Jana, It does take some time in the beginning to learn point values, but it gets easier and faster because you're familiar with the item points that you like and use repeatedly. WW provides a slide device that you use to calculate points based on fiber, then calories, then fat. It's quick. What I like about the program is that when you reach your day's quota, you know it's time to quit, no more eating for the day. I try to have a light breakfast and lunch so that I have near half my points left for late afternoon and evening snacks and supper--when I'm most famished and don't have responsibilities of work to distract me. The WW recipe magazines are great! When I'm cooking from them, my hubby thinks he's eating better than ever--so he likes my being on WW

Best of luck! Yenba