Merry Christmas!

 

REMINDER

 Don't forget that Jean-Luc & Nick have another Kickstart staring January 13th.  This is a fun supportive group to help with your weight loss journey.  It costs nothing to join and there's no judging on your success rate.  They do have a journal available to buy in either booklet or PDF form to go with the program, however, you do not need it to do the program - a plain old notebook will do! It's FREE, so what do you have to lose???

You may purchase the journal here:  Kickstart Journal or as a downloaded PDF version here:  Kickstart PDF

Again....there is no requirement to purchase the journal to do the program.  You can choose any journal you want or even a plain old notebook will do.  Just have something to write on!  Check out the journal I posted about available at Walmart:  Walmart Journal or create your own!

Points, Points, Points.....

 One of the biggest things that a lot of WW members are struggling with, is that the zero list added foods but the daily points didn't reduce.

My daily points are 23 (the lowest the dailies will go; some will have more).  So I have the new list of zeros food and the 23 points.

The list is pretty much large enough that you could just eat off that; and not ever use a daily point.  WW is saying that you don't have to use all your daily points nor stay within a range of daily points as in the past.

To try to understand the lowering points, it's best to look at the zero lists when they were the colored plans: Green, Blue, Purple. 

Green had the most daily points (30 for me) with non-starchy veggies and fruits being zero.

Blue had the mid range daily points (23 for me) with a larger zero list.

Purple had the least daily points (16 for me)  with the largest zero list.

As the list got larger the dailies decreased by 7 points (at least for me).

Prior to the current plan we were on a plan that was close to the Blue plan (again 23 pts for me).  They've added more to the zero list but didn't go entirely to the Purple plan list (again 16 pts for me).  So the list is falling somewhere in-between those lists.

So they aren't going to drop you 7 points because the list isn't large enough for that; so rather than drop you what? 2-4 pts?  It's so few points that it isn't worth the drop; so they chose to keep everyone where they were (23 for me).

And, I can live with that.

I look at it like this.  I can actually now create a meal with only zero foods (without eating chicken over and over again).  So I have to figure the best way to use the daily points so that I don't say "Well I have 23 points, I can run to Dairy Queen and get a blizzard".  None of us should be doing that.

What you can do instead?

Instead of fat free cheese?  Use those points for reduced fat or better yet - the real thing!

Bread?  Maybe now you don't have to pay the high cost of the light versions (I'm talking about you 647) - give the real thing a try again.  

Spray butter on your baked potato?  How about a teaspoon or two of real butter!

Going out to eat?  Don't have to worry too much over how they are preparing the food!

I'm not saying to use up all your dailies and not watch what you're eating; but.....we all know those fat free and sugar free products just aren't healthy for you!  So think outside the box!  Think of healthy alternatives for those points (I'm not an avocado fan, but that would be a healthy choice).

Also - watch your serving sizes with the zeros!  Most of the proteins will show up in the app starting at 3 ounces,  THAT'S THE SERVING SIZE.

Rather than think of all the ways the program can't work; look for ways to make it work!

Let's Not Panic Folks!

 First, Weight Watchers was updating the apps with the new enhancements a little at a time.  You may or may not have yours yet - don't worry it's coming.  Mine popped up about 8:40 a.m. this morning.

It wasn't perfect.  The macros were there but my zero list still looked the same; although if I looked up some of the new zeros in the database they showed as zero.  My recipes were not updated and when I tried to create one using zero foods, they were only zero until I clicked on them and then they had points again!  😛

After a few hours, I finally logged out of the app, restarted my phone and logged back into the app.  TA-DA - all was working as it should.

For those worrying that having more zero foods and still the same number of daily points is going to make you fail.....  don't overthink it.  Just keep moving forward - you do not have to use all your dailies in addition to the zeros.  Eat until full, not stuffed.  Whenever a change happens, it's always a learning curve.

Purple plan lovers - yes, the plan is close but not exact but please stop mentioning the Purple Plan on the threads.  Why?  I just came from one thread where someone said "Oh, am I getting my purple plan back?" And it went from there....no one bothered to read any comments; they just assumed the color plans were all back and they were celebrating...guess what? They were wrong.  Everyone is on the same plan.

