I know quite a few WLS patients who still attend (or newly attend) a slimming group as an incentive to stay on track and stay accountable for their food choices. The weigh-in also is a favourite device to help them stay focussed and meet like-minded individuals. Many do not follow the specific diet since it isn’t always WLS friendly and isn’t easily adapted to the bariatric eating regime after surgery, but many do.
Weight Watchers’ have recently changed their system and some have queried the changes and why. I have little recent experience of the WW regime but the following blog, courtesy of Hungry Girl, explains the differences for those who wish to know. There are quite a few differences between the old and the new so don’t get confused ….
Have you heard of Weight Watchers’ new points system, SmartPoints™? It’s replacing PointsPlus®. I’d love to know what you think of it…
Wondering about Weight Watchers
Hi Wondering,
I have heard all about the new SmartPoints™ system! I think it’ll really help people make better food choices and lose more weight. Here are four things you need to know about Weight Watchers SmartPoints™…
1. SmartPoints™ values are based on calories, saturated fat, sugars, and protein. On the other hand, PointsPlus® calculations were comprised of total fat, carbs, fiber, and protein. How does it all work? The SmartPoints™ value starts with the calorie count; protein lowers the value, while saturated fat and sugars increase that number. Makes sense…
2. Fruits and most veggies are still zero-point foods. Hooray for that! And it gets even better. When it comes to calculating the values for recipes, it appears that Weight Watchers only factors in the nutrients from fruits and veggies if they get blended (like in a smoothie). This means that the SmartPoints™ value for an HG recipe made up of chicken, sauce, and lots of veggies will only reflect the numbers from the chicken and sauce. (The veggies would still be factored into the total calories, fat, etc.; they just won’t be included in the SmartPoints™ value.) Same idea for a big fruit and yogurt bowl. Yes!
3. Pure protein RULES on the new plan, but watch out for sugary sweets. With PointsPlus®, a 4-oz. serving of cooked skinless turkey breast had a value of 3*. But with SmartPoints™, that same portion has a value of just 1*. Wow! As a big protein fan, I love this. However, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, watch out for sugar. A tablespoon of granulated white sugar had a PointsPlus® value of 1*… It now has a SmartPoints™ value of 3*. Big difference!
4. You do get a few more points per day. While the exact daily points budget varies from person to person, it appears that everyone will get more points on SmartPoints™ than they did on PointsPlus®. Not a lot, but a few. And just like before, you also get a weekly budget of extra points, in case you need ’em.