[DandelionCupcakes]

doesn't count calories?

Did that freak anyone else out when they first started? lol. I've been counting calories for soo long that it's like a security blanket.

I'm thinking about starting up! I don't know for sure, I'm nervous for some reason that changing how I eat will make me gain thousands of pounds. lol.

Does anyone have anything to say that might put me at ease a little?

[kidjng]

Not having to count calories is the primary reason I joined WW. I don't think WW has ever focused on calories - at least not for the period of time I've been following.

I know that overeating cucumbers didn't cause me to gain weight so why did I care how many calories they had! I like measuring good-for-me food by cups, tablespoons and ounces and not much else. I know french fries, chips and cupcakes aren't going to help me lose weight no matter how many or few calories they contain so I avoid them as much as I can.

[DandelionCupcakes]

That's a fantastic way to look at it

[Lindsayanne716]

You're right it doesn't count calories. It focuses in your intake of fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein which is what really counts in the long run. It also teaches you that the points you eat aren't a negative thing, they are positiv and that you should eat a certain amount everyday not just to get by but to get all of your important nutrients in. To each his own, but calorie counting is not for me!

[Koshka]

It doesn't call them calories, but really it does count calories. There is a little bit of variation but basically a WW Point Plus is equal to about 37 to 40 calories. It is just easier to count a 1 or 2 digit number than keep track of 3 or 4 digit numbers.

[Tudor Rose]

Originally Posted by kidjng

I don't think WW has ever focused on calories - at least not for the period of time I've been following. .

On the older plans, calories were part of the point equation. That was why Points Plus was such a huge change.

About, oh, six months or so ago I started counting calories in addition to my points. With the smartphone apps it doesn't take any extra time out of my day to double track and it helps give me a bigger picture idea of what I'm eating especially on days when I exercise.

No food is off limits, which is why I think most of us joined WW. I still eat pizza, burgers, french fries, it's just a question of when and how often (that is, not very) and after so long on the program I'm perfectly happy with smaller portions or half a serving and taking the rest home. It stopped being a diet a looooong time ago and really is a lifestyle change and it's unrealistic for me to give anything up for the rest of my life. Instead I'm just smarter about eating those things.

[Zeplove25]

No food is off limits, which is why I think most of us joined WW. I still eat pizza, burgers, french fries, it's just a question of when and how often (that is, not very) and after so long on the program I'm perfectly happy with smaller portions or half a serving and taking the rest home. It stopped being a diet a looooong time ago and really is a lifestyle change and it's unrealistic for me to give anything up for the rest of my life.

I totally agree! That is my favorite thing about weight watchers. I can eat whatever I want, as long as I adjust the rest of my day to fit it in. I've been at this for only 14 weeks and I don't feel like I'm dieting at all.

I think part of the reason weight watchers has decided to not use calories in their equation is because you can have 200 calories of vegetables or 200 calories of a snickers bar. They are both equal in calories but definitely not equal in other nutrition, or helping with weight loss.

[DandelionCupcakes]

Thanks so much for replying everyone <3 I'm givin' this a shot :]