Happy New Year All! How are you all doing? I am doing great and looking forward to all that 2017 brings. You know I just couldn’t resist popping into the first Weight Watchers meeting of 2017 to find out what’s new with SmartPoints in 2017. Before I hop in with my thoughts, here is what I know you all are most curious about.
The Not So New News: There are no changes to the Weight Watchers Smart Points Plan in 2017. The points are the same and SmartPoints are still being calculated using calories, saturated fat, sugar and protein. Foods high in saturated fat or sugar increase the SmartPoints while foods high in protein lower the SmartPoints. For those who love the Simply Filling Technique, it’s still an option with no changes either.
The Pretty Cool News: This year the focus is really on getting out of our own heads and focusing on living a “healthy lifestyle” to the fullest. I honestly love all the new signage and inspirational quotes all around.
This one is my favorite….
The other thing that I am loving….Even though the program isn’t changing, Weight Watchers actually took the time to update the materials which makes the program “feel new”.
In the first week, new members will get these two books. Returning members get the full set pictured above.
Then, in the following weeks, you receive these next two books. I’ve heard there are as many as 12 new books that we will all receive over the first few months. I like having more than just the weekly each week as an added motivational boost with something new to focus on that week.
Excited yet? If not, then read on….
For new members, breakfast is covered off with a 5 smartpoint idea. Then, the book dives in to give you ideas on how to spend the rest of your daily points in some pretty delicious ways.
I really like that they are taking a realistic approach to tracking. You do not have to be perfect ~ just track with your best estimates and if you don’t have time to track in the moment, just snap a picture and calculate it later.
It’s totally normal taking pictures of your food ~ promise! 😀
There are 2 recurring themes throughout all the materials. WW not only emphasizes using their app and Weight Watchers Online (aka e-tools), but, they are now giving their members the info they need to use them.
The other things is “Connect” ~ the WW version of Facebook which can be found on the app or online only for members only. This replaces all the old WW message boards which are now gone.
It’s pretty motivational to read everyone’s stories even if my type A personality wishes it was a bit more organized. I want to be able to pick a category like recipes versus having one continuous stream.
The Eat Better Guide is packed with some great ideas on maximizing your smartpoints. I couldn’t resist picking out a few of my favorites to share. Yep, I did already have a great breakfast before the meeting 😉
The breakfast I cannot wait to make tomorrow.
With even more ideas to build on with their “Meal Builders” section. I really like that they do this as it gives me new ways to try making up say an omelet that I never thought of or more realistically picking from what I have on hand to make up something delicious.
This recipe made me want to buy a rotisserie chicken.
In my meeting, the zoodle ideas were a hot topic and some people took it a step further. To their 1 1/2 cups zucchini noodles, they “doubled” their portion by adding in 1 cup pasta to make this a 10 smartspoint dish.
That’s A’more for sure!
When I saw this Banana Split idea, I thought ~ I could have a Skinny Cow or Weight Watchers Ice Cream bar for 4 or 5 smartpoints. But, I’d rather make this banana split for only 6 smartpoints which would be way more satisfying for the points!
Even their Spend Your Day with 30 SmartPoints sounded great showing you that you really can get a lot of good depending on how you spend your points budget.
Here is what you can expect in the Move More book….
I like that they have examples on ways to work each part of your body to feel the burn. I need pictures to see what it’s supposed to look like even if I do not look that way when I do it 😀
They have you covered on all the ways you can Move More from 1 minute on to full workouts.
If you are a lists person like me, then, you will love having your workouts already planned out for you. All you have to do is color in the day or check off the box as you work it each day!
I knew about FitBreak, but, I just learned about Hot5 – Weight Watchers new 5 minute 5 move workout app. I can’t wait to check it out ~ fun!
All the books have fun sections like this to make you smile, realize your awesomeness and to motivate you in every way.
For those wanting to know about the “Getting Started Kit”. This year it’s called the Back to Basics Bundle. For January only, it’s $29.95. I have to admit, I wanted it for the Meal Planning 101 and the Cute bag, but, I resisted it.
I am not sure how much time I’ll have to post this month as work is already shaping up to be insane. But, I’d like to pop in with my Weekly Menus
- BBQ Pork “Ribs”, M&C, Snap Peas
- Lentil Soup with Sausage & Kale, garlic toast
- Cooking Light Immunity Soup, salad or garlic toast
- Chicken Teriyaki & Pineapple Meatballs, brown rice, broccolini
- BLTAs, herbed salad
And perhaps I’ll do a Daily Eats Snap Shot (like the below) sharing any new recipes as I create them. I know it’s not my full post, but, maybe a good compromise for sharing my tracker ~ Thoughts?
01/02/2017 Eats:
- B: 2 Kodiak Cakes topped with 1/2 Tbsp Land O Lakes Whipped Butter and 1/2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup, 2 slices Trader Joe’s Peppered Turkey Bacon (10 sp)
- L: Taco Salad ~ Romaine, carrots, red cabbage, sweet peppers, tomato, 1/2 cup turkey taco meat, 1/4 avocado, 4 Tostito Thin Cantina Chips crushed, hot sauce with sweet & hot jalapenos (7 sp)
- S: Tall nonfat cappucino with caramel drizzle just on the foam (2 sp)
- D: Burgers without a Bun, Simple Side Salad (9 sp)
- DS: TBD ~ something for 2 SP, most likely a banana with almond butter.
No exercise as it’s a rest day, 7K steps.
