Last week was a week that I don’t even have the words to describe. I couldn’t even put words to a draft. Yes, one of those. It was full of highs and lows, and I’m so glad it’s over. I’m also happy to be back! Sometimes you just need time to regroup and I didn’t just come back—I came back to SLAY!
After training for four marathons and six half marathons last year, I couldn’t wait to get back to a structured program. You probably know by now that I have been a follower of Weight Watchers since 2008. It has been my go-to program, and I’m so excited about the Beyond the Scale + SmartPoints Program! The new program launched in December 2015. Weight Watchers said the new program is the “biggest change in 50 years.” Ummm..that’s kind of a big deal!
The Beyond the Scale program starts with a personal assessment to better understand your lifestyle, challenges, and goals. Our most personalized approach ever fits your life and is backed by real-time support. It focuses on you, not just a number on the scale.
I think that WW’s may be on to something. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all thing. SmartPoints are customized to each member based on various factors. They are tackling sugar and saturated fats and encouraging more protein. Although nothing is off limits, the new plan reminds me of the old “Core” approach by eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I’ve found that saturated fat and sugar increases the point value and protein lowers it. Also, WW’s is all about getting healthy, fit, and strong. FitPoints (previously known as Activity Points) are basically the same. The more you move, the more points you get. Simply Filling is still alive and the Good Health Guidelines (GHG), Power Foods, and the little boxes that we checked when we met a GHG goal are now gone. The new program naturally steers you in the right direction by encouraging you...me…we…to eat more whole foods.
What’s going up? Sugary foods, sweet beverages, fried foods…y’all know I love me some fried chicken, and pastries. Not surprising, but still. Someone offered me a Dunkin’ Donuts Heart Glazed donut today, so I looked it up…13 SmartPoints! *soul cry* Thank God it wasn’t Krispy Kreme because I may have fallen out slap in the floor. And let’s not talk about the other morning while running errands, I stopped by McDonald’s to pick up a bacon, egg, & cheese biscuit without checking the point value—a WHOPPING 16 SMARTPOINTS! The sad thing is, I know better. Here on out, I will definitely track before I snack and choose things that will benefit me the most.
A few things that I am excited about:
- Fruits and veggies are still 0 points *praise*.
- In recipes, fruits and veggies are now 0 points…woo-hoo!, except when blended or food processed (Examples: Smoothies).
- More meal satisfaction after meals/snacks. I’m assuming this is because I have more daily points to work with.
- Having a Fitbit on throughout the day, activity will go towards my FitPoints, in addition to other activities.
- Starting over fresh!
When I first started the program in 2008, I was in my 20’s and it was a lot easier to reach my goals. Go figure. This is the first time in years that I feel confident about the program, especially being older. The older I get, the more I realize my body needs certain things. I’m so excited about the Beyond the Scale program and celebrating more non-scale victories! I’ll check back in to share how it has been going!
Have you ever tried Weight Watchers? How do you feel about the new Beyond the Scale program?
Im gonna rejoin this week! Something not working out for me! The scale is not moving lol
I have tried the new program and I’m not as excited about it as you are and that’s putting it mildly. LMBO I nearly had a meltdown when I discovered nearly EVERY item I ate on the old program was significantly higher in points than on the Points Plus program. And although nothing is “off limits”…I feel like now it’s…”eat it…I dare u”. Lol. When will a 16 pt donut ever be worth it?!? So…I think they lost me as a customer…although I haven’t brought myself to cancel yet. Lol. Glad u like it though. Good luck!!