Does anyone lose more or less when you use all the 35 extra points I'm trying to figure out want to do.

Every person is different! I would say that experimentation is good. If you use them all one week and gain or maintain, use less and see how it goes the next week

I usually end up using about 24-28 of my 35 pts. Every week is a little different but if I'm on program, getting my Healthy 8 Guidelines in and getting some APs in, I can lose anywhere from 1.5 to 3 lbs a week

Hi, I am very interested in this, too. I feel I would be VERY hungry if I did not use all my points, and usually my activity points as well, but my loss has been very slow. I am also taking med that causes weight gain. But I think it would be too hard to cut down on points. Maybe it could be done in a small way?? I know everyone is different. There are people at my meeting that lose much faster than me and don't use any extra points, but I don't know how they do it. Good luck! I will be watching this post, also. (I am losing ---have lost 13 pounds in 15 weeks, so I guess what I am doing is working---just get frustrated with the rate of loss. )

My own, personal approach to the bonus 35 points is to use them if I need them and not worry about them if I don't. I never count activity points. Like Rosegarden, I usually use up between 24-28 of the bonus points per week.

My weight loss is steady, 14 pounds in 8 weeks, and I'm sure I could increase that rate of loss by giving up the bonus points. However, since I'm in this for the long haul and need far more practice in becoming flexible with food and lifestyle changes, I've decided to accept the slower rate of loss and enjoy food -- including 35-point-bonus food -- more, as I need it.

Lori is right -- everyone is different, and you need to discover what works best for YOU! Best luck.

Rae

If I use flex points (more than a few) I gain for the week. My body and metabolism do not react well to the extra points. The most I can use is usually right about 5, if that many.

Has anyone had any success with dividing the 35 points equally over the week?

I tend to use them more as a safety net or if I go out to eat. It's hard for me to use them with out thinking I'm off plan.

Today I used 9 because I had wayyyy too much/many corn flakes this morning. I knew I would still have to eat through out the day...

I guess I would feel better about the extra 35 if they were worked into the daily total rather than being optional.

I think it has to to do with the old school mentallity that it's better to eat less rather than more.

My question is does anyone use thier points every week, all thier points, with out fail and still lose?

This seems like such a dilemma for me. I can't imagine having 29 points a day! (22 plus 7 )...

Yes, YES, and YESSSS!

I had just answered this question on another thread the other day. So forgive the lazy, short on time me, but I am going to do a copy and paste.

Wow! Thank you so much for indulging me, and not making me search for the answer. I always seem to use too few words when searching. You and I are about the same height and have the same goal. I used to weigh 220... I don't know what I weigh right now, but my clothes are between an 8 and a 10. I'm thinking of playing with my points, either allotting them equally through out the week or using more or less on certain days, if I plan on eating something a bit higher in points, like chicken tetrazinni or something... it's also if I can lose on more points, i.e. more food, why wouldn't I? Like you, I don't use my activity points... I used to use my ap's before I wouldd go into the extra 35, but what's the point? I work out to get activity points, but it's more so to have numerical, point proof that I worked out, i.e. 15 or more points a week, if that makes any sense.

Thank you so much for your reply...what kind of work outs do you do? I mainly walk, but do lift weights. My husband and I are going to get a treadmill for the winter time, too... I will run on a treadmill because it forces me to, while I rarely do so outside

Thanks again!

Forgive me for taking so long to reply. I've been so busy working, which as it happens, IS the only exercise I am getting right now. I'm a waitress, plus a Mom of 3. But I used to be, and hope to be, after I get into this house I have my heart on, a weight lifting enthusiast (again).

I've dabbled here and there this past year at varying types of exercises. Cardio stuffs mostly, but consistancy was not my forte. A few years back I lifted and loved what it did for me mentally and physically. For some unknown reason I couldnt get myself back into it. My want to's just didnt want to! Goodness the shape I could have right now.... No regrets I've had an amazing journey thus far.

Meanwhile I worked on my eating. It's taken me a year to get a grip on my eating. All those why's and whatfor's will kill a girl. Not to mention portion distortion and comfort foods... arrrrg. Truth be told I probably started closer to 220 myself but vanity wouldnt allow me to admit it. But now that I feel I have that area down pat. It is time....

To make a long babble short... This is going to be my transformation year. I am going to build me a better body. Stronger, leaner, more defined! My motto will be.... 43 this is for Me!

While each person is different my leader suggests you start from day one/week one using all of them for at least 3-4 weeks. If at the end of that time you are not losing between .5-2 pounds a week average cut back on them by 7 a week and do that for at least 2 more weeks...again re-eval.

Some people truly cannot but most can and the more you eat and lose the more you usually end up with on maintenance.

What Kelly said makes sense, but I could be in trouble! I just started over this last Monday, it's Friday and I have only used 1 flex point. I really haven't been hungry, its more of I want than I need, so I haven't been using them. I'm a little worried now, Monday will tell more...

That's what i do. i used to count activity points but then I'd have 10 or more points at the end of the day.

I hardly ever use extra points. I just don't want to rely on them. I'm only allowed 20 points a day but it usually works. If I go a little over I don't get upset because I don't use those extra points.
I also never count activity points, and I work out or walk a couple of times a week.