Portion Control
The Weight Watchers point system can be used as a temporary diet to get you in the habit of eating proper portions or as a long-term eating plan. Each type of food is assigned a numerical point value. For example, an Italian turkey burger has a point value of 5, baked chicken has a point value of 3 and sautéed shrimp has a point value of 3 as well--if you follow the Momentum program's recipes for these foods. You have a certain number of points per day that you can eat. Your number is based on your current weight and goals. By signing up online or going to a Weight Watchers center, you can get your daily allowance of points. This is your first step in the process.
Points and Food
Fruits and vegetables have very low point values, which encourages you to eat a lot of these healthy foods. The program also assigns low point values to "filling foods" that will help you feel full so you are not tempted to overeat. Examples of these foods include popcorn, guacamole and cherries. By counting points instead of calories, you can more easily keep track of what you are eating and make better choices.
For example, before learning about the point system, you might have chosen ravioli with marinara sauce for dinner. On the point system, you'll learn that this dish has 10 points, but so does an entire dish of whole-wheat pasta with shrimp, broccoli and tomatoes with marinara sauce. The point system therefore encourages you to eat foods with more fiber and nutrients so the foods you do eat will be more satisfying and you will eat less.
You are allowed some flexibility to choose the foods you like and still eat a balanced diet because unhealthy foods have high point values, thereby encouraging you to eat small amounts of them.
Exercise and Points
Weight Watchers is not just about dieting. The Momentum program incorporates points for activities as well as food. Figuring out how many points you should eat per day and then learning the point values of foods so you can meet your target goal is the first half of the equation. Exercising to get activity points is the next step. This allows you to eat more and still move toward your weight-loss goals. It also reduces the chances of you overeating as a reward for exercising.
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