Weight Watchers Core Plan

Just when I'm despairing of losing weight on Weight Watchers, they come up with a plan that I want to try. They're pretty cagey about changing up the program - "New and Improved" - every so often. Usually it's the same old stuff, with a slight variation.

So when they ballyhooed (in mailers and emails to me) the new, new Weight Watchers plans - I was skeptical, to say the least. But I began hearing rumors of less Points counting, and I was intrigued.

The Core Plan is basically a list of foods that, if I will limit myself to ONLY these foods, pretty much guarantees that I will eat right. That sounds great. I'll still get the 35 Flex points per week, plus extra points earned through activity, such as my walking, swimming and cycling. Cool!

Of course, I'm immediately trying to guess which foods will be off the core list. Pasta, rice, breads, of course, must be strictly limited, or we won't lose weight. Fats. Eggs. Avocados. Salmon. I'll have to spend the 35 flex points to buy that stuff, right?

No! It's even better than I'd hoped. I can have, for example, one serving of whole wheat pasta or brown rice or potatoes per day without spending my Flex points. I can have all the salmon I want!

All the fresh fruits and vegetables I want, without quibbling about peas or corn. Lean ground meat or turkey once a day, other lean meats.

It looks like I'll end up spending my Flex points on my daily bagels and cream cheese.

The Weight Watchers website even has a Switch section that walked me through "what-if" scenarios, including spending my Flex points on wine and eating out OR on daily starches and fats. That got me right between the eyes. That's my problem right now - rather than choosing between one or the other, I'm doing both.

We'll see, but I'm cautiously optimistic!

Comments

[Kim]

This plan sounds great to me too. Where do you get the list of core foods?

[Susan]

Good point! I'm blogging about this, next. Thanks, Kim.

[linda]

im trying the core plan, but was wondering if anyone is loosing weight on it?? let me know

[C.J.]

Can anyone give me a sample menu for starting day 1 and how they felt? Thank you

[hope]

I found the Core Foods list on Dotti's Weight Loss Page--a member posted it on the message board. In the first two days, I have lost two pounds. But I didn't know there are limits to amounts--i made a vegetable soup with all core points; maybe I ate too much of that today. If you know the amounts that are OK to eat (and I want to know how to count wine!), I'd love to hear more, but so far, so good!!

[Sandy]

I started core on Sept. 4 my first week I lost 4.5 pounds. It's pretty easy. I wish I could get some recipes from others to help with my meal planning. e-mail me at ofc_kids @Hotmail.com

[Tina]

My questions is . .how do I figure out how many points foods are that are not core foods

[Jamie]

I've been on the Core Plan for two weeks now. I've lost 3 pounds each week! I always feel strange about not tracking the food I'm eating but it seems as long as I drink my water and really pay attention to when I'm satisfied instead of looking at this as a "free for all" I do very well and most of the time I don't find myself hungry at all. I'd like to find more recipes for the Core Plan but I've found for those with a sweet tooth, if you pop a bag of the 94% fat free popcorn, spray it with the 0 point spray butter and then sprinkle Splenda and Cinnamon over it it makes a great treat and curves that craving for sweets!
Good luck to all!

[Tami]

94% fat free Kettle corn and FF/SF chocolate pudding are saving my life! I am a returning lifetime member still trying to lose post pregnancy weight from my 4 year old :-(. In the first week, I have lost 4.25 pounds, and that was with taking the weekend off to enjoy Halloween. I would also love to find out where to get Core plan recipes..it would be nice to get some variety. The best part about this plan is I am not hungry and I am slowly learning to choose nutritious snacks....something I NEVER did with points.

[sharlene]

I am also looking for some (Canadian) Core Plan recipes and ideas...Unfortunately we (In Canada) do not have a lot of fat free stuff.
Please email me at smcgivery@yahoo.ca

[Maureen]

I am so glad that yesterday I found your website for support. I started the WW core plan Nov. 5. I lost 5.0 pounds in the first week. The second week I only lost .5 pounds, but I was shocked that I lost anything because I went over the 35 point limit by at least 10 points. You'd be surprised too to hear that the night before my weight watchers meeting I attended a large dinner party for my boyfriend's company. I consumed a small dinner roll, a slice of ham, a small serving of pecan brown sugar sweet potatoes, a small serving of garlic herbed roasted potatoes, green beans, shrimp cocktail, a side salad, and a glass of white wine. Oh yeah, and I shared a slice of cheese cake with my fiance! The weight watchers leader who weighed me the next day said not to feel bad that I only lost a half pound, but I was thrilled because I thought for sure after a big dinner like that I'd gained weight. However, I must admit that I did control my portions better than I have in the past. Also, I am walking about 10 miles per week and this must have increased my metabolism. The core plan really is manageable for somebody who goes out to eat. I feel clearer headed and more awake on this healthier food. In the past, I ate white kaiser rolls, deli meat, hamburgers, fatty cheeses, etc. on a daily basis and I felt bloated and tired out.