Reminder:  the diabetic plan and the one for weight loss meds still exist.

For those of you (and there's been a lot) stating no changes are happening and the rest of us don't know what we're talking about?  Umm.....guess you were wrong!

WEIGHT WATCHERS CHANGES

 We're starting to get some information on the changes coming from Weight Watchers....

The changes should happen on Tuesday, December 10th.  WW has never been good at roll-outs, so if you don't have it first thing in the morning....just keep checking.

Macros will be available for those that want to use it (just ignore it if you don't).  WW, as I've said before, will not be providing you with your macro totals.  Check with your doctor or an online source for that.

See a recipe online but hate inputting all the ingredients into the WW recipe builder?  You'll be able to import those recipes.  I've no idea how this will work.

Take a photo of your meal and the app will figure out the points!  This will be great for those that eat out!  Remember...this won't be point perfect, it would be impossible for it to be.

Option to have a one-on-one with a dietician.  There will be a cost for this that your insurance may or may not cover.

I got all the above from a virtual meeting...I didn't stay the whole thing because I lost interest. That's just me and virtual meetings.

Dish With Dee has a great video up over on YouTube.  According to her (and this is a big one):  Dark meat Chicken & Turkey (no skin) are included on the new zero list!  As well as lean beefs, pork, potatoes and oatmeal!

Apparently there are some screenshots of the new zero foods over on Connect.  I rarely use connect and was unable to find them; but the screenshots I saw elsewhere just say chicken & turkey...it no longer indicates "breast".  I'm very excited about this!  Chicken legs (drumsticks) here I come!  And OATMEAL!  A go to in the cold months.

NOW THAT'S A PLAN I CAN WORK WITH!

And the best part?  You'll still have the same amount of Daily Points!  They won't lower in order to accomodate the updated zero list.

If you were hoping for whole wheat pastas and such -  you'll be disappointed.  They haven't been added to the list; but with no loss in points you can still enjoy them!

UPDATE:  Read here:  The Holy Mess for a more in-depth view!

Upcoming Weight Watchers Enhancements

 Weight Watchers announced some time ago that macros would be added to the home screen for those that want to see it.  They will not provide you with your macro numbers, but they've been getting a lot of requests for it.  Supposedly it will appear under where the water tracking is.

If you're interested in macros and you normally do not track your zero foods - you'll need to in order to get correct macros.

Another thing I've been hearing is more foods being added to the zero list.  WW hasn't announced this that I'm aware of but a lot of people are talking about it.  I don't know if this will make the program more like the Purple Plan or move it closer to Simply Filling/Core; we'll have to wait to see.

I've heard dozens of different start dates for this.  Most recently it was that WW employees will have it December 10th and the rest of us December 18th.  I also saw someone mention that one of the online coaches said exciting things are coming starting December 8th.

So maybe next week we'll have more information?

Journal

 Today I bought another one of these journals at Walmart:

This is one of the best wellness journals I've found, and it only costs about $11.00.

I have a partially used one which I ripped out the used pages and thought I'd finish out the year with. 

Some inside pages:

The food menu appears at the beginning of the week, rather than on a daily basis; it's the only thing I don't like about the journal, however, there is a "whatever" place where you can write daily menus.

Right under the mood area is the area I will use for my daily meals.

Obviously, I won't use all these areas but I may find use for them.  If you sign up for Kickstart, this would be a good companion if you find you can't afford their "official" journal.  Kickstart is totally free and you do not have to use their journal to participate, you can use a plan old notebook if you want.  

I may use this one, I may use the Kickstart one; I haven't decided yet.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!  Enjoy Your Day!!

PROTEIN!

 As I mentioned before, Macros are coming to Weight Watchers.  Macros, apparently, will be "choose to use" which means if you aren't interested in them, you need not use them.  What that also means is that if you are interested, WW won't be telling you what your macros numbers are.

