Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Science Behind Weight Watchers PointsPlus

The latest issue of WIRED Magazine has an article on Weight Watchers and their 2010 change to the PointsPlus system. It describes the science behind the old and new point systems.

When I was studying for my certification, I learned that Weight Watchers is one of the top two diet plans for losing weight and keeping it off for a year (the number isn't great--10 lbs--but that shows how most diets don't work long-term at all).

With their new PointsPlus system, WW tries to steer people toward high-protein, high-fruit and vegetable choices and away from processed foods--especially grains. The WW points system is a game-based and emotional support-focused approach to what many call a primal way of eating.

Some people are upset that the program makes fruits and vegetables "free" which means you can eat as many of them as you want. The charge that someone could abuse fruits and vegetables and gain weight is the most ridiculous charge a someone could make, and eating that way is infinitely better for your body than eating processed foods. 

As I read the article and saw the breakdown of points system, I realized that the system is in line with my nutrition-in-a-nutshell statement:

 "Find fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods that you like, and eat them." 

Build your shopping list around these choices at every meal and for every snack, and you will be well on your way to the body and health that you want.

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