Weight Watchers Weekly Allowance
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I actually like Sparkpeople because it has a better database for "generic" foods- whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. If I search "apple" the first one is a USDA official entry.
But this site is better for just about everything else. Though, I do like the idea of having a calorie range.
I think the thing I like most about WW is the free fruit and vegetables. I like the freedom to grab a pear on my way out the door as a snack without feeling guilty or pressured to track it.0 -
I just remembered an experiment I tried in the past, and it seemed to work well for me until I got lazy.
I multiplied my daily points target by 34 and set my calorie goal on MFP to that. I also set my diary to "lightly active" and made sure it was set to lose 2 pounds per week. Then, I ate those calories and didn't track my fruit and vegetable intake. I also allowed myself to earn and eat activity calories. Essentially, I turned MFP into WW and it was a nice balance between the two.
But why complicate things? Follow one OR the other and you'll be fine...we are not suppose to mix cals with points since they're NOT the same0 -
Also by eating DP + WP (like suggested) there is no way that you are starving, unless...you are trying to get away with a lot of "0" pts food which should be a complement and not a supplement0
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OP you are way over complicating this. Pick one or the other (WW or MFP). Modify whichever program seems to work best for you to fit your individualized needs. No one is holding a gun to your head and making you do something a specific way. Both systems allow for flexibility.
Also you are way overthinking your FitBit. My advice... Put in your stats. Set MFP to a reasonable goal (1 lb/week). Synch your FitBit. Track all your foods. Eat back the exercise adjustments. Stop over thinking it. Be patient. Give it 2 months and see if you are losing at the rate you wanted.0 -
I started on WW last Christmas and was fairly successful. I then added MFP a little later and double tracked for a while. I gradually transitioned to MFP because I find checking calories much simpler than converting to points.0
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Also by eating DP + WP (like suggested) there is no way that you are starving, unless...you are trying to get away with a lot of "0" pts food which should be a complement and not a supplement
I was not using "starving" in a literal sense, but in a figurative one. Besides, wouldn't trying to get around with eating more 0 point foods actually make me LESS hungry?
I generally don't snack much between meals (I'm a 3 meal plus one after dinner dessert) kind of gal. I basically like to create an entree (whether it's a breakfast sandwich for breakfast or a couple chicken drumsticks for dinner) and then fill up the rest of my plate (or lunch container) with fruits and/or vegetables. Occasionally, if I am going a bit longer between meals, I do like the freedom to grab a pear without tracking it, and I've cooked dinners for my friend and her family where I've served a salad. I portioned out my dressing and cheese, and then had multiple helpings of the fruit/veggies (with the little bit of cheese and dressing divided up among the multiple helpings of salad).
I definitely am leaning towards MFP for the most part. I would love to go back to tracking on WW, but I'll admit that finding things here is a lot easier. I was able to track my impromptu Thanksgiving dinner in minutes here. On WW, it would have required a lot of conversion (looking up food on here and then putting it into the WW calculator).
I just don't really want to deal with having to weigh and measure EVERYTHING. I like the flexibility WW allows with the 0 point fruits and vegetables. It's not like I eat 3 bananas a day or munch on grapes between meals. I rarely eat anything between meals. It's just nice to be able to make, say, a soup and toss in an extra bunch of spinach into the broth when I reheat my leftovers, or go to a church potluck and fill up my plate with fruit and veggies so I don't spend an hour nibbling on junk.
I would be more inclined to try giving WW another try (since I was doing quite well before I got off-track). Part of me thinks I should just trust the program as-is, but the errors with the new website and tracking make things really hard for me to stay on track.0 -
You just need to pick something, keep it simple without mixing several programs together and stick with it long enough for it to work. You seem to be stuck in a cycle of indecision and over complicating every single diet or program while making little to no progress. I've been around long enough to have seen you making these same posts over the last several years both on here and the WW forums.
Whatever you choose to do you will have to have some idea about how much you are eating and that will mean either measuring or weighing your food. You might not like it, but if you are really dedicated enough to buckle down and lose the weight you will have to be disciplined, ditch the excuses and do what you need to do (in a healthy manner) to reach your goal.0 -
I just don't really want to deal with having to weigh and measure EVERYTHING. I like the flexibility WW allows with the 0 point fruits and vegetables. It's not like I eat 3 bananas a day or munch on grapes between meals. I rarely eat anything between meals. It's just nice to be able to make, say, a soup and toss in an extra bunch of spinach into the broth when I reheat my leftovers, or go to a church potluck and fill up my plate with fruit and veggies so I don't spend an hour nibbling on junk.
Doing what works for you is important! I'm a new WW/MFP hybrid too. These are tools, use what you need. I've never used WW online. I joined meetings only and tracking on paper lasted about 1 day. I remembered MFP and started tracking on here. I did run into an issue with some things. So I bought a food scale for portioning things like shredded cheese, lunch meat, and snacks like cereal and yogurt.
I'm not planning on weighing everything that goes into my mouth right now. Like you said about not eating 3 bananas. I needed something to give me ideas, to help me eat more regularly, and to help me eat more balanced meals. I don't have a sweet tooth and can't tolerate sweets. I'm not tempted to eat 41 points of graham crackers and fat free cool whip.
