When we have reasons for doing what we do, the work that goes into achieving what we want makes a lot of sense. When we have a clear picture of why what we want is so important, our goals become more obvious. Our path to achieving our dreams is much clearer.
Dreams, desires, goals, whys...they are all about the very same thing--a wish from the heart that means a lot to us. In fact, it matters even when things are not going well. In weight loss, regardless of how many times we try and fail to succeed, no matter how often we regroup and start again, we will never be able to shake the desire to do something about the problem. The reasons may change, morph into something else and even become life or death choices. Think about losing weight for vanity alone. Just looking better in your jeans, for example. Think about losing weight for health reasons. You have been placed on the "PRE-diabetes" list, and you refuse to become a diabetic. Think about heart disease and stroke and how excess weight, poor eating choices and a sedentary lifestyle can literally end your life too soon. No matter what the reasons, once the desire is firmly rooted in your heart, to get more from your life, it will not wither no matter how poorly you tend to it.
This makes dreaming BIG for more life even more important. We want what we want. Wanting it is a first step. Developing strategies to get what we want is another step. Creating accountability during the process is critical. Embracing virtues like patience, forgiveness, perspective and self love is also crucial in keeping this life long journey manageable.
No one promised an easy path or a direct route. What is far more likely is that we will get what we really want if we do the work. How long? How hard? How much? That depends. One thing is clear: the reason why people achieve their goals is because they keep pursuing them. No matter what the set backs, no matter how long it takes, no matter what the circumstances, they refuse to take no for an answer, so they keep going. So, they get there.
Let's be those people who refuse to let life's circumstances, a snowstorm or impatience keep us from getting more. We deserve to have the life we dream of. It is created one moment at a time, one day at a time. We all have the built in advantage of a do-over. If you don't like today, then don't do it tomorrow. It's that simple. Bring more of what you really want close to you, so that your dreams are not just dreams--they become your new reality. That's a life worth working for.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Create a Spark
When it comes to weight loss, misery will get us started on making a change. Tight underwear, strangling pants...uncomfortable feelings after eating too much of the wrong thing...seeing photos that are not complimentary...those are the "sparks" that get us motivated initially to finally do something. If we were happy, we wouldn't bother. To continue on the path to healthy changes, however, misery doesn't motivate. Feeling good about the choices, the sense of accomplishment, seeing the results, etc. is what keeps us going.
My challenge to everyone this week is to create a spark. Try something brand new to get out of your comfort zone. Just by pushing outside your bubble, you are taking a risk that has the potential of reaping reward. For example, trying a new fitness class for this first time could do it. What if you didn't know that you like zumba or oula or chi gong? What if you didn't know you could do yoga but not like the pretzel models in Yoga Journal magazine. You can do yoga your way? What might that feel like? What about trying a new food or recipe for the big game on Sunday?
By stepping away from the tried and true, we are opening ourselves up to new experiences and new possibilities that create a feeling of goodness. When we were kids, our entire lives were made up of sparks. Every day at school was learning something new. Every sport we tried was different and called upon new skills. Every year we had new teachers. This kept our lives interesting. As adults, it is far too easy to settle into a routine and get stuck there. If that creates boredom, that's not helping.
Our bodies, our minds and our spirits like a change. A change for the better. With that in mind, open yourself up with the eyes of a child, to a new experience this week and see what it might do for you.
You are worth it.
My challenge to everyone this week is to create a spark. Try something brand new to get out of your comfort zone. Just by pushing outside your bubble, you are taking a risk that has the potential of reaping reward. For example, trying a new fitness class for this first time could do it. What if you didn't know that you like zumba or oula or chi gong? What if you didn't know you could do yoga but not like the pretzel models in Yoga Journal magazine. You can do yoga your way? What might that feel like? What about trying a new food or recipe for the big game on Sunday?
By stepping away from the tried and true, we are opening ourselves up to new experiences and new possibilities that create a feeling of goodness. When we were kids, our entire lives were made up of sparks. Every day at school was learning something new. Every sport we tried was different and called upon new skills. Every year we had new teachers. This kept our lives interesting. As adults, it is far too easy to settle into a routine and get stuck there. If that creates boredom, that's not helping.
Our bodies, our minds and our spirits like a change. A change for the better. With that in mind, open yourself up with the eyes of a child, to a new experience this week and see what it might do for you.