What do you do if you want to use Macros?  There are many websites out there to calculate that.  There are also people online who will do it for you for a cost.  Jenn Clayton did mine over a year ago.  I've never really used them because I just couldn't get my head in the right place for weight loss; but I still have them.  Jenn suggests paying attention mostly to the protein and calorie levels.  (FYI:  WW will not be giving you calories).

The level for protein can be a lot.  I've watched many influencers to see how they are getting their protein in.  I become very overwhelmed; especially when they suggest processed snacks to help.  

I've nothing against a processed snack; but I don't want to rely on just that to reach my protein goal.  Plus I've tried a few that get rave reviews....but I just don't care for the taste.

HOWEVER, protein shake are a little different.  Though, yeah, they probably are considered processed to an extent.  I've found you can do a lot with a protein shake.

Here's 2 brands I recommend and are low in WW points:

Pure Protein's will come in at 1 point.  Premier Protein will run 2-4 points depending on the flavor.  Both pack in 30g of Protein.

You can drink them straight if you want.  I like to throw one into the blender and add raw spinach (you'll never taste it), a fruit, fat free (or low fat) cottage cheese or a nonfat greek yogurt, ice and a little bit of xanthan gum to just thicken it up.  Taste like a milkshake and I get a vegetable serving and a fruit serving all packed into one drink.

If you're new to protein drinks, they are available in both liquid (as above) or powder form.  With the powder  you'll have to add a liquid (milk, almond milk, soy milk, water, etc..), I just prefer the liquid form.

Vanilla flavored protein drinks are the most versatile.  You can use cocoa powder, sugar free syrups, powdered peanut butter, etc... to change the flavoring.  So if you're a newbie, start with that flavor.  There are people who use it in place of milk on their cereal or even as creamer for their coffee.

Protein shakes can also be made into a protein pudding.  Just blend a full carton with 2 tablespoons of sugar free instant pudding (make sure the box says INSTANT), then put in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  It will thicken into a pudding.  

Protein shakes are a great way to get protein in!

Word On The Street

 Word on the street is that there are some enhancements coming to the Weight Watchers program.  Those enhancements are:  more zero foods (to include potatoes and lean meats such as beef and pork) and a place to track macros if you want.

Don't panic though - Points are still around as well as the weight loss meds (if you choose to use them).

HOWEVER, no one knows when this is happening.  There is a select group that have the macros now (and WW did announce that on Connect) and someone on FB said that today they got an email from WW stating that more zero foods are coming.  Word is that it will happen mid-December.

If this happens, I will continue my WW membership past its end date in January; though I'll resign up as an online only member since they ditched my meeting.

I like the idea of more zero foods plus a place to track at least my proteins & carbs is enticing.  Protein is a good way to keep yourself full and macros is all the rave right now.

So we will know within the next few weeks.

Jean-Luc and Nick are doing another Kick Start beginning January 13, 2024.  Go here:  KICKSTART to learn more and sign-up!  It's FREE!  I know in the last post I said that I only made it through half of the Fall Kickstart; but I did enjoy it and want to give it another go!  Come Join Us!

It's Been Way Too Long Since A Post

 My highlight so far this year, was my third row seats to a Duran Duran concert.  We were SO CLOSE!!  It was AMAZING!  😁

So at least there was a highlight in this otherwise bad year.

Kickstart started great and then halfway through, I kind of lost the momento....and well then fell off.

Weight Watchers cancelled the only evening meeting in my area within a 50 mile radius.  Yeah, they'd say that is doable.....but not if you're leaving work and going through rush hour traffic.  Why is it that WW thinks no one works anymore???  I'd have to go right from work and it would be 87 miles and take almost 2 hours to get there and I wouldn't make it in time even on good traffic days.

A close high school friend passed in October.  I knew she had been sick but her husband stopped updating and turned off her phone (for her to rest) cutting off any communication.  He wouldn't respond to any FB postings.  The obituary was never in the newspaper; another friend just happened to come acrossed it online the day before her viewing which was scheduled rather weirdly from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Fortunately for me, I stopped on my way home from work.  She'd been cremated; I gave my condolences and left.  I realize he was grieving.....but so were all her friends.  I understand since covid, not many do services and such anymore and that is fine.  But c'mon, get the information out there!