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You just need to pick something, keep it simple without mixing several programs together and stick with it long enough for it to work. You seem to be stuck in a cycle of indecision and over complicating every single diet or program while making little to no progress. I've been around long enough to have seen you making these same posts over the last several years both on here and the WW forums.
Whatever you choose to do you will have to have some idea about how much you are eating and that will mean either measuring or weighing your food. You might not like it, but if you are really dedicated enough to buckle down and lose the weight you will have to be disciplined, ditch the excuses and do what you need to do (in a healthy manner) to reach your goal.
So much this!0 -
I'm ok with weighing and measuring most of what I eat when possible. I have a little pocket scale that I can use to weigh out portions if I'm at my friend's house for dinner, etc, and I'm pretty ok with estimating volume based on things like eyeballed portions (especially if I can use the bowls or plates as a reference point- like when I knew how large the soup bowl I had was and was able to use that to determine how much soup I had).
I guess, in the same sense, I can eyeball fruit and vegetable portions, and honestly, even if I were to weigh things like apples or pears, it would only be to get a sense of what is defined as a "small" or "large" fruit. I don't think I'd be able to bring myself to weigh and measure everything down to the gram. That kind of obsession has led to failure time and time again- whereas the freedom to eat fruit and vegetables without stressing about calories or points actually helps me stay on track.0 -
I really wish I could combine the database and fitbit sync on this site with the weekly allowance and activity points of Weight Watcher and/or the calorie ranges of Sparkpeople. Honestly, I've done better on Sparkpeople than MFP, but the actual tracking on here is a LOT easier. I think having ranges makes a huge difference for me.
Why did Weight Watchers have to mess with things?0 -
I don't use WW online or Fitbit but have you seen this update on the glitches? http://faq.weightwatchers.com/?cid=social-channel-faq
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We were told today that they're looking at another 2+ weeks before everything is fixed. (And even then, some of the features might not be up and running).
The new program is coming out in a little over a week.0 -
Wow I hope they give subscribers an extension!0
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Of course not! They're telling us to track on paper until things get fixed
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I am a WW transition too. I used to do sparks people also but I'm liking this data base and the best part it's FREE and I can still use my Fitbit. Love this app0
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There are some "interesting" changes coming to WW next week
can't wait to see what those are about!
It's suppose to make the program more complete...I love WW because It helped me lose 40 lbs but more important MAINTAIN for years!0 -
Now for the last "vanity" lbs I'm using MFP to keep a close eye on my Macros...in case you are wondering0
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Why did Weight Watchers have to mess with things?[/quote]
Meaning???
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Again you are confused/frustrated/ mad/ anxious? because you are triyng to mix the two, WW is suppose to be SIMPLE0
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I did WW somewhat successfully...lost about 40 lbs with it....several years ago. I was always hungry because I kept focusing on eating only low points foods. I believe their points allowance when translated into calories was actually low in order to trick your mind into using the "free" "extra" points. I also was much poorer each month... $13/week then = $52 a month...when MFP is free. I am able to stay on track better now with the calories (no tricky equations or special calculator needed to figure out my meals) and it's easier to track my nutritional needs...protein...calcium....iron...etc. I didn't need the rah rah meetings or the little prizes for each milestone...iron didn't need to pay $50 a month to stand on someone else's scale and get a pat on the back or a shucks next week will be better.... WW is best for folks who need that emotional support and the meetings...but wow...it's pricey and I'm going by 2007 prices lol0
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Pricey if you don't get to goal, I paid 1 year and 10 months and lost 30 lbs back in "2008" Lifetime ever since so meetings, E-tools etc FREE baby!0
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Why did Weight Watchers have to mess with things?
Meaning???
[/quote]
If I go on my phone app or the website, I have different PointsPlus targets for the week because my app won't show my Fitbit activity points, but the website does. If I go on either of those platforms, my weekly points reset on Saturdays. On the mobile site, the points reset Sundays.
There are a lot of issues with the site as of right now.0 -
I have an idea I have been tossing around...what about lowering your calorie goal by a couple hundred calories and treating this like WW with free fruits and veggies? I would log a typical days calories for the fruits and veggies and see about what you eat in those alone, then take that off your calorie goal and then just log the other stuff. I was thinking about doing this myself, but then just got off track from logging anything...0
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I have an idea I have been tossing around...what about lowering your calorie goal by a couple hundred calories and treating this like WW with free fruits and veggies? I would log a typical days calories for the fruits and veggies and see about what you eat in those alone, then take that off your calorie goal and then just log the other stuff. I was thinking about doing this myself, but then just got off track from logging anything...
I may have to try something like that because I am not too happy with the new SmartPoints system coming out in a few days. I found a way to see what it's like, and I'm not a fan.0 -
I have an idea I have been tossing around...what about lowering your calorie goal by a couple hundred calories and treating this like WW with free fruits and veggies? I would log a typical days calories for the fruits and veggies and see about what you eat in those alone, then take that off your calorie goal and then just log the other stuff. I was thinking about doing this myself, but then just got off track from logging anything...
