How important is it to get in all of your points? Also, do you really have to add in your activity points and use them.

I personally do not use my exercise points (I figure they cover any under calculations I accidentally make on something ). I do, however tend to use all my daily points as well as the 35 extras each week. I kind of think that if I can eat them and still lose weight, it gives me room to lower my points as I lose (like the WW systems takes away a point every time you leave a weight "class"). I've been pretty consistent at 2 pounds a week when I stick to plan.

I am the say way shelby. I eat all of my points and typically use my extra points on the weekends or occasionally during the week. I don't count my activity points as a norm, but have one or two times if I want a special treat.

To answer your question desilu - I believe it is very important to eat all of your points that you have as daily points. If you eat your flex points and still lose weight the by all means eat them! As you lose weight, you will move into a different 'class' as shelby said. It will be easier, I think, once you reach your goal to maintain on a regular point structure instead of a lower number. What will happen if you don't eat all of your points, your body will get used to the lower number and when you drop into a different category it may be difficult to continue to lose weight.

that makes sense. I didn't think about what would happen when I move into another weight category. It just seems so backwards to me though. I guess we get a mind set that to lose weight we need to eat less and exercise more and it feels odd to eat so much. But I guess I am making healthier choices and eating smaller portions more often.
thanks so much for the input.

You know you are doing WW right if you think there is too much food to eat

The healthier your choices, the more you can have. I've eaten a turkey wrap and french fries at a restaurant that used all of my 33 points (not on purpose ) but most days I can eat all day long if I want to, vegetables, yogurt, etc.

you have to eat to lose, otherwise your body will go into starvation mode and start storing instead of losing. That's why cutting calories too much only works for a short time.

Think of turning your body into a calorie burning machine, that's what eating the right amount of food and exercising will do for you.

Also, you want to get to maintenance and be able to eat enough to be satisified and stay on the program. It's long term success we're looking for.

best of luck