You are worth it.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Resiliency in the New Year
This word is coming up a lot lately: resiliency. It means that we weather the storms of life, to the best of our ability-and come out of the storm with renewed vigor. It does not mean we suffer through, endure and complain. I like thinking of this "virtue" because it applies to everyone. Everyone suffers life's blows, but not everyone emerges stronger than before. Instead of hoping that nothing bad ever happens, we might be better served by practicing our rebounding/recovery skills.
There is a new commercial by Procter and Gamble for the Winter Olympics. It is about moms encouraging their children to keep going despite the odds. We see a child skiing with an artificial leg and another child ice skating with patched up skates. These messages remind us that nothing is perfect, but that doesn't have to stop anyone from succeeding. Of course, the undying love of a good mom pushes the theme along.
With 2018 upon us, and all the reminders to recommit to health, wellness, fitness, organization, order, calm, etc. it is nice to be reminded that no matter how much we truly desire these things, no one said it would be easy. Working towards good health is a moment by moment, day by day worthy pursuit. That doesn't mean we won't have setbacks no matter how hard we try. It means we keep trying. Resiliency. Intentions sound good, but without the good, old-fashioned hard work it takes to achieve them, they are nothing. Actions. Being active is required of us in this technology age. Computers keep life "convenient" and very fattening. We have to find a work-around to counteract the damage. Drive. Seeking calm in the eye of the storm is a life skill that gets developed by being in the eye of the storm. Experience.
Someone asked me what my new year's resolution was. I told her it is to eat the food in my refrigerator and not waste. She replied that she never wastes food. As for me, this is an effort to be sure to eat the food I have and not let it go bad. I am doing well so far. Some day I hope this is not a resolution but a life style. I heard a fitness expert on tv say that her resolution is not to complain. She had to get up at 3AM to be on Good Morning America, and she said--no complaining about getting up--I get to be on tv! Perspective. Everyone has to do things they don't particularly enjoy because of what those efforts get them. Keep your eye on the prize.
Good health, however, is not a resolution. It is a daily commitment to yourself to do the right thing mostly right, most of the time. We know some days are better than others. We know some days are not as bad as they might have been in the past. No matter what, we keep going as we accumulate more life experiences and more wisdom. We gain perspective and become more resilient.
Practice your resiliency skills this week and see yourself in situation you may not particularly like but that you can emerge from even stronger. This mom says yes, you can.
There is a new commercial by Procter and Gamble for the Winter Olympics. It is about moms encouraging their children to keep going despite the odds. We see a child skiing with an artificial leg and another child ice skating with patched up skates. These messages remind us that nothing is perfect, but that doesn't have to stop anyone from succeeding. Of course, the undying love of a good mom pushes the theme along.
With 2018 upon us, and all the reminders to recommit to health, wellness, fitness, organization, order, calm, etc. it is nice to be reminded that no matter how much we truly desire these things, no one said it would be easy. Working towards good health is a moment by moment, day by day worthy pursuit. That doesn't mean we won't have setbacks no matter how hard we try. It means we keep trying. Resiliency. Intentions sound good, but without the good, old-fashioned hard work it takes to achieve them, they are nothing. Actions. Being active is required of us in this technology age. Computers keep life "convenient" and very fattening. We have to find a work-around to counteract the damage. Drive. Seeking calm in the eye of the storm is a life skill that gets developed by being in the eye of the storm. Experience.
Someone asked me what my new year's resolution was. I told her it is to eat the food in my refrigerator and not waste. She replied that she never wastes food. As for me, this is an effort to be sure to eat the food I have and not let it go bad. I am doing well so far. Some day I hope this is not a resolution but a life style. I heard a fitness expert on tv say that her resolution is not to complain. She had to get up at 3AM to be on Good Morning America, and she said--no complaining about getting up--I get to be on tv! Perspective. Everyone has to do things they don't particularly enjoy because of what those efforts get them. Keep your eye on the prize.
Good health, however, is not a resolution. It is a daily commitment to yourself to do the right thing mostly right, most of the time. We know some days are better than others. We know some days are not as bad as they might have been in the past. No matter what, we keep going as we accumulate more life experiences and more wisdom. We gain perspective and become more resilient.
