Can I really lose??

  • I have been away from WW for about 3 years. After the birth of my third recently I joined again. However, the new way of calculating points has me really nervous that I won't lose an oz. As a nursing mother, at my current height and weight, with my activity level I get 41 points NO WAY!!!

    I feel more discouraged than encouraged by this high value of points. Can someone here tell me that they have had success with the new system and what are you eating that is high in points and still good for you??
    TIA!!
  • Yes way! You certainly can lose.

    Eating more frequently, eating the full fat versions of dairy products, nuts, avocado, olives. All healthy in moderation, all very Points heavy.

    I began with 40 points. And granted my situation is different from yours. But, WW would not be giving out points if they didn't think you could lose while eating all of them.

    And since you're a nursing mom, you're eating for two. It's important to keep the points up there for the time being.

    Give it a try for a week or two.
  • I agree, WW would not hand you points if they did not believe you could lose on them. Concentrate on the quality of your foods, and don't rely on "diet" foods to make up the bulk of your points - you'll quickly realize it gets difficult to eat so many points if you are concentrating on 1-point yogurts and the like.

    There was a group of ladies here who are also nursing mothers on WW, perhaps they can help reassure you. Their chat thread is here:
    http://3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144753

    They haven't had any activity for a week or so but you may be just the one to revive them Good luck, you can definitely do it, and keep that food intake up so you can provide for your baby!
  • Faerie-that is more encouraging and it makes sense that they wouldn't give points that you aren't suppose to use, but tell me that it doesn't sound crazy, kwim? I guess I need to have a little faith that they know what they are doing and I don't, which is why I went to them instead of following my own rules.
  • When you are nursing you burn a lot of calories from milk production so no worries about the extra points Good luck!
  • Quote: Faerie-that is more encouraging and it makes sense that they wouldn't give points that you aren't suppose to use, but tell me that it doesn't sound crazy, kwim? I guess I need to have a little faith that they know what they are doing and I don't, which is why I went to them instead of following my own rules.
    Oh I definitely know what you mean. When I figured 40 points for my start, I couldn't believe was supposed to eat that much. How could I lose on 40 points a day? But, I did. I kept thinking "diet-wise" that I'd have to eat a lot less. Turns out that just a little less than I usually eat, and of course slowly bringing the points down even further over time, is what works.
  • a baby that is fully sustained on breast milk (no water or formula) will take at least 1500 calories per day from mom....

    i lost weight on WW nursing mom's program 20 some years ago...
  • Give it a shot. I've met very, very few people who couldn't lose weight on the points that WW first alots you. It can happen (and WW really does have a plan for that), but it's not very likely. The points aren't magic, some people do have to adjust their points up or down from those that WW starts you with, but it really isn't very common. In fact, it's quite rare, so start with what you're given and as long as you're doing fine, don't sweat it (use some or all of the flex points too). In fact, I'd encourage you to use all of your flex points at first. Personally, I believe it pays to start a weight loss plan eating as much as you can in order to lose weight. Why restrict yourself more than you have to (especially since there's some evidence that doing so can slow your metabolism).
  • Thanks ladies! I was going to ask about eating Flex points or not. I have heard some women swear by not eating them and my leader swears by using every last one!
  • I lost 70 pounds in 01' using the points after my first was born and I was nursing. It is very possible.
  • I am a nursing mom and with my sedentary lifestyle, I get 39 points a day. I managed to lose several pounds on it before going off track and gaining it all back. So, now I am back on the plan again, and I have lost a half a pound in the last 3 days. So, it works. I tend to try and not use the "allowance points" as much as I can.

    As nursing moms, we shouldn't be losing more than 1.5 pounds a week because it can affect the quality of our milk. Good luck!
  • just one other point -- pay attention to the 8 healthy guidelines. They will help you choose your points wisely. They are part of the WW program, not just suggestions!
    s