these same issues for a few years. So, I completely appreciate your vent. It sounds like you're doing a great job of sticking with the points - so between WW and Myfitnesspal - I say keep up the GREAT WORK!!!0
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I'm also confused about the fact that when using the WW calculator it doesn't ask for calories?!? That seems crazy to me! We've been taught to count calories, and while I understand that other things are important, i.e. fat, carbs, sodium, etc to totally omit calories is very hard for me to swallow!
I just wanted to respond to this chunk - calories are a function of math based on the macros that make up a food. Protein and carbs each have 4 calories per gram and fat has 9 calories per gram. If I remember correctly, the WW calculator asks for protein, fat, carbs and fiber? You basically ARE calculating calories when you input the macros. You can figure out the calorie count of any food (allowing for rounding) by knowing the macros. WW just is giving you a slightly lower point value for foods higher in protein and fiber, not because it's less calories but, I think, to encourage health and satiety (same as the fruits and veggies concept).0 -
I do W/W also and they program is built in for a certain amount of calories (200 a day I believe) for the fruits and other 0 point items (such as 1 serving of sugar free jello).
And DITTO on the calories are in the W/W system because it is based on the FAT/CARBS/FIBER/PROTEN.
Having said that I don't like the new 'simple' start part of the W/W program because I don't like ot use all fat free items. I may use a few but not all of them.
I also double track here and W/W page.
On maintenance (well was on maintenance - trying to get these regained 18 pounds off) a person doesn't pay for W/W plan an/dor changes to the plan. Just a tidbit of information.0 -
Ha -- all the reasons to do WW over MFP (free fruits and veggies, one number to track instead of calories and macros...) are things you don't like.
You sound like a terrible candidate for weight watchers -- but a great candidate for MFP! Why are you trying to force yourself to do WW?0 -
if you are doing weight watchers then why are you here? it may be for the forums, but i would not use the food app, it will just do your head in, one or the other I say.
save yourself some money do it here for free.0 -
If you don't like it quit paying for it and use MFP exclusively. its not that hard.
You don't understand their reasons behind it. The reason 0 points is there is to encourage you to make better choices - that 80 calorie apple is the same as 2 - 80 calorie cookies but those cookies are going to be 2 points that apple is going to be 0... which one will you choose? the general idea is you choose the apple thus making a healthier decision.0 -
If you don't like it quit paying for it and use MFP exclusively. its not that hard.
You don't understand their reasons behind it. The reason 0 points is there is to encourage you to make better choices - that 80 calorie apple is the same as 2 - 80 calorie cookies but those cookies are going to be 2 points that apple is going to be 0... which one will you choose? the general idea is you choose the apple thus making a healthier decision.
But apparently it is hard to reply to a comment without being snarky and rude?
Anyway... Like I said in my original post, I DO understand why its done, and as a whole, I really enjoy doing the points and using WW, however my point about having 0 point fruit is a valid one. I generally just add a point here or there for fruit/veggies I eat, and I'm fine with that. But thanks for your snarky-ness - I hope you feel good about it! 0 -
MFP works and it's not confusing. Give it a whirl :flowerforyou:0
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I think the value of Weight Watchers is the weekly weigh in and the weekly support of people at meetings.
Lots of people come to WW with 30 or more lbs to lose. For them, eating fruits instead of other snacks, is a huge step.
For someone like me, who has under 15 lbs to lose, unlimited fruits/veggies means a lot of calories that I shouldn't be having.
I don't use apps, I do paper/pencil and the calculator.
You could always combine the tracking here on MFP with the accountability of a weekly meeting and the group support. That's what I"m doing.
I find that without the real life accountability, that it is easy for me to take that...oh, I don't have that much to lose attitude and to watch months drift by. My ultimate goal is to reach my WW lifetime status, and then weigh in monthly and attend as many meetings as I want without having to pay.0 -
I'm also confused about the fact that when using the WW calculator it doesn't ask for calories?!? That seems crazy to me! We've been taught to count calories, and while I understand that other things are important, i.e. fat, carbs, sodium, etc to totally omit calories is very hard for me to swallow!