Practice your resiliency skills this week and see yourself in situation you may not particularly like but that you can emerge from even stronger. This mom says yes, you can.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Pause and Reflect
The gifts have been opened. The visitors have come and been fed and entertained. The kids are still off school. Mind-numbing, bone-chilling weather has arrived to bring in the new year. That's a lot if you think about it--which is exactly what it is time to do. Let's take a few moments to go inward, literally and figuratively and consider the happenings of 2017 so we can leave them behind and move on to something fresher.
Let's review this past holiday, for example. Do you like the choices you made? Would you make them again? How do you feel physically? Did you learn anything from how your time was spent, how your smart points were spent? No judging one way or the other. We are just noticing. If you like how things went, then consider that a great move. If you'd make different choices the next time, then do so. That's all. No judging one way or the other.
What about the bigger picture? What about how you are spending your precious time and where you put your limited energy? Are you feeling that your values and how you'd like to be living are prioritized? Are you noticing you'd like to do something else or try something new or take on a new challenge or recommit to your health and wellness? Whatever pops up when you slow down long enough to notice is exactly what has been there all along. We can listen for those messages.
Your body doesn't know whether it is 2018 or 2017. It doesn't have an on/off switch like the ball in Times Square in New York. Your body says every single day of every year, treat me right. Feed me well. Exercise me. Relax and restore me and let me sleep well. Your body says keep me hydrated and in motion, engaged and challenged by new activities. Your mind can easily follow suit.
Good health and wellness, weight loss/weight maintenance are not resolutions. They are lifestyle commitments to what really matters. The holidays are really over, and it's time to leave them behind. It's time to move along and refresh your commitment to more order in your life, fewer distractions and more self care. That's the perfect gift every day of the year.
Here's to more joy, more health, more wellness, more weight loss and maintenance in 201
Let's review this past holiday, for example. Do you like the choices you made? Would you make them again? How do you feel physically? Did you learn anything from how your time was spent, how your smart points were spent? No judging one way or the other. We are just noticing. If you like how things went, then consider that a great move. If you'd make different choices the next time, then do so. That's all. No judging one way or the other.
What about the bigger picture? What about how you are spending your precious time and where you put your limited energy? Are you feeling that your values and how you'd like to be living are prioritized? Are you noticing you'd like to do something else or try something new or take on a new challenge or recommit to your health and wellness? Whatever pops up when you slow down long enough to notice is exactly what has been there all along. We can listen for those messages.
Your body doesn't know whether it is 2018 or 2017. It doesn't have an on/off switch like the ball in Times Square in New York. Your body says every single day of every year, treat me right. Feed me well. Exercise me. Relax and restore me and let me sleep well. Your body says keep me hydrated and in motion, engaged and challenged by new activities. Your mind can easily follow suit.
Good health and wellness, weight loss/weight maintenance are not resolutions. They are lifestyle commitments to what really matters. The holidays are really over, and it's time to leave them behind. It's time to move along and refresh your commitment to more order in your life, fewer distractions and more self care. That's the perfect gift every day of the year.
Here's to more joy, more health, more wellness, more weight loss and maintenance in 201
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
The Most Wonderful ? Time of the Year
The parking lots are full. The grocery store has people roaming the aisles looking for ingredients they only buy once a year. The work doesn't stop at home or in the office. In Minnesota, we have a snowstorm brewing. It's December holiday time. I am torn between the normal things that have to go on, like going to urgent care and knocking this sinusitis out--and the Christmas things I'd like to be doing.
I am hearing Christmas carols that sing "it's the most wonderful time of the year." Hmm.. Maybe... for some people. It depends how you define "wonderful" I guess. What if it isn't "wonderful" at all? What if this time of year is bringing up a lot of grief and family stress and sadness? That's not wonderful. My college friend of 30 years just lost her husband to pancreatic cancer. Six weeks from diagnosis to death. She cannot wait for this "wonderful" time to be over. On the other hand, my 80 year old dad who has never been sick a day in his life just had surgery for pancreatic cancer. He wouldn't let any of his five children even know about it until it was over! He said he is looking forward to the masters golf tournament at his club in the spring. He is the senior golf champ. Hmm. He'd just like to be able to get out of a chair and into a bed on his own.
It's not all gloom, though. I personally enjoy a little of the hustle and bustle when I don't have to "do" anything. I can go out and see people in a good mood mostly. I like the lights, my tree, the decorations, the music. I loved Christmases when my girls were little. Seeing them light up at all the excitement was pure joy. I can recall a last minute gift of a $10 cardboard box at Target that you assemble to make a house. Lilia and Natalie loved that last minute gift more than any other. Coloring it, getting in it. Simple pleasure.
