Weight Watchers

Also called: Points Diet, Winning Points Diet, TurnAround Plan

Reviewed By:
Lynn Grieger, RD

Weight Watchers basics

After years of the tried-and-true Winning Points Plan, Weight Watchers adapted their plans to include two approaches to weight loss: the Flex Plan and the Core Plan.

Weight Watchers is one of the longest-lived weight loss plans. After years of the tried-and-true points approach, Weight Watchers has adapted their plans with two paths to weight loss. The Flex Plan is a revamped version of the old points system, designed to be flexible enough to fit any busy lifestyle. If counting points isn't your style, the Core Plan is based on a list of healthy, satisfying foods that you can enjoy without worrying about their point value.

The Core Plan doesn't require counting. Instead, calories are controlled by limiting food choices based on their energy density and the risk of overeating. For example, you can eat dry cereal (and then only four specific brands) only with milk or yogurt, because too many people snack on dry cereal and overeat. For the same reason, nuts and seeds aren't included even though they have proven health benefits.

In contrast, the Flex Plan includes any food you can dream of, each with a specific number of points assigned. You can choose to splurge and blow a large number of points on a decadent dessert to satisfy a craving or eat a larger volume of lower-calorie, and therefore lower-point, foods. Points are assigned based on your weight. As you lose weight, your point number drops to allow continued weight loss.

Both plans include activity guidelines and encourage participation in either weekly group meetings or online support for optimum success. Both also include a “weekly allowance” for non-plan foods.

Upside of the Weight Watchers Plans

• Core Plan focuses on new eating habits and eliminates food that contribute to overeating.
  
  
• No counting or measuring in the Core Plan.
  
  
• Flex Plan does not forbid foods, but can teach how to budget temptations in to a healthy eating plan.
  
  
• Weekly meetings can provide support and improve adherence to the plan .

Downside of the Weight Watchers Plans

• It may be hard to govern the use of Flex Points, which can sabotage weight loss.
  
  
• The sensible approach may mean more gradual weight loss than some people expect .

Is Weight Watchers for You?

This chart can help you see how the Weight Watchers plans fit your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Sample Weight Watchers Menu

A day on Weight Watchers' Core Plan might look like this:

Breakfast:

• Vegetables scrambled with egg whites, or cup of bran flakes with skim milk
  
• Cup of berries
  
• Fat-free yogurt
  
• Tea

Lunch:

• Cup of vegetable soup
  
• Black-bean burger or turkey on whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomato
  
• Slice of melon
  
• Water
  

Dinner:

• Big green salad
  
• Four slices of pork tenderloin
  
• Steamed zucchini and summer squash
  
• Half a cup of brown rice
  
• Cup of fruit smoothie

Snacks:

• Most vegetables and fruits
  
• Lean protein such as a slice of chicken or turkey
  
• Cup or two of air-popped or light popcorn
  

Lynn Grieger, RD on Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers deserves kudos for striving to tweak their programs to keep up with the latest science. Their support, both online and in local groups, is a big part of their success strategy. Definitely give these plans a try.

iVillagers on Weight Watchers

See what other iVillagers have to say and weigh in with your own comments and stories on our Weight Watchers Followers Message Board.