Thanks to everybody for the great recipes! You all are quite creative. I eat alone most week nights and I hate dragging out too many pots. Some of the tasty foods I like in the core plan are Heinz vegetarian baked beans, Post Bran Flakes with strawberries or blueberries(1 point for this cereal, but filling and tasty), Smart Dog soy franks (with mustard), and Campbell's vegetable soup which is thick with tasty vegetables.

I don't think WW should advocate drinking diet drinks. I quit drinking diet soda about 9 months ago because I had developed an awful craving for sweets. Then I read a couple websites that said that aspartame was extremely bad for your health. It was very hard quitting at first, but it's gotten easier. My craving for sweets has diminished to a normal level again and many desserts and candies are now TOO sweet for me. I also haven't had a regular soda since Nov. 5. I miss coca cola a little, but not as much as I thought I would. I don't drink coffee so I get caffeine thru unsweetened iced tea that I make myself. Please everybody keep the tips coming!

[Barbara]

Hi....Just stopped by for some support. I would love to have a buddy who might be able to guide me through the core plan. I KNOW WW works but every now and again, I need some help. Thanks everyone!!

[Elizabeth]

I too was familiar with the Flex Points plan and went checking on the differences between flex/core. Didn't find anything at WW site, but am finding great info here. I really need to get back on something soon and start exercising and staying with it too.

I keep reading your site, hoping to find the Core foods list as well. Any info that may be helpful can be sent to me directly at eaorhitccs@yahoo.com; thanks so much.

PS: I'd like to lose and keep off 50 lbs.

[Karen]

I was about ready to swtich over to the Flex Plan. I simply could not understand the Core. Thanks so much for making this understandable.

[Ira]

Ok, so are there other men on this??

I started core a week ago, and of course, come weigh-in, I was unable to go. However, I love it. With 35 points a week to 'play' with, I am very satisfied. I make soups with chicken breast, veggies and couscous. I bought a bag of barley the other day and will try that next time.

I used to be a big fruit juice drinker, and have been upset not to have it. However, I supplement with bottles of water, crystal-lite and a wonderful product called 'Fruit Refreshers' which is made with Splenda and is amazingly good.

My points all seem to go to carbs, but that's ok, with so many points, it's easy.

Good Luck folks, I'm nearing my goal...2005 will be the banner year (over 80 lbs lost on WW so far!)

feel free to write: bbrothergcs@hotmail.com

[Monica]

Hi everyone, I just happened upon your site. It is great! I have been trying to get my body into loosing wt again, I know that sounds strange? I know I need to loose the wt, but either i am scared or something but i can't seem to get started. I like many of you can not afford to go to meetings or get the support from ww on line. I am going to try to do this on my own. Any suggestions? I even got a new exercise tape and think it will be great but I guess I can't get off my butt to start it. It says I can't eat for 2 hours before I exercise. I work shift work so mornings are hard getting me ready and the kids ready for school, I work 12 hour shifts so I really don't feel like it then!. I had been on ww with the point system and had lost 30 lbs, I had a great friend who was a great motivator, but she moved away from out small town. I live in the country and don't like walking on gravel roads.
I guess i need some help, motivation etc!
I was also looking for some nice easy, breakfast and lunch ideas that i can take to work with me, and some good snack ideas!
The afternoons are my worst time because i am tired so if i see a box of chocolates i eat some, no not just one i eat a few!!! So if anyone has any great wisdom, recipes etc please E-Mail them to me.
Thankyou, for having this great site!
monica.

[Lezley]

I've been vacilating between core and flex plans. It seems to be working, but I stick with one or the other for at least a week. I have found a lot of recipes that work for the WW core plan in the South Beach plan cookbooks.
Better than SB though because WW has more guilt free choices.

