It can be because the WW system is to some extent arbitrary. Zero-point veggies have zero points because whoever developed the points system decreed it should be so, not because those veggies have no calories. It's not a matter of being strict; if you're doing points, zero point veggies have no points by definition. If you stall, you might choose to limit your veggie intake somewhat, or not eat all your points, or add more activity (but not eat the activity points), but zero point veggies don't have points.

I didn't do WW to lose my weight. Out of sheer morbid curiosity, I once ran one of my typical day's foods through a points calculator, and came out with something like 36 points, even without capping fiber, and I'd have been allotted 20 base + 5 of flex plus 1 or 2 activity - so not nearly enough. I do better with more fat and fewer carbs, and the points formula really punishes fat.

All the zero point vegetables and any items for that matter have some calories - just not many.

If you search the internet you will see that broccoli in it's natural state - fresh from the garden has calories - I see 30 calories per cup given by Calorie Counter Database - Free Online Diet Program

There does not appear to be a major difference between that figure and the amount that you quote from the bag. If there was a major difference - it would suggest that there had been additional processing / extra foods involved which would add calories - and in which case it would be correct to recalculate points based on calories and saturated fat. Sometimes vegetables come in a sauce which would fairly certainly alter the point value.

Some vegetables do have points - parsnips for example.

okay... i understand... thank you very much for your answers...

Are you talking about the WW Flex plan? Or just low carb in general.

Great job on the 10%! You must have gotten the keychain. I love mine, though I've misplaced it and need to put my 25lb key ring on it.

I liked what you wrote about the benefits of the meetings. That's great that you are almost to "Lifetime" free membership.

When I reach goal too, I will continue to attend, because of the benefits and just helping other people as well.

WW isn't low carb, either Flex or Core. And I don't eat particularly low carb.

What I said was that the WW method of calculating points punishes fat.

The formula is: One point = (calories/50) + (fat grams/12) - (min{fiber, 4}/5)

So 500 calories of sugar = 10 points. But 500 calories of fat is 15 points. Same calories either way, but spending your points on higher-fat foods is a lot more expensive.

Whilst I would not quibble with a word that is said about fat calories being punished more than carb calories - I am a little confused about the formula that you give.

I have a WW calculator - and it requires that you enter calories and saturated fat in order to deduce the points. There is not a means whereby the fibre gets entered or therefore used to deduce the points. Does that imply that UK points somehow differ from US points?

It doesnt matter too much for me as I an on "core" and always have a load of activity points left over at the end of the week. It is just that I am curious.

oh... i have a totally different formula... i have:

calories/60 + fat/9 ...

So my neighbor has been doing the "Weight Watchers" program for about 4 1/2 months now and she has lost 40lbs. I was wondering if anyone else has ever tried it and has it worked for you? Also did you keep the weight off? I know that losing weight is a lifestyle change. So i would assume you just always keep track of the points and eat healthy if you want to maintain your weight once you reach your goal. Im just curious if it works for someone who doesnt have to lose much weight? My neighbor is a heavy lady (her starting weight was 371lbs). And ive heard weight comes off quicker the more you have to lose. But im only 139lbs and would like to get down to about 115-120 so i only have to loose beween 24-29lbs. I have also tried the counting calories and that just doesnt seem the route for me. Seems much easier to count points (altho i will be keeping track of calories too so ill know how many im eating in a day) but focusing more on the points.


Kate

there's little difference between points and calories... if you are having trouble wiht calories points will be little difference... it's still accounting for everything that goes into your mouth

I was on Weight Watchers for about 8 months and lost 40 pounds I started at 249. I used the points program because there is another called the "core" program where you do not have to count points but you eat until satisfied from a list of "core" foods.

Anyway--eachpoint equates roughly to 30-40 calories and how many points you are allotted per day is determined by your weight. So as you get smaller so does your points allotment. When I was 249 I was allotted 28 points per day but once I reached 225 I was only allotted 26 points per day and so on.

I have seen people with as few as 10 pounds to lose be successful so it is worth it. Note--you must keep track of your foods because its easy to fudge points here and there and that is not helpful, also you may just want to drop by a center and buy a point calculator and the dining out and grocery guides for about 35 bucks for all.

The meetings can get pricey and that information is all you will really need on-going. GOOD LUCK!!!

thank you for your reply... I actually have a points calculator on my phone so thats pretty handy. Im sure i can find shopping list online somewhere or i can ask my neighbor if she has one. I looked online and for my weight, hieght and the fact that i am breastfeeding (they have a breastfeeding chart) i am allowed to have 30pts a day. Im gunna research more so i can find more info. I just dont see a point for paying for it when i can weigh myself and do most of the stuff at home or find it online.


Kate

I can't say that I have done the weight watchers program but I do have some problems with it (my mom and fiance use it). The point system is good and easier for them to comprehend than actual calories and such. However, one thing weight watchers doesnt do is help you understand why you are losing weight. They don't help you develop a routine to workout or get in excercise. Basically, all they do is give you points and change your diet. Which is good, but it's only half the battle. My mom has done weight watchers a few times and every time she is on it she loses some weight then gains it back.

I wouldn't use their program but it does help with nutrition transition. Other than that it's useless.

angelicrock,
Did your mom gain the weight back becuase she continues to track and follow her points or because she no longer follows the system?

I have never done weight watchers but i am fairly familiar with the system. I researched it before deciding to count calories instead. Here is my opinion on it.

It is a very good program, if you follow the system. You need to make sure you get your healthy guidelines in each day. If you get 30 points a day you cant eat 30 points of pizza for breakfast and eat nothing the rest of the day. If you balance your points with your healthy guidelines and LEARN what you're doing then you will have success.

Alot of the times this program fails becuase(like any other diet) people lose focus and stop following the program. Like any diet you need to stay focused and eat right and you will succeed.

Now compare this to other commercial diets. You can eat your own food instead of prepackaged meal. On weight watchers you need to look at the label to figure out what you are eating. You need to know calories, fiber, serving sizes. If you eat a prepackage meal, you are less likely to see what the label says. Hopefully by reading labels you learn about what you are eating and apply this long term. If you dont do this, the program inst failing you, you are failing the program.

Just my two cents.

Matt

Matt

She did the "core" plan to lose the weight then switched to the regular program to help maintain her weight. She ended up gaining her weight back. I honestly think they are in the business of making money not helping people. The system they have is good to begin with but they need to make money. Part of their membership is once you reach your "goal" weight you no longer need to pay membership fees, it becomes free for you. If you gain weight back you need to start paying again. The core plan, in my opinion, is designed for quick results with the intention of you gaining your weight back so they are always making money.