Weight Watchers - Core vs. Flex Plans

I did go weigh in, sign up, and buy out the rest of the year at Weight Watchers on Saturday. The leader laid out both plans, and of course I went with Core plan, since it was what got my reexcited and reignited. I had expected to be back above The Number That Must Not Be Named (TNTMNBN), but unaccountably, was up less than a pound, after two months off the program.

I've discovered that phenomenon before when coming off Weight Watchers - there's a staying power to the weight loss that a typical fad diet doesn't afford me. Eating on the program really does modify my eating habits.

Our leader, Paula, reported that the Weight Watchers staff all had to do at least two weeks on the Core plan. She didn't like it, and didn't really sell it much. I'm always surprised by how reluctant people are to accept change - I thrive on it, myself - and as a lot of the folks are making good progress on the Flex plan, they're reluctant to throw something new into the mix. That's understandable. Many of them feel they've invested in learning the Flex plan, and don't want to spend time learning something new.

But I *love* learning something new; it makes me excited and motivated. And/but this isn't really new, after all. It's merely the way I believe people should eat. Whole, fresh foods, whole grains. Core plan is going to work for me largely because I'm at home now, and I can cook. Thumbing through the new food list, where Core foods are checked, the only Core food in the fast foods section is a McDonald's side salad; the rest will have to be "bought" with Flex points.

I believe that if I tracked my points, I'd be coming right at my daily Points target, a feat that seemed impossible under the Flex plan. The trick of the Core plan is largely mental; it provides me some badly needed structure. Instead of squandering my points budget on breads, skinny cow ice cream sandwiches and cookies, it encourages me to stay away from sweets and breads and fats altogether. On the Flex plan, I ate too much splurgey food, and left myself hungry. Core helps me not do that.

Back in my youth, I had good success on the liquid protein diet, for the simple reason that it reduced my choices to black and white. Don't eat, and you're not cheating. Eat anything, and you are. This is a more grown-up version of that limitation. Eating on the Core plan? Fine. Contemplating something additional? Do you have the points for it? No? Put it down. As long as I continue to reserve my Points allowance for the splurges, and track those faithfully, I'll be fine. This will work!

Yesterday I had Malt-o-Meal with splenda, fat-free milk and plenty of raspberries, with my fancy, new darjeeling tea to drink. I liked that I can have as much Malt-o-Meal as I need to feel satisfied. That meal spent none of my flex points; I started Sunday with my weekly allotment of 35, with activity points for exercise was up to 38.

For lunch, I made a spicy bean soup with Buddy's Chicken Sausage, black and white cannellini beans, chicken stock, onions, comino, jalapenos and their juice. It was great, very hearty and satisfying. We had that for both lunch and dinner. I snacked on fruit. I used 2 flex points for the Buddy's Chicken Sausage; the rest of the soup was all Core.

In the evening, Matt has what we call his "bednight snack" time, when he typically eats his dessert, and I'm at risk during that time - tired, low-energy, looking for some comfort. Last night, I had more cantaloupe and a General Foods International Coffee Suisse Mocha (sugar- and caffeine-free). Instead of feeling deprived, I felt pampered and a bit smug.

I already feel lighter, more in control.

This Core Plan reminds me of Harvey and Marilyn Diamond's old "Fit for Life" program, which extolled whole foods and fruit consumption - without the food combining. I absolutely love having unlimited fruits.

I'm self-limiting on fruits. This diet is making sense to me. I didn't get fat eating beans, fruit, or whole grains. I got fat eating sugars and refined flours and butter, which is precisely what this plan effectively limits me from.

Sure, I can have cookies, cake, ice cream, butter, rolls, etc. - but I must use my precious Points allowance for them, and since I can fill up instead on fruit or core foods, I tend to do that instead. I'll want the Points for eating out, and for my minibagels.

Tomorrow I'm getting up at 4:30 to go swimming with the Masters again at 5. Feeling like all things are possible. Even arising at 4:30 a.m. Even getting to my weight goal.

