You all know I’m a fangirl when it comes to Weight Watchers – after all, my life completely changed as a result of joining back in 2006.
I went from the 170′s all the way down to 105lbs, and maintained until I got pregnant with baby Jude. Since having him I lost 22lbs on Weight Watchers and right now I’m at 117lbs, about 5lbs up from my ideal weight, but I’m healthy and happy… and I really owe so much of that to Weight Watchers because that’s where I learned how to make better food choices.
And since Weight Watchers just unveiled their biggest innovation since POINTS was introduced 13 years ago, I think it’s definitely worth talking about – especially since I’ve secretly been using the new PointsPlus plan for several months.
In fact, it’s what got me over my frustratingly long and drawn out plateau.
As someone who has had a lot of success using the old POINTS, I have to admit I was a bit nervous when they brought me in and told me everything was changing. After all, I was so comfortable with the old plan… so comfortable I could give you the POINTS value of almost any food.
Which I’ve realized wasn’t always a good thing.
Calculating it all in my head meant it was easy for me to cheat or underestimate or forget to write it down.
Turns out, I had gotten kind of cocky – thinking I had it all figured out…
Switching over to PointsPlus took me a few weeks because I had to really let go of everything I thought I knew. But once I got in the groove – I found myself eating a lot healthier than before. I had to add in more protein and opt out of a lot of the processed snacks I’d been eating because PointsPlus weights protein, carbs, fat and fiber in a totally new formula.
Calories aren’t even a factor anymore (!!!) which sort of blew my mind at first. But what I’ve learned from PointsPlus is that not all calories are created equal.
The new formula is based on the latest nutritional science and it focuses on how a body actually process food, which is why all fresh fruit now have a zero value but most 100 calorie snack packs cost me about 4 PointsPlus.
Because of how the new formula is weighted, natural foods end up being the best bang for my buck. Plus, they keep me fuller for longer.
So, even though I can still eat anything or anywhere I want – the new formula definitely nudges me away from foods with sugar and salt, and more towards items high in protein and fiber.
If you want to try out the new PointsPlus plan, they’ve just unrolled it across their site and in meeting rooms all over the country. The best place to get more info is at weightwatchers.com or on their Facebook page – where they’ll be rewarding fans throughout December with exclusive coupons, games, and holiday themed content.
15 Responses to “The New Weight Watchers PointsPlus Plan”
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January 11th, 2011 at 6:49 am
i love the new program too!
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
I think I just saw you on tv ding a WW Comercial. I had been following your journey on You Tube, and did a total double take just now. I couldnt think of a better person to help represent Weight Watchers and us Who struggled to shed the baby weight and then some.
January 2nd, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Am I crazy or did I just see you on a WW commercial on TV?!?!? I watched you on youtube through your pregnancy with Jude. Now after ttc for two years my husband and I are expecting this April. Thank you for sharing your story, and congrats on your weight loss success!
~ Stephanie
December 9th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
WOW you look GOREGOUS! You can see the difference in you just from the 2009 to 2010 pic! I am LOVING the new program! And for reasons like you said, picking healthier food with more protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. I am looking forward to seeing results with myself following this plan!
December 3rd, 2010 at 9:55 am
I first came across your site over a year ago when I was contemplating starting WW. I really love the program and feel the only times it “hasn’t worked” was when my motivation and discipline waned. Remembered your site a few days ago when I was starting to feel the motivation creeping in again. I love your before/after. I’m 5’2″ and always been chubby so figured I would, at best, be at the higher end of a BMI. Your video reminds me that I can do more…but damn is it hard sometimes. I only recently started to hit what I think is a true plateau (other times I know it’s because i”ve just been slack). So frustrating. Hoping the new points plus will be that switch up I need. Canada starts their new system this Monday. Super stoked. Thanks again, Esther, for being a huge motivator!
December 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 am
[...] The New Weight Watchers PointsPlus Plan (Faint [...]
December 1st, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I just can’t get over the photos. You look amazing!
December 1st, 2010 at 8:45 am
I love the perspective from someone who has been doing it for a bit. I’m still working into it but enjoying it so far.
I can’t wait to see how this changes the way I choose things instead of just guessing.
December 1st, 2010 at 5:48 am
Looking GOOD, Esther!
November 30th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Going strong for the first couple of days on the plan. I eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. I love that they are all 0 but now I’m struggling to make sure I eat all my pts. Which isn’t a bad thing, but 29 is seeming hard now. I love that they incorporate fiber and protein and not focusing on carbs.
You look great…I just started weight watchers couple months ago. I gave up earlier months ago…did it for a month but I’m ready for a new beginning now.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
YOU look AMAZING!
Great job girly!
November 30th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I live in Germany and we have had ProPoints (which seems to be virtually the same as PointsPlus from what I’ve heard so far) for a year now. I was actually excited when I first heard a new plan would be introduced and I signed up for WW Online for the first time the day they switched it over because I had gotten too comfortable with the old plan. The new plan was, well, new and it made WW interesting and fun again. It took me a while to get my act together while I was finishing up graduate school, but I have been on plan since August and lost 21 pounds so far. :)
I think the reason calories are not considered anymore is because they are made up of the other categories that are, so they would essentially be redundant. I love how the new plan takes protein, carbs, fat and fiber into consideration. The plan we had in Germany before only considered calories and fat (not even fiber like the US plan did). I also think that the way it is set up now allows for more flexibility and actually, for more food. Well, I am all around very happy with the new plan and hope that others won’t let the newness of it all scare them off or discourage them.
November 30th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
I love that pic of you in those sassy beigish/yellowish heels!
I actually joined Weight Watchers about a month ago. I know it’s crazy. I gained unwanted weight from medication and needed to feel good about my body again. But with finals and the end of the semester I haven’t been tracking at all! I think I will realistically start again at the beginning of 2011.
But I have to admit, it’s hard!
November 30th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
You look fabulous! I hate to say this but I’m afraid to try the new plan. I’m afraid to leave my comfort zone. Even though recently it seems my comfort zone is wearing yoga pants and jeans that show a number size that is entirely too big (yuck!). Maybe this is really what I need right now. I am definitely going to try it out and learn the new program. I might love it – change is a good thing!!! Thanks for the info! :)
November 30th, 2010 at 11:39 am
You… are ultra fabulous.