I may have to try something like that because I am not too happy with the new SmartPoints system coming out in a few days. I found a way to see what it's like, and I'm not a fan.
I haven't followed Weight Watchers in a long time but like to keep up with the changes for some reason so what's up with SmartPoints?
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I haven't followed Weight Watchers in a long time but like to keep up with the changes for some reason so what's up with SmartPoints?
Another WW here.....yes, please share what you've heard about the new SmartPoints. I don't want to wait until next week either :-)
I just lost 90lbs and hit my WW lifetime...for the second time....because I didn't learn my lesson the first time over 20 years ago. Anyway, here's the problem with WW, imo. Free fruit and veggies really isn't the biggest issue for people with a lot of weight to lose (ie 50-100 lbs). The problem is as you get closer to goal, it DOES become an issue. When I had 30+- pounds left to lose, WW put me down to 26 points. A point is about 40 calories, so that meant I got about 1040 calories. The rest had to come from fruits and vegetables.
If you LOVE fruits (ie you eat 5-6 fruits a day) - that can easily add up to 500-700 calories. I would not lose weight eating 1500+ calories.
If you DONT like them, you are will be eating <1100 calories a day, on average. Not good.
WW leaders are suppose to explain to people that you should eat 5 fruit/vegetable servings a day....which would translate into 200-300 calories (as long as you aren't eating 5 bananas) and you don't have to track them. Unfortunately they don't communicate this properly and people hear "0 points! All I can eat!!"
I've been tracking with WW and MFP for 2.5 years now. My WW points plus 200-300 calories pretty much always matches what MFP gives me for calories. If I eat my WW points and 2 fruits, I am generally within my MFP calorie range.
Why do I track both? Because when I don't, I stop eating my fruit and replace those calories with starchy carbs and stop losing weight as well. You would think after 2.5 years I would learn.....
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How does one figuratively starve?
After all these years of trying, if you have finally found something that is working for you, just keep doing it for goodness sake.0 -
I haven't followed Weight Watchers in a long time but like to keep up with the changes for some reason so what's up with SmartPoints?
Another WW here.....yes, please share what you've heard about the new SmartPoints. I don't want to wait until next week either :-)
I just lost 90lbs and hit my WW lifetime...for the second time....because I didn't learn my lesson the first time over 20 years ago. Anyway, here's the problem with WW, imo. Free fruit and veggies really isn't the biggest issue for people with a lot of weight to lose (ie 50-100 lbs). The problem is as you get closer to goal, it DOES become an issue. When I had 30+- pounds left to lose, WW put me down to 26 points. A point is about 40 calories, so that meant I got about 1040 calories. The rest had to come from fruits and vegetables.
If you LOVE fruits (ie you eat 5-6 fruits a day) - that can easily add up to 500-700 calories. I would not lose weight eating 1500+ calories.
If you DONT like them, you are will be eating <1100 calories a day, on average. Not good.
WW leaders are suppose to explain to people that you should eat 5 fruit/vegetable servings a day....which would translate into 200-300 calories (as long as you aren't eating 5 bananas) and you don't have to track them. Unfortunately they don't communicate this properly and people hear "0 points! All I can eat!!"
I've been tracking with WW and MFP for 2.5 years now. My WW points plus 200-300 calories pretty much always matches what MFP gives me for calories. If I eat my WW points and 2 fruits, I am generally within my MFP calorie range.
Why do I track both? Because when I don't, I stop eating my fruit and replace those calories with starchy carbs and stop losing weight as well. You would think after 2.5 years I would learn.....
I decided to take advantage of the SmartPoints preview and track my usual breakfast and lunch on Sundays: An applegate chicken apple sausage patty, slice of sharp cheddar, and an egg on an Ezekiel cinnamon raisin English muffin. That comes out to 10 points. On SmartPoints, it's 12. Lunch is often eaten at church (to avoid the pastries served). I often pack some raw veggies and Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Ranch Dressing and grab a Protein Box at Starbucks. On PointsPlus, that's 11 points. On SmartPoints, it jumps up to 16.
So, I go from having 8 points left for dinner to 2. My daily target basically stays the same- unlike with PointsPlus where people got more Points compared to the old Momentum program.
I just love the freedom of being able to grab a pear without stressing over how many calories it has. I like throwing a 375 calorie breakfast sandwich into a lunch container and filling up the empty compartments with some chopped persimmons and baby carrots. Whenever I start tracking fruits and vegetables, I feel like my calorie allotment is being drained too quickly, and I start to panic. I am not one of those people who eats fruit all day. A persimmon with breakfast and 3/4 of a cup of grapes with my lunch. Maybe I'll toss some mango chunks in some butter and roast for dessert. Occasionally (but rarely), I'll feel a little hungry and I'll grab a clementine if I see one sitting out.
(We will excuse the fact that I ate watermelon for lunch yesterday. I went home sick, and for some reason, fruit was the only thing that appealed to me).
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If you are a current online subscriber (or Etools member) you can change the date on your computer to your next weigh-in date after December 6 to see the new plan.0
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