On October 22, 2017 I joined Weight Watchers online, and the first three weeks were HELL. I ain’t gonna lie! My body went through some mega sugar withdrawals, and if you are already a member, you will know what I mean, and if you are becoming a member, you will know what I mean soon enough. As much of the premise behind Smart Points is making “smart” choices and if you want to see your points sky rocket, choose something high in sugar, or even mid amount of sugar! Almost every Oikos Greek Yoghurt is four Smart Points (SPs) and when I do eat one, I am sticking my finger in and scraping the edges to make sure I get every teeniest amount of yoghurt in that container. When you only have a daily allotment of 23 SPs a four point snack is 17% of your SPs for the day.
Above is an example of a four Smart Points breakfast; two hard boiled eggs (0 SPs) and lots of fresh salsa (0SPs) and 1/2 an avocado (4 SPs). This particular breakfast fills me up & gives me loads of energy until lunch time!
Right before Christmas Weight Watchers introduced the “Freestyle” which has over 200 zero point foods, so you can eat endless amounts of chicken breasts, eggs, beans, fruit, veggies and this plan is really pushing me away from processed foods which is a good thing. However, it is challenging too, as I have a busy work life, where many times at the end of a hectic day in the office, I don’t feel like cooking, and if you only have eight to ten SPs left in your day, it isn’t reasonable that you will find a filing meal which is premade. I am finding this plan requires a lot of meal prepping which is fine, but I don’t always have time or I procrastinate to the point where I am just like “meh, I will figure it out”.
I have found on the Freestyle I am going over my daily 23 SPs frequently and dipping into my “weeklies” which really I would prefer to save for something more fun such as wine or a cheat meal. Smart Points add up quickly once you hit processed foods, even good for you foods, so let’s say you have a serving of Mary’s Organic Crackers (which I love), a serving is four SPs, what if I want a piece of cheese with my crackers, that is another two to three SPs. Six to seven SPs for a snack which will be inhaled in less than ten minutes (more like ten seconds!) is not worth it to me. I am constantly asking the question “Is it worth it?”.
I love that eggs are Zero Smart Points!!!
I have moments of resentment. Damn you Weight Watchers!!!! I am kidding. It is working, and I am not sure if others find it easy, as I don’t. However, I have lost a total of 11 lbs. which is pretty cool! I want to lose at least 20 more lbs. I know I can do it, the plan works when you stick with it and follow the rules, but sometimes I fall. It has been three months, and I am sure if I had been more disciplined, I could have lost more, but for now, I am slowly chipping away at my unwanted weight.
Most recent weigh in indicates I am now down 13 pounds! So, I am pleased, but I was on vacation for two weeks and I am worried some over indulging will come to haunt me!
Taken last night as my fiancé took me out for a three course Italian meal. I am now -25 for my weeklies!
Tomorrow is a new day!
Peace & love – Rachel
You Know Jacques! 