Weight Watchers, one of the biggest brands in weight loss, has overhauled its diet program for the first time in 13 years.
“Weight loss science has changed dramatically,” said Ann Adachi, a Weight Watchers group leader and spokeswoman.
The scientists at Weight Watchers wanted to impro
ve their plan and help members take advantage of the latest weight loss information.
“What’s really different about (the program) is that it’s much more livable,” Adachi said.
People still are given a daily point value for how much food they should eat. They’re still encouraged to exercise and drink plenty of water.
Now, instead of using calories to calculate points value for foods, Weight Watchers is using a “Points Plus System,” which takes into account carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber.
“Now, with Points Plus, there’s a recognition that not all calories are created equal,” Adachi said.
Protein and fiber rich foods demand more of the body to digest. Weight Watchers now allows people to eat fruits and vegetables for “free,” or zero points value, as a way to encourage members to eat more healthy foods.
“Nobody got fat eating carrots,” said Paula Hanes, a registered dietitian at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
Hanes said she likes the new Weight Watchers program. There’s no calorie counting, it does a good job encouraging people to eat fruits and vegetables, and the program separates food from the reward for daily exercise.
The Weight Watchers program, which includes community support through weekly meetings, is better than many fad diets, she said.
“They’re trying to help people make healthy choices,” Hanes said. “This is changing the way you eat, and it will last a lifetime.”
Still, calculating the Points Plus value of various foods can be tricky, the nutritionist said.
Some people may complain that cook books and tools purchased under old plans now are out of date. In most cases, old materials can be updated. Some electronic tools, however, may now be garbage.
Another change for people on Weight Watchers is the introduction of “power foods,” food that makes people feel full and satisfying and healthy, Adachi said.
“The more power foods I ate, the healthier I felt,” she said. “And the healthier I felt, the more power foods I wanted to eat.”
And on top of all that, the woman who has been a Weight Watchers member for 11 years and lost 47 pounds, said she has begun to lose weight again.
“This is making me feel really remotivated again,” she said. “Now I feel like a brand new member.”
If you join
To join Weight Watchers, go to www.weightwatchers.com or call 800-651-6000. Plans range from $9.22 to $13 a week.
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