[pmichelinb]

I'm new to Weight watchers. I know my point range is from 26-29. I'm trying to do this at home, without the meetings. It just seemed a little too simple for me. Like i must be doing something wrong. I think i must be counting seriving sizes incorrectly or forgetting to count things. Does anyone have any ideas on how to be certain of portion sizes, and how to make sure i'm following this correctly?
Thank you

[mumto2]

Do you have the points finder to calculate your points for certain foods? It really helps you figure out the points for foods with a nutritional label; also serving size will be listed on the label. Other foods will be in your week one booklet with their points value listed. If you don't have these things, I suggest you join a meeting in your area, right now, ours is not charging a registration fee; just the weekly fee of $12; you'll have to check in your area. But for $12, you can go to the first meeting and get the basic information and points finder; also stay at the end and the leader will explain everything to you...........I know lots of people that went for the first meeting and then never went back. I go to the meetings because they really help me to stay on plan; also these message boards help a lot in between meetings.

Good Luck.

[Kelly_S]

Here are some formulas:

POINTS = (calories/50) + (fat grams/12) - (fiber grams<capped at 4>/5)

What is a portion can be 'individualized' really but in general 1 serving of stew, soup, chili, stirfry, casseroles are about 1 cup unless the recipe states otherwise. Meats are usually a 3 oz portion.

W/W no longer has ranges they have a minimum a day and you get 35 Flex points to use during the week (all those points are is what you could bank from your minimum to max a day --- 5 a day x 7 days = 35).

[Tina637]

Originally Posted by mumto2

Do you have the points finder to calculate your points for certain foods? It really helps you figure out the points for foods with a nutritional label; also serving size will be listed on the label. Other foods will be in your week one booklet with their points value listed. If you don't have these things, I suggest you join a meeting in your area, right now, ours is not charging a registration fee; just the weekly fee of $12; you'll have to check in your area. But for $12, you can go to the first meeting and get the basic information and points finder; also stay at the end and the leader will explain everything to you...........I know lots of people that went for the first meeting and then never went back. I go to the meetings because they really help me to stay on plan; also these message boards help a lot in between meetings.

Good Luck.

I go to the meetings as well, but purchased ALL my books and points calculator on EBay. I think I paid $30 for all of the books..(dining & food companion, points calculator, a carry case..and a journal..I think). I tried online WW last year and it didn't work as well as being accountable at meetings..Just an idea to save a little $$.
Good Luck!

[mauvaisroux]

I know it is a pain to do but measuring everything helps me instead of eyeballing portions. I was putting too much cream in my coffee on the one hand and then ripping myself of in my cereal portions on the other

Here are some tips for portions:

3 oz steak = a deck of cards
4 oz poultry/fish = the size of a large bar of soap
1 cup cooked pasta = the size of a tennis ball
2 oz bagel = the width of a credit card
1 oz cheese = the size of a domino
2 tbsp peanut butter = one ping pong ball
3" potato = computer mouse

As kellys pointed out, always read your labels! The package might say 30 calories per serving but never assume that the serving is the package. If you read the nutritional information you often find that the serving size is less than the package contents.