[sandyb]

great to find people talking about core. my ww meeting has only one other person doing core, so not much help there. I feel like it is teaching me to eat better, but I still need to keep from straying a little (eg substituting light cheese for ff cheese and not counting it in the extra points). I did find some good recipes by searching for "core" in the recipe index at barbosrecipekitchen (this might not be the exact address, but if you google barbos you will find it). I would love some more recipes, and to talk about it.
cheers,
sandyb

[Tiffany]

I alternate the flex and the core. Core will give you a boost and start you to losing again if you are stalled. I lost 3.5 Lbs after about 8 months on flex, a loss of 39 lbs and a pretty long (1 month)stall in weight loss. Usually it slows down so I was prepared but I wanted something to boost me back into loss. This did it. I like to alternate with the Core about 1 week per month. To me, the only thing is, it takes lots of preparation. Making sure you have snacks for work ect. I couldn't do it all the time but as an alternate I like it really well. I use points on wine ect. By the way, wine is counted just like with flex. Approximately 4 oz is 2points. Sweeter Dessert wine is 2 points for 2 oz. I am pretty much an expert on flex but the core is new to me and I am doing MUCH research so I know how to curb my cravings with foods that fit into the core! Good Luck!

[Kathy]

I'm down 6 pounds since 01-13; which is great for me! I am very pleased. Is anyone else seeing a similarity between Core and South Beach?

[Melanie]

I started the core plan last week and have lost 5 lbs, basically a pound a day.....I am sure it's mostly water weight, but it's ok, at least it's extra weight I don't need! I love the fact that you don't have to count as long as you eat the core foods.....the hardest part for me is eating non-fat dairy because I am so accustomed to eating low-fat dairy and there is a huge difference in the taste! I like to save my points for the weekends so I can splurge a bit instead of spending them each day, but sometimes it's hard not to spend the points each day, especially with salad dressing!

I think this plan is great because it keeps you accountable to eating whole foods that truly nourish your body instead of eating highly refined and processed foods that are just wasted calories! It just feels good to treat your body with care :)

I hope everyone is doing well on this plan and if anyone wants to share recipe ideas on this board, it would be greatly appreciated!

45 more pounds to go!!

[Gina]

I wanted to tell you all congratulations first of all! This is a great plan & i started it myself 2 weeks ago to get "wedding-ready". I have 2 months to lose around 10 pounds. I want to look good for that honeymoon bikini!
I have lost 4 pounds already.
There is a book that they sell at WW that has all the Core foods & all the Point foods. It is pretty handy & around $9
Best of luck to you all & keep up the good work.

[v]

I've been on core for two weeks and I haven't lost any lbs (sigh). I don't think I had enough information to start with. This website has helped refine the edges so to speak and I'm tightening it in this week to see how it goes. I found a recipe earlier today and tried it for lunch, this seems like a good place to share. The tortilla has 1 point and I guess the cheese has a point or two...but it's worth it for an easy, fast and tasty lunch. Good luck everyone! I hope to loose two pounds this week!!!!
Goat Cheese Pizza
1-6" corn tortilla, sprayed with butter and crisped in the oven on about 350. Spread chopped garlic from a jar thinly onto the tortilla and then sprinkle with basil. Crumble goat cheese, and layer some chopped tomatoes and fresh spinach (lots of spinach, it likes to shrink). Put it back in the oven just long enough to melt the cheese. It takes about 10 minutes total, just don't forget the basil it makes a huge difference. Thanks guys!

[Deb]

V,
I think that I would re-think your lunch choice if you've chosen to do Core. You're right the corn tortilla is 1 pt. But the butter is at least 1 pt and the goat cheese could cost you as little as 2 pts possibly 3 pts.And depending on the garlic, most in a jar is packed in some sort of oil(more pts). Being as we can only consume 35 pts per week max, you might want to spend your points wiser.That could add up to 4 or 5 pts per pizza ???
Just a thought ??
Wishing you best of luck with your weight loss.

[Ruth]

I became a lifetime ww member about 10 years ago and even worked for ww for a while, weighing in members at the meetings.
In Jan. 2005 I returned, needing to lose approx. 25 pounds.
I lost a few pounds initially but then gained them back and am having a difficult time trying to stay focused.
Tonight at the mtg my leader recommended I try the core plan.
Any help from other members would be appreciated.