Comments

[Carrie]

Hey! I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your site, and thanks for all the new Core information. I was thinking about going back to WW when I heard about it, and your site has SO much more information than even the WW site. So, thanks, and good luck! Carrie

[Debbie]

Hi there--I wanted to second the first comment. I just discovered your site when googling for info on Core.... I look forward to reading more!
Thanks, Debbie

[Kathy]

My Dr. told me to go on the South Beach Diet Plan. But when I heard about WW new core plan, I did some comparing. They are really very similar. I rejoined again as I need the accountability and the support of my group. I also got my best friend back into it! I agree that it is a much healthier way of eating and since carbs are a problem for me, it makes sense to limit or cut them out completely. Wish me luck!!!

[Talesia]

Thanks for posting the CORE list, I was thinking about going back to WW, but I wanted to have an idea of whether or not I would be interested in the foods. The WW site didn't say what they were so I couldn't make up my mind. Now after having a clearer idea, I'm pumped up and can't wait to go back.. they should pay you a commission. :-)

[Jennifer]

YOu really should get a commission! I have found this site to be totally helpful. I too looked for information on the WW site and found practically nothing. I am really excited about the new plan. I will be starting tomorrow!

[Mercede]

I really didn'y realize how many carbs I eat. I figured that this would be a breeze and the first thing I missed was a sandwhich. I am really glad I decided to join. I was successful on the Flex plan but the carbs are a trigger for me. I don't have a rpoblem with sweets as much as I do breads. I hope I can hang in there.

[Kim]

I have never joined a weight loss program .I had not found one that focussed on whole foods and natural eating . If I can get the support and accountability with a plan that supports my eating beliefs then this is ideal for me. I think this W.W. core program is close, and I may give it a shot. Thanks for the info !

[Nancy]

I want to switch to Core but I am still to afraid of the lack of boundaries... maybe once I get to goal!

Congrats on your success! I have lost over 60 lbs. on WW since April!

[Helen]

Hi Susan! Great website! I just "re-started" weight watchers after a year away and a gain of 23 more pounds. Weight watchers is the only thing that truly helps modify my detrimental behaviors (so even when I fall off the wagon...it's not as bad). I was excited to come home & start on CORE right away. It reminds me of the "older" WW programs plus with the primary focus on healthy choices with the flexibility of points...it has me enthused & ready to go! There were 3 older people who signed up today and they--along with the group leader Cher--seemed to prefer the Flex points. Cher did mention that it was preferred that new members start on Core & then switch later. She even mentioned that she had plateau'ed for about 6 weeks, gave CORE a shot for a week & lost 2.5 lbs during her weight loss journey. Thanks for a SUPER website, your journaling is wonderful! Thanks again, Helen

[Helen]

Ooops...meant to say OTHER people and not OLDER people!

[Catie]

What about low sugar protein drinks and nuts on the Core program? I'm a veggie -girl and these are part of my daily foods. Anyone know? I'm thinking about joining WW but can't do the diet if it is too limited for vegetarian protein sources

[Heather]

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your site. I have been on WW for a month and have lost 3 pounds. I started before Christmas, but I am very discouraged. I am hungry all the time and think about points constantly. I know that I am lacking in protein, but didn't want to use those precious points for meat or eggs when I could have more bread of crackers. Your site encouraged me to try the Core Plan before giving up. I have so many issues with food, and I am hoping that not obsessing about points and eating what I need will help me become more succesful. WW does not push this program, but I think it is what many of us need.

[tracy]

Hi! Your site is very informative and fun to read. I just received my Turnaround Kit (ordered online) and can't find any info on Activity Points. How do I earn them? How do I use them? A Google search turns up nothing. Can you shed some light on this secret that seems as closely guarded as Mrs. Fields' cookie recipe? Mmm...cookies. Okay, really. I need help. Thanks!

