This week, Weight Watchers launched an innovation to the SmartPoints program. Say hello to "FreeStyle." This is an enhancement to what is already working so well for so many. Counting SmartPoints is still the basis of the program. Calories, saturated fat grams, sugar grams and protein grams are calculated the same way they have always been. What's new is that there is an abundant list of zero-points foods that do NOT have to be tracked. This enables members who feel burdened by tracking to feel freedom from tracking. The foods that make it to the zero-points list are non-bingeable, very healthy foods with high nutrient content. This list includes corn, peas, fish, shellfish, non-fat plain yogurt, beans, lentils, tofu, eggs (yolks and all), boneless/skinless chicken and turkey breast.
As someone who has been following FreeStyle for months, I can say that the biggest delights I have found include zero-points vegetarian chili. I am a pescaterian/vegetarian, and to know that my chili went from 5-7 points down to 0 points is huge. I am also training myself to eat non-fat plain Greek yogurt with cinnamon and fruit. No honey. All of a sudden, that filling snack becomes 0 points instead of 3-5. This makes a big difference to me. Now, you can actually have a zero point dinner that doesn't stink. Grilled salmon with lemon pepper and dill, corn on the cob, salad with balsamic vinegar, baked peaches on top of plain Green yogurt. All that was zero. Wow!
How can this work? How can Weight Watchers members lose weight if they are suddenly eating these foods and not counting them? The daily SmartPoints target has gone down. Everyone is now looking at a lower target. The program takes into consideration that there are a large number of zero point foods that will still be eaten, like the zero point dinner I referenced above. We have always done this with our zero point fruits and vegetables, and it has worked. The FreeStyle program has gone through extensive testing with proven results. If that didn't happen, we wouldn't be doing it.
More flexibility? Yes, we have that too. Now, you have the option of carrying up to 4 SmartPoints per day into your weekly target. Once the week is up, those points are use it/lose it. However, just knowing that you have the ability to bank points for the weekend or a party or a happy hour creates more livability.
These enhancements are all member-driven. The science of weight loss hasn't changed since we switched to SmartPoints two years ago. The leading cause of obesity comes from the overconsumption of saturated fat and sugar. The foods that we crave when we are stressed typically include saturated fat and sugar. The foods that are easy to overeat typically include saturated fat and sugar. We don't even need to be physically hungry to indulge in these foods. Therein lies the problem.
In contrast, the foods that are now included on the zero points list are mainly full of protein. Protein solves a hunger problem. Protein repairs tiny muscle tears that result from exercise. Protein is a power-house when it comes to weight loss. Protein that you chew is very satisfying.
What hasn't changed? Points for booze, sweets, whole grains, saturated fats... those foods are still calculated the very same way. Tracking is still important, but now there is an option to NOT track a whole new list of zero point proteins and corn and peas.
As a leader for the past fourteen years, I have seen many iterations of the Weight Watchers program. I can confidently say that we have always changed for the better. We always get more when we innovate. And, so again, we do with FreeStyle.
There is a lot going on this month with holidays and weather and vacation time off. This program innovation is a gift from Weight Watchers to you to help you kick start your weight loss, re-engage with the program, create more flexibility with your holiday eating and to get more of what you really want.
When I see you in person this week, we will go over more details and look at the newly published materials. You will see enhancements to your app on your weigh in day. Personally, I love the graphics. They bring a lightness to the business of accountability.
At the end of the day, the single thing all Weight Watchers members have in common is the desire for MORE. More good living. More good health. More confidence. More longevity. More fitness. More pride. More control. More power. More quality of life. We earn those gifts one day at a time.
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