Weight Watchers uses a points system for many of its weight loss plans. This system is intended to serve as a guideline to dieters, so they consume the right amount of calories to lose weight. The lower the point values, the more servings you can have of that particular food item. When you sign up for Weight Watchers, you will be given your points allocation.
Significance
The Momentum plan is the name for the Weight Watchers plan that uses the points system. The Core plan is an alternative that allows you to simply monitor portion sizes and the foods you consume. You can sign up for Weight Watchers through the website or at one of its local centers. The representative will use your current weight, goal weight and activity level to assign you both a daily number of points and weekly number.
Features
The point values of foods are calculated by using the fat content, calories and amount of fiber in the food item. High-fiber, low-fat and low-calorie foods have the lowest number of points. Points are often displayed on food packaging or on restaurant menus. Foods with a point or less include an apple, orange, high fiber slice of bread, six mini rice cakes, a fat-free slice of cheese, a chicken drumstick, ½ cup of grapefruit juice and a frozen juice bar.
Time Frame
When you follow the points system, you can expect to experience a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. a week. Weight Watchers does not use fad diet methods to get you to drop the weight quickly. Gradually losing the weight is meant to help you achieve long-term weight loss.
Considerations
If you go over your daily allotted points on Weight Watchers, you don't have to worry about ruining your diet. The weekly points are provided as a way to give you flexibility in case you go over your allowed daily points. Most dieters will be given 35 flex points to use over the course of the week while following Weight Watchers.
Potential
After you have reached your goal weight with Weight Watchers, you will be given a number of points to maintain your current weight. In most cases, Weight Watchers will give you 4 extra points to use daily.
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