Hmm...

So apparently, I still suck at blogging.

I did get my posterior over to WW a couple of weeks ago to check out the new program. The latest update is an attempt to make the Points Plus program more flexible. Whatever. Here's the lowdown:

a) The basic program is still a reduced caloried diet. That has not changed. Last year, they did change the way Points are calculated to favor foods with fewer carbs and more protein and discouraged high fat or high sugar foods. Additionally, most fruits are now considered "Zero" Points along with vegetables.

The idea is that if you eat more fruits and vegetables, while eating less processed stuff, your Points will go further. This is further supplemented by the usual Good Health Guidelines to ensure members get enough servings of fruits and veggies, take a multivitamin, drink water and milk, etc.

b) Your daily Points target is determined by the same factors as before: age, height, weight, sex, normal activity levels, etc. Now, you have the option, presumably based on discussions with a meeting leader, to adjust your target +/-3 each day. There is a minimum (26, I think) that you should not go below to get enough nutrition.

Also, as before you have a "pool" of extra Points, the Weekly Points Allowance, you can use as needed over the course of the week. The idea is that you can use them any time during the week you need a little more flexibility. (In prior incarnations, your daily points target was a range instead of a single value.)

c) A key change, IMO, to the new program is that WW is being more proactive about helping new members to get started. In the past, new members were invited to stay for a 15-20 "orientation" session after their first meeting. Now, there are actually 3 sessions that cover the first 3 weeks. Each week has a different theme and these sessions will be rotating on a regular basis after each meeting.

Week 1 was PowerSpaces: evaluating and making changes to the "spaces" that affect your eating and exercise habits. Your kitchen is an obvious place to start but you should consider other "spaces" where you spend time like at work or in the car.

Week 2 was PowerChoices: this is about looking at what you eat and demonstrating how making better choices will help you reach your goal. For instance, if your normal lunch is a sandwich, how can you make it a better, more satisfying choice: substituting 100 calorie sandwich thins for regular bread, choosing mustard over mayonnaise, adding vegetables, etc.

Week 3 was PowerPlans: how to adapt the Plan to meet your goals each week despite challenges. For instance, if you plan to have dinner out with friends, think about what choices you can make to enjoy the evening without going off plan. Check 'net for restaurant menus and decide in advance what to order; plan to use the Weekly Points Allotment, etc.

eta - Each of the sessions for the first 3 weeks includes a suggested meal plan as well as tips for incorporating changes into your life.

d) Another change is an increased emphasis on being active. Activity Points have been a part of the program for a while and during the past few years, members have been encouraged to prepare for and complete 5K walks (or runs). Now, WW eTools includes an Activity Assessment that helps you set an Activity Goal and progress from there. It is still pretty basic but I think it makes a pretty good start for a beginner. (And there are now 3 Stephanie Huckabee-led WW workout DVDs!)

e) Last but not least (and sadly not all that relevant to moi), Lifetime members who weigh in w/in 2 lbs of their goal weight each month receive free access to eTools. (About flippin' time, imo.)