Ok, I can’t resist one more quote from today’s meeting that is totally going to be my “theme” this year.
Have a fantastic week all! I will catch ya’all later.
Great seeing you today and thanks for the summary ?
Thanks Lisa. It was good to see you and catch up too. Keep up the great work – you look amazing!
Thanks a lot miss your recipes
AS USUAL YOU ROCK! SUPERB JOB!
Every year I look forward to your input and I have a recipe binder full of Danicas faves!
Thank you a million!
Lost almost 100 pounds in 2013 have gained it all back! Vet inspired and happy to see your post!! Tried joining weight watchers a few times but heart wasn’t in it…really trying hard note!! xoxo
Thanks this was so helpful & inspiring. How do I get your posts.
Hi Robbie,
To subscribe you click the little fan icon under stay connected. It takes you to this link and you enter your email address.
https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=DanicasDaily
I signed you up just now. All you have to do is click confirm on the email sent to you and your good to go.
Thanks for asking,
Danica
Loved this recap! Happy New Year Danica!!
Great seeing you back, think of you often…would love to see your occasional posts on menus, etc…had my dark chocolate Kodiak waffle today…always think of you when I eat one 🙂
Thanks for all the info
Thanks for all the good info! Happy New Year!!!
Great to have you pop back in, Danica. I love your reviews and your postings. Hope we see more of you this year!
Hello. Is possible to get a copy of 2017. Weight wAtchers program. Emailed to me. Not 2018. Thanks gerard
Thanks for the summary. My meeting isn’t until Saturday and I wanted to know about the new materials. I love SmartPoints to begin with, but this seems to make it better 🙂
Great summary; thanks for taking the time to post!
There is also a Simply Filling booklet, but you have to ask for it. 🙂 Kind of a bummer because how would someone who doesn’t know about Simply Filling know to even ask for the booklet?
Thanks Kim. I am totally asking for it!
Danica
I’d LOVE a Daily Eats Snap Shot! I always look forward to your posts, keep them coming.
What is with the Kodiac mixes? I see this brand for a lot of things and wonder what makes it different then other cake mixes, or pancake mixes? I haven’t see any posts in a long time? Have you not posted in awhile or sent emails? I am so glad you showed up today. Went to the meeting and got my booklets too. Love your tips etc.
Hi Ann,
I absolutely LOVE Kodiak Cakes – as in no other mix compares in my opinion. All the ingredients you will recognize and all you need is the mix plus water. It started as a small mom and pop and has now grown to a large company. I was originally introduced to them by one of my friends who lives in Utah where they were created. It also helps as The Husband doesn’t eat pancakes but he will eat Flapjacks. Here is the funny story that goes with it. http://danicasdaily.com/it-was-everything-i-dreamt-it-would-be
I buy mine at Target but you can see the different types they have in this post. They have branched out a bit by adding in high protein versions.http://danicasdaily.com/unleash-your-inner-bear-win-kodiak-cakes
I haven’t posted in quite awhile as I haven’t had time. I am hoping to change that in 2017 even if I have to change my format a bit to make posting quicker.
Thanks for the nice comment,
Danica
What are kodiak cakes?
Hi Kim,
Kodiak Cakes are a flapjack – like a pancake only better. All the ingredients you will recognize and all you need is the mix plus water. It started as a small mom and pop and has now grown to a large company. I was originally introduced to them by one of my friends who lives in Utah where they were created. It also helps as The Husband doesn’t eat pancakes but he will eat Flapjacks. Here is the funny story that goes with it. http://danicasdaily.com/it-was-everything-i-dreamt-it-would-be
You get 2 for 5 smartpoints.
Thanks,
Danica
Hi Danica,
It’s Great to have another summary from you! I was hoping you would be back to do one. You always make them so easy to understand. Looking forward to more posts from you. Thinking about subscribing so I don’t miss any.
This is the year I will loose the weight!
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Susan Briggs : )
Hi Danica
I am now signed up for WW online but can’t seem to get motivated. I am hoping that once we go away for 8 weeks that I can get on track. All the above pamphlets books that you referenced can I order somewhere? I want the Better Guide to Smart Points and definitely the chart of exercises that you color in that is so me and all the rest too. I am not sure if everything you shared are in the pamphlets they hand out each week or if they are in books you can buy. Thanks for sharing and I need to start perusing your recipes…are they archived?
Hi Ann,
I’ve heard that online members can pop into their local WW meeting location and get the materials. Another option might be calling or asking on chat how to get them. I know some of them are supposed to be online under the “living tab” then plan basics. You can absolutely find all my recipes under the recipe tab here http://danicasdaily.com/recipage
Thanks for asking,
Danica
My meeting isn’t until tomorrow so understanding some this information is driving me crazy. What do the present members receive?
Hi Deanna,
Present members get all the books that you see in this picture. http://danicasdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_6614.jpg
Danica
Thank you Danica. I can’t wait for tomorrow! I’m grateful for your website.
LOVE this post!!! EVERYTHING about it! I have been (or not been) doing WW on my own, but in 2 weeks I am will be joining the WW at Work. Excited for the new materials (for not so new ideas). Again, great post!!!! <3
Please add me to your list to receive your emails
Hi Vicki,
I checked and you are now signed up. Please let me know if you do not receive anything when I post.
Thanks,
Danica
If you’re doing the online program can you get all the booklets too?
Please add me to your list to receive your emails. I tried but it will not work for me.
Thank you,
Mary
What about existing members who have been here for two-three months? Will we get these books as well ??