I assume since this is the WW forum that most of the posters here count Points (unless you're on Core, of course.) Why do you prefer that to counting calories? When I first started WW, I was a Points demon, you know.... counting every Point dutifully. Then it got old and I didn't do anything (besides complain, that it). Then a few weeks ago I started counting calories ... 1500 a day, and it was plenty of food. Of course, I've since slacked off on that as well. But I'm just curious to see how people "weigh in" on this topic.

Hi, Maggie. I started off counting points fairly religeously. Now, I just try to eat mainly healthy things. I'd say that I keep the point values in mind, but I don't tally them.

Frankly I do points b/c I am Mathematically challenged. I can count to 24. Subtracting 231 calories is way too much thinking for me. I did my tracker like it was my JOB from September 04-Jan 05 and lost 30 pounds. But I was tired of counting, I was tired of planning my entire life around how many points I had left. I was tired of the work. I kind of felt like my whole life was poimts points points. So I opted for no counting plan. Not core but similar. I lost 11 more pounds in 2 weeks. But I just couldn't deal with the restricted foods, I have no clue how to stop. I need that number. I need to know X is my limit. I tried calorie counting and it was ok. Really that's what points is about. Using our alloted calorie budget. But like I siad the math was too much. How did I get through college LOL?!

I also can't not think points. It's like I am forever brain washed.

My feeling is date your diet don't marry it, do what works for you at the time. If calorie counting gets you there do that, when you get bored or disatisfied with it try points, or core or something completley different. It's all about you are your lifestyle. I know you live in a world of bussines slunches and extravegant conferences. What plan do you feel allows you to stay within your goals?

Um, the "eat, drink and be merry" plan? I really have been giving this a lot of thought. I can do point or calories. Either way works. What kills me every time is planning -- or lack thereof. I absolutely NEED to have my day's worth of food planned out and packed for me to take to work. If I have to "make do" with something from take-out, I will never make the right choice (not that there are many right choices from those places.) When I come home at night, I HAVE to have the right foods in the house and a plan for what I'm going to eat. As much as I would like to, I simply can't "wing it." I think a big part of the reason I'm having so much trouble is that I resent having to accept that I need to diet, that I need to have some sort of restrictions placed on me. I want to be one of those people who just naturally can trust themselves to take proper care of themselves and eat right. But I'm not. I'm naturally self-indulgent and the only way I will beat this is to accept that, in this area at least, I have to have control. Hmmm, is that a revelation of some sort?

I feel the same way. Like almost angry that I just can't eat reasonable stuff in reasonable portions and be "normal". I too have to plan. I am so crazy I have to plan two days ahead. This whole weightloss thing rules my life. I resent that. But like you Maggie maybe I just need to accept that and move on. Suck it up, I guess.

We can do this!!!!!! If I am still this fat in a year I am gonna have a break down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I try to count points because its easier to count to 24 than 1500. I spent 2 years in "math lab" in college. And then it took me two years to actually pass math with a D- so needless to say i am a bit challenged. I usually am around my target. Somedays i am over. Somedays i am under. Every week i lose nothing.

I have been counting calories. I have a online food journal. I use weight watcher cookbooks and go to other weight watcher boards for support. I am not a meeting person so me and a friend do it together.