I just wanted to respond to this chunk - calories are a function of math based on the macros that make up a food. Protein and carbs each have 4 calories per gram and fat has 9 calories per gram. If I remember correctly, the WW calculator asks for protein, fat, carbs and fiber? You basically ARE calculating calories when you input the macros. You can figure out the calorie count of any food (allowing for rounding) by knowing the macros. WW just is giving you a slightly lower point value for foods higher in protein and fiber, not because it's less calories but, I think, to encourage health and satiety (same as the fruits and veggies concept).
Oh, and this...I think part of the WW psychology is to get people away from thinking that a calorie is a calorie is a calorie...when certain calories fill you up and keep you full more so than other calories.0 -
To reply to a couple other people....
I used to track on here, and its a great tool! But for some reason I just feel more comfortable using WW. I used it to lose 100lbs+ before - I've gained about 50 back, and need to be serious again.
For me, paying for something will give me accountability!!! Waisting money is not an option, so if its on the CC bill every month, I will have no choice but to do it. For me, its just as good as going to a meeting! LOL0 -
I still cannot get past 5 points=2 TBSP of peanut butter; just hurts my head. And folks routinely talk about crashing(wrestler pre-weigh in) just to make weight. I would think MFP is just going to be easier and more realistic in the long run.0
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To reply to a couple other people....
I used to track on here, and its a great tool! But for some reason I just feel more comfortable using WW. I used it to lose 100lbs+ before - I've gained about 50 back, and need to be serious again.
For me, paying for something will give me accountability!!! Waisting money is not an option, so if its on the CC bill every month, I will have no choice but to do it. For me, its just as good as going to a meeting! LOL
Yes, me, too! Kudos to the people who can do it with MFP alone, but I'l get help wherever I can!0 -
This is exactly why I no longer go to WW even though I'm a free life time member. Even for free it's not worth it to me anymore. Love MFP and don't have to drag myself to meeting and I get tons more support here.0
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If you don't like it quit paying for it and use MFP exclusively. its not that hard.
You don't understand their reasons behind it. The reason 0 points is there is to encourage you to make better choices - that 80 calorie apple is the same as 2 - 80 calorie cookies but those cookies are going to be 2 points that apple is going to be 0... which one will you choose? the general idea is you choose the apple thus making a healthier decision.
But apparently it is hard to reply to a comment without being snarky and rude?
Anyway... Like I said in my original post, I DO understand why its done, and as a whole, I really enjoy doing the points and using WW, however my point about having 0 point fruit is a valid one. I generally just add a point here or there for fruit/veggies I eat, and I'm fine with that. But thanks for your snarky-ness - I hope you feel good about it!
If you thought that reply was snarky and rude, I now understand why you picked WW over MFP. you're not ready for a forum with people who don't sugar coat everything.0 -
Like others have said the 0 point fruit/veg are to help encourage you to eat more of them, but they are not unlimited f/v. WW "healthy guidelines" suggests 5 servings a day (that is what is "built in" to your daily points).
When this question comes up in meetings my leader suggests sticking to the guidelines and if you are not losing weight and tracking everything like you should, then start counting points for your f/v after the first 5 servings.0 -
I still cannot get past 5 points=2 TBSP of peanut butter; just hurts my head. And folks routinely talk about crashing(wrestler pre-weigh in) just to make weight. I would think MFP is just going to be easier and more realistic in the long run.
I just bought powder peanut butter thats 40 calories and 1 gram of fat for 2 tbsp. I don't know if its going to taste great, or like butt.... But I'm willing t try anything once! lol0 -
I completely agree!
I tried it for 3 months and the website/app is HORRIBLE. Just horrible.
And the forums where you could ask questions? ALL they would EVER say is either ask your counselor (who was an idiot) or look in your booklet. Because the forums could be seen by the public, nothing in depth was ever discussed that was actually HELPFUL.