My girls are 19 and 16 now. They want money and gift cards. Things have changed. Now, my favorite week of the year is between Christmas and New Years. It is the week that stands still. Expectations for gifts, entertaining, meals and pleasing the family are finished. Fewer people are working. It's a quasi-vacation week where not much is expected, and the world goes into slow motion.
No matter what time of year it is, life goes on. The sun will surely rise and set again today, and we rise with it. If this is a great time of year for you and your family, then you are making the most of all of it. You should. If, on the other hand, you are facing a challenging time, you are doing what you can to get through it. And you don't need to make any excuses.
Let your gaze go down and inward, as we say in yoga. Look into your heart and see what its true desire is. Whether it is for fun and festivities and packages under the tree, or whether it is for giving to others who have far less, or whether it is for finding a balance between the commercialism of the season and the true meaning of giving. When we live based on what the heart has to say, we find more happiness and balance. This can only be good for our health and wellness. When we are happier, we want more good things for ourselves and others. When we are listening to what the heart says, it is far more likely that our intentions and our actions are aligned.
Think. Feel. Do. First we think something is a certain way. Then we feel that it is a certain way. Then we act on that feeling. Perception is reality for everyone. If this is a wonderful time for you because you have your family and friends around--then it is. If this is a crazy time for you because of your family and friends--then it is.
No matter what happens over this holiday time, come back to the treasure of what is in your heart. It will guide you to make more choices that bring you more happiness. It was there all along.
I am hearing Christmas carols that sing "it's the most wonderful time of the year." Hmm.. Maybe... for some people. It depends how you define "wonderful" I guess. What if it isn't "wonderful" at all? What if this time of year is bringing up a lot of grief and family stress and sadness? That's not wonderful. My college friend of 30 years just lost her husband to pancreatic cancer. Six weeks from diagnosis to death. She cannot wait for this "wonderful" time to be over. On the other hand, my 80 year old dad who has never been sick a day in his life just had surgery for pancreatic cancer. He wouldn't let any of his five children even know about it until it was over! He said he is looking forward to the masters golf tournament at his club in the spring. He is the senior golf champ. Hmm. He'd just like to be able to get out of a chair and into a bed on his own.
It's not all gloom, though. I personally enjoy a little of the hustle and bustle when I don't have to "do" anything. I can go out and see people in a good mood mostly. I like the lights, my tree, the decorations, the music. I loved Christmases when my girls were little. Seeing them light up at all the excitement was pure joy. I can recall a last minute gift of a $10 cardboard box at Target that you assemble to make a house. Lilia and Natalie loved that last minute gift more than any other. Coloring it, getting in it. Simple pleasure.
My girls are 19 and 16 now. They want money and gift cards. Things have changed. Now, my favorite week of the year is between Christmas and New Years. It is the week that stands still. Expectations for gifts, entertaining, meals and pleasing the family are finished. Fewer people are working. It's a quasi-vacation week where not much is expected, and the world goes into slow motion.
No matter what time of year it is, life goes on. The sun will surely rise and set again today, and we rise with it. If this is a great time of year for you and your family, then you are making the most of all of it. You should. If, on the other hand, you are facing a challenging time, you are doing what you can to get through it. And you don't need to make any excuses.
Let your gaze go down and inward, as we say in yoga. Look into your heart and see what its true desire is. Whether it is for fun and festivities and packages under the tree, or whether it is for giving to others who have far less, or whether it is for finding a balance between the commercialism of the season and the true meaning of giving. When we live based on what the heart has to say, we find more happiness and balance. This can only be good for our health and wellness. When we are happier, we want more good things for ourselves and others. When we are listening to what the heart says, it is far more likely that our intentions and our actions are aligned.
Think. Feel. Do. First we think something is a certain way. Then we feel that it is a certain way. Then we act on that feeling. Perception is reality for everyone. If this is a wonderful time for you because you have your family and friends around--then it is. If this is a crazy time for you because of your family and friends--then it is.
No matter what happens over this holiday time, come back to the treasure of what is in your heart. It will guide you to make more choices that bring you more happiness. It was there all along.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Mid-Holiday Month Check In
The month of December and all the festivities are in full swing. Treats, parties, office pot lucks, outings, shopping and celebrations abound. It is time for a check in and see how things are going.
