I went to WW last year in March and by June I had made lifetime again, losing 13 pounds. It was really a struggle to maintain (that's where I always mess up) and when Core was introduced, I think in August, we also got a new leader. Well, I didn't like her because she was so aggresive and curt, but I should have just gone to the meetings anyway...shame on me, I quit....naturally thinking I knew what to do on my own anyway....and here I am....all my weight back on and more.

I feel so horrible. I guess I just got so sick of counting and measuring and feeling guilty over what I ate when I went over my points. I really want to go back but I am wondering if I should try Core this time. It looks like maybe I would get less hung up on the points, but to be honest, it looks like a very boring selection of food. I am a volume eater, and that seems to get me into trouble. The one reason I like points is the portion control is pretty much spelled out. I am afraid on Core my body won't register "full."

Help, I am sick of the rollercoaster. It's too much for me mentally and physically.

A. Rose

I don't thing there ever should be a guilt about eating. We need to eat to survive.

I personally cannot do Core as I feel too restricted by having to use my WPA/FPs on real cheese, breads and dining out (which I do several times a week). I also gained because I never felt satisified knowing I could have more...it led to overeating for me.

My best suggestion because what is best for one is not necessarily best for another is to try Core and if you don't go back to Flex. What I do is mainly eat the same foods that are "Core approved" 90-95% of the time and find that with my portions and points I am much more satisified.

DId you go over points on your TPs to make you feel guilty? Remember those TPs are only the BARE MINIMUM and that is where the APs and WPA/FPs come in to help.

I'm new to WW (3rd week) and I was way too hungry counting points the first week. I'm not sure I see what you mean about the "boring" foods. Practically everything except breads and sweets are on the list or can be approximated, and you can use points to have those other things occasionally. It is time-consuming, though. There aren't a lot of processed/prepackaged foods that you can just grab, and at restaurants you are pretty much limited to salads, unless you want to use extra points or dissect everything.

It works for me, though, because I like to eat frequently, and I don't like feeling like I'm "stealing" from my dinner by having an extra piece of fruit or a bag of popcorn in the afternoon. Also, I rarely go out to eat and being on Core really helps me resist the urge to grab fast food and processed stuff.

Also, you can always switch back and forth on different weeks, so that you don't feel like you are stuck with only Core foods forever. Every body is different, though. For me, eating this type of food regulates my appetite much better. On points I was always hungry, to the point of headaches and fatigue.

How can lean meats, complex carbs, veggies, fruits, dairy with 2 tsp of healthy oils be boring? There is all kinds of ways to cook and prepare foods. What makes food exciting is the way you prepare it. I do all of those type of foods I mentioned above with Flex and they are Core foods. I eat out and don't dissect foods but I know the points and can easily figure points for those things that I must guestimate on.