It never made sense to me. I never lost anything. And yes-- I went to the meetings. I was the ONLY person in the room that was under 60. I'm 40 and I felt like I was the teenager in the room!
Not for me.0 -
I was a huge fan of the Flex Points / Momentum Weight Watchers plans, I lost the baby weight after both kids on those plans (once with WW online and the second time with meetings). I understand the reasoning behind the new WW but I am also not a fan, which is what led me to MFP.
1) I eat a lot of fruits/veggies, I do not eat a lot of junk. My main issues are portion control and lack of regular exercise, along with poor choices dining out during business travel. However, if I don't count points for 2-3 servings a day of fruit, those calories add up quick!
2) The ease of use is the main issue for me. With the old way, you could eyeball points (approx 50 calls = 1 point, if a lot of fat add a little, a lot of fiber knock one off), this made it a little easier to do the plan on the fly. Now, you have to know lots of info about what you are eating (fat, fiber, protein, and carbs) and plug that into the app or calculator. It was tedious and less flexible, I quit tracking pretty quickly since it is so darn cumbersome.
Loving MFP, wish I had known about it years ago (I found it while looking at weight loss apps in iTunes). This allows me to eat fruits as long as I count them, has a large easy to use database/app/scanner, and as long as I know calories I can stay on plan. Also love how it syncs with my Fitbit.0 -
I think there is a thread about to its potential 'butt' taste. Good luck, and agreed, if it works, go for it.I still cannot get past 5 points=2 TBSP of peanut butter; just hurts my head. And folks routinely talk about crashing(wrestler pre-weigh in) just to make weight. I would think MFP is just going to be easier and more realistic in the long run.
I just bought powder peanut butter thats 40 calories and 1 gram of fat for 2 tbsp. I don't know if its going to taste great, or like butt.... But I'm willing t try anything once! lol0 -
I was thinking about paying for 3 months of the online version. Wanted to see if the weight watchers program would be a better fit for me. As much as it costs there has to be some hidden weight loss info on the site right?, lol. Idk though. Mfp is absolutely free. I wish they has a money back guarantee. As in pay up front and try out the site. If it's not for you then you can cancel within x amount of days with a refund.0
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2) The ease of use is the main issue for me. With the old way, you could eyeball points (approx 50 calls = 1 point, if a lot of fat add a little, a lot of fiber knock one off), this made it a little easier to do the plan on the fly. Now, you have to know lots of info about what you are eating (fat, fiber, protein, and carbs) and plug that into the app or calculator. It was tedious and less flexible, I quit tracking pretty quickly since it is so darn cumbersome.
Oh wow. That does sound annoying.0 -
I think there is a thread about to its potential 'butt' taste. Good luck, and agreed, if it works, go for it.I still cannot get past 5 points=2 TBSP of peanut butter; just hurts my head. And folks routinely talk about crashing(wrestler pre-weigh in) just to make weight. I would think MFP is just going to be easier and more realistic in the long run.
I just bought powder peanut butter thats 40 calories and 1 gram of fat for 2 tbsp. I don't know if its going to taste great, or like butt.... But I'm willing t try anything once! lol
Well, I tried the powder peanut butter with chocolate flavouring, and it wasn't bad! I mixed it with 1c plain greek yogurt, 1/2 banana and some blueberries. Not bad at all! 0 -
You can still eyeball the points the same way, you just have to use 40 instead of 50.
I don't mind PB2, either. Or using real nut butters with fruit. 1T on a banana is 3 points. 1T on an apple is 3 points. Or have it all for 5. Those are 'cheap', filling snacks. Skip eating off the spoon and have some fruit and you're all good.
I used to mind the 'free fruit' but now I see it as 'pre-logged'. I like the fact that it's in my daily budget so I'm not likely to swap it out for cookies or pizza. I think you can eat 300-400 calories of fruit and still be fine. The base calorie level without produce or weekly points is like 1000 calories so if you're charging yourself for fruit, you're probably under-eating.
I totally agree that the WW online tools and forums suck. I finally got MFP to calc WW points in a column and it's nice.0
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