[kemica]

I am starting WW (again, but this is the first time in years). I've noticed that my problem seems to be keeping track of my portions and keeping track of points. I am a new mom of an 11 week old, so I am going to imagine it's going to be worse than ever trying to keep on top of it all!
So, any tips of how you keep track, so that you stay accountable? I want this to work this time, and I know I can lose on WW, so I thought to give it a go. Thanks!!!

[MissChocoholic]

I use e-Tools to help me track. I usually plan my meals and activities a day in advance to help me stay accountable. That way, I know exactly how much I take in and make sure that I always eat up to my daily points values. Also, I suggest buying measuring spoons (tablespoon, teaspoon, etc.), a measuring cup (for ounces) and the WW measuring spoons (1, 1/2, 1/4 cups). These have helped me a lot with portion sizes.

The meetings and weigh-ins definitely hold me accountable and telling myself that I'm paying for their services also helps me. LOL I'm determined to make Lifetime - besides, free meetings are a HUGE plus. Thanks to WW, I was able to bust through my plateau that has taken me a year to overcome. So far, I'm happy with the results. Best of luck and welcome!

[Thinfor5Minutes]

You could use a Dr. Oz strategy too and "pick and stick." Choose several favorite meals, calculate the Points values and then have them as your "go-to." After awhile it will become a no-brainer because you will memorize the Points values and won't have to do any extra work.

Back in the day when WW was an exchange program, I ate tuna on pita most days for lunch because I had three toddlers at home. I didn't have to think, just went to the cupboard and fridge and prepared my usual lunch. I used the same orange juice glass every day, same cereal bowl, and those custard cups for frozen yogurt that have the lines on them, so I didn't have to measure those foods any more. Little tricks like that really help.

[LosinitinCO]

I am new to WW, but what has helped me stay OP:

1.) I use the larger post it notes to write my meals and points the day before. I can't plan out a week, but can take 5 minutes the day before and plan. Then I can log it later.

2.) Get the WW frozen meals, they are quick and easy and the Points are on the box. Easy lunch!

3.) Save dinner leftovers as well, they are easy lunches and you know the Points from when you had the meal.

4.) Keep a quick reference guide of your faves in the kitchen. Once you learn the Points, you won't need it. But for now, it has helped make it easy.

5.) Calculate the Points of some of your current go-to dinners, the quick and easy ones you go make in a pinch. This way you know the Points and don't have to learn a bunch of new recipes too!

I know as a mom that lunch seems to be a struggle for me. Making that meal something easy will help keep you within your Points.

So far, I am staying accountable through the meetings. If you aren't attending, be sure to set up a weigh in with a friend or family member or join a weekly weigh in here. It's the only thing that keeps me OP, I don't want to have to report a gain!!

Good luck on your weight loss journey and enjoy the new baby, it goes so fast!

[mmccurdy]

I have the same problem, i just ate a cup of sugar free jell-o with whip cream all is 0 points. put some splenda in the mix to make it sweet

[Thinfor5Minutes]

One thing the WW meeting leader cautioned us about last night is the sodium content in those frozen meals.

I bought an inexpensive food scale at WalMart. It really helps, since I can't begin to eyeball what two ounces of grilled chicken looks like etc. I also make extensive use of my measuring cups and measuring spoons.

[Shytowngal]

I plan out my points for each day the night before. It keeps me from thinking about what I'm going to eat all day - and I stick to it and know I'm getting just the right amount. Ditto on the scale for proper portion sizes.

[jjarman]

Hey. I am new here and loving this board. I took the OP request differently as in how to keep up with how many you have used each day. Here is what I came up with. I have this little travel pill box with several different compartments that snap shut. They are also clear. I have a jar of buttons at home that I have had for years and years and use to replace buttons that get lost. Anyway, I took 21 grey buttons which is my daily alotment and 35 white buttons for my flex points. When I eat something I take that number of grey buttons from one compartment and put in a larger one. Same when I use them up sometimes and need to use a flex point or 5, LOL. I can see at a glance all day how many points I have used and how many I have left.