[Kim]

Re: Activity points, I found this online:

Light activity points = wt x min x .000232
Moderate activity points = wt. x min. x .000327
High activity points = wt x min. x .0008077

Or, if you know the amount of calories burned (for instance, from the display on a piece of excersize equipment), add an activity point for every 100 calories.

Love this site, thank you!
Kim

[Kristy]

Hi, love your site, I just started doing the flex plan yesterday and so far like it alot. I was wondering if anyones knows the point value on Japanese california rolls? my husband and I like to get sushi once in awhile.. I only eat the california rolls and hope I can still have them on this once in awhile. It's rice, seaweed, crab and avocado 6 pieces per roll.
Thanks!
Kristy

[kris]

So is there no bread at all? I can't find it on the core.
Thanks.

[Tracey]

I just started about 5 day ago and I feel good. Does anyone know if edamame is ok? What about Kettle corn 94% fat free popcorn? Thanks for you help.

[Janet]

I just joined WW yesterday and found your site easier to understand than the WW info they gave me. Thanks for the Core foods list, as I have selected to go with the Core plan for pretty much the same reasons you did. I'm going to print the list to post on my refrigerator (maybe I'll even put one inside it and in the pantry!) Good luck to you in your weight loss and thanks again for a great website. Janet

[Rosie]

Hi all - Rosie the leader talking. 94% f/f Kettle Corn is NOT a core food...sorry. Edamane is...good weigh in to all this week. Remember - IF IT'S NOT ON THE LIST, YOU MUST RESIST.

[Heather]

Hi, I'm going to start the core plan tomorrow. Thank you for your information on the Core Plan. I have been struggling with my weight gain since Christmas and didn't want to go back onto counting points for everything I eat. I will keep you posted as to how the Core Plan is going for me.

[Angie]

Thank you so much for all the great insite on the Core plan. I've been wanting to try it but was hesitant. Since reading your website with all it's great information I've decided to make the switch from flex to core. I found myself spending my daily points on breads and carb etc. and I think Core will help me get back in control and choose healthy foods. I'm starting it tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Good luck to you on your weight loss journy and thanks again for such a wonder site.

[Angie]

Thank you so much for all the great insite on the Core plan. I've been wanting to try it but was hesitant. Since reading your website with all it's great information I've decided to make the switch from flex to core. I found myself spending my daily points on breads and carb etc. and I think Core will help me get back in control and choose healthy foods. I'm starting it tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Good luck to you on your weight loss journy and thanks again for such a wonder site.

[Lori]

Anyone want to correspond about core plan?

[hanna]

This is my second day on the core program. I am a lifetime member using the selection plan. Over the years I have regained about 45 pounds and have tried several times with the points with no success. It was so easy to eat a bag of popcorn and a glass of wine for dinner, or fries for lunch because it was on the program. I never thought of using the core. When I looked at it carefully for the first time, it really makes sense to eat wholesome foods to lose weight and still have the opportunity to go for dinner or entertain once a week or so. Wish me luck.

[Cindy Swearingen]

Can I eat corn tortilla's as a core, or do I have to count points for them? I think I know the answer, I will just eat them until someone tells me not to!

[Elaine Bonnell]

You are an answer to prayer. I know what I have to do, but I'm not doing it. I've dieted all of my life, I reached my goal weight 20 some years ago, but when I quit smoking and went on anti depressants, the weight came back on. I'm tired of excuses and your article was exactly what I needed. Please continue with your uplifting, inspiring articles.
Thanks.

[Firecat Sue]

Thanks, Elaine! It's great to hear from people fighting the good fight. Our culture promises we can have it all - but then blames us for consuming too much. We have to help one another, don't we?

I just ordered another book about breaking the habit of Emotional Eating - at least, I think that's what it's about. I'll blog about it once it arrives!

[Sudoku Print Puzzles]

You're motivated. That's the reason why the diet works for you.