How do you feel? In your body? Are you getting quality sleep? Are you going to bed at a reasonable time and waking up feeling rejuvenated? Are you getting steps in and/or consistent exercise? Exercise is the stress buster we all need this time of year. Are your meals and snacks keeping you satisfied, or is the cookie tray and candy dish calling your name? Are you finding yourself thirsty? We require just as much hydration as any other time of year. Sugar and carb overload makes us thirsty.
How are you in your mind? Are you thinking clearly? Are you focused as you go about the day? Are you distracted or confused or not sure what to do next?
And then finally, how are you living? Are you engaged in what matters to you? Are you saying yes to holiday gatherings that matter and no to those things that don't? Are you saying yes to time for self care like exercise, a weekend nap, quiet time to enjoy? Are you saying no to things that bring stress like unrealistic expectations?
One of the things that I really enjoy is sending Christmas cards. I have to organize a photo of the girls--which is often a major problem. This year I am in luck, because we have a great photo from my sister's wedding in April. Getting those cards printed and addressed and sent out before the 25th should happen. This is a job, but I really like doing it. I add this to my list of December activities that brings me holiday happiness. Shopping, on the other hand, is not my favorite thing. Every time I go out, I end up finding more things for myself. NOT THE POINT. Then I feel bad that I ended up with stuff I didn't intend to buy. Then I do not feel like I am in the Christmas spirit. This creates stress, so I remind myself to slow down and focus on what really matters. I don't need to go to the mall again.
By having periodic check ins with ourselves, we get to slow down and take a look inside and answer our very own questions. How are you now? If you are not how you'd like to be, then now is the time to regroup and adjust accordingly. Life is imperfect, and our expectations for our lives to go a certain way are just as imperfect. That doesn't mean we don't set goals and strive for more. It means that we realize that there is such as thing as "enough." There is such a thing as enough gifts, enough cookies, enough distractions, enough procrastination, enough unreasonable expectations, enough decorating.
Give yourself an opportunity to slow down and reflect on what's important in your life, for example--your people, your health, your job, your faith, your pets, your hobbies, your volunteer work. No matter what month it is, these "gifts" are the ones we do not want to do without.
How do you feel? In your body? Are you getting quality sleep? Are you going to bed at a reasonable time and waking up feeling rejuvenated? Are you getting steps in and/or consistent exercise? Exercise is the stress buster we all need this time of year. Are your meals and snacks keeping you satisfied, or is the cookie tray and candy dish calling your name? Are you finding yourself thirsty? We require just as much hydration as any other time of year. Sugar and carb overload makes us thirsty.
How are you in your mind? Are you thinking clearly? Are you focused as you go about the day? Are you distracted or confused or not sure what to do next?
And then finally, how are you living? Are you engaged in what matters to you? Are you saying yes to holiday gatherings that matter and no to those things that don't? Are you saying yes to time for self care like exercise, a weekend nap, quiet time to enjoy? Are you saying no to things that bring stress like unrealistic expectations?
One of the things that I really enjoy is sending Christmas cards. I have to organize a photo of the girls--which is often a major problem. This year I am in luck, because we have a great photo from my sister's wedding in April. Getting those cards printed and addressed and sent out before the 25th should happen. This is a job, but I really like doing it. I add this to my list of December activities that brings me holiday happiness. Shopping, on the other hand, is not my favorite thing. Every time I go out, I end up finding more things for myself. NOT THE POINT. Then I feel bad that I ended up with stuff I didn't intend to buy. Then I do not feel like I am in the Christmas spirit. This creates stress, so I remind myself to slow down and focus on what really matters. I don't need to go to the mall again.
By having periodic check ins with ourselves, we get to slow down and take a look inside and answer our very own questions. How are you now? If you are not how you'd like to be, then now is the time to regroup and adjust accordingly. Life is imperfect, and our expectations for our lives to go a certain way are just as imperfect. That doesn't mean we don't set goals and strive for more. It means that we realize that there is such as thing as "enough." There is such a thing as enough gifts, enough cookies, enough distractions, enough procrastination, enough unreasonable expectations, enough decorating.
Give yourself an opportunity to slow down and reflect on what's important in your life, for example--your people, your health, your job, your faith, your pets, your hobbies, your volunteer work. No matter what month it is, these "gifts" are the ones we do not want to do without.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
FreeStyle is Here
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.
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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