Hi Everyone! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!! LOL, you know I had to say that as today was my first chance to see the new Weight Watchers Freestyle Program when I picked up my materials at my Weight Watchers meeting. I am pretty excited to see that most of my initial assumptions were right, but, actually, the new Freestyle Program might be better than I thought. They are essentially combining the best of both worlds encouraging everyone to make Simply Filling choices while following the SmartPoints Program.
Here is what you need to know about what’s new to Weight Watchers in 2018.
- Your WW App will update on your weigh in day – mine is set for Sunday so I received everything today. Any of your meals and/or recipes built on the app/online, will automatically update with the new zero point foods.
- The SmartPoints Formula is NOT changing – there are just new zero point foods being added.
- The new lowest Daily Points Target is set at 23 SmartPoints to compensate for the zero point food additions. Your Weekly Points Allowance does NOT change.
- Don’t fret though (I’ll show you why this is awesome below), you now have “rollover” points – meaning, you can carry over up to 4 unused points each day.
- The Blue Dot Challenge still exists!! The new range based on 23 Daily SmartPoints is 13-28 (basically -10/+5).
Not too bad, right? Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
If you show up to a Weight Watchers meeting this week, you will get all the materials. You may have to ask for these two items that are not directly handed out as they are encouraging everyone to use the app and their website.
You totally should get the pocket guide so you can geek out over all the new zero point foods in blue. Hello fat free refried beans……bean & cheese burritos or dip!
If you are a new member, you will get your materials throughout your first month. You get these first.
Then, this Move for Pleasure guide on the 4th week and the Shift Your Mindset guide on our 5th week.
First and foremost, I think it’s awesome that Weight Watchers is actually listening to their members. The Freestyle program was created as a result of the number one challenge members had – Tracking! Some people are awesome at tracking while others truly struggling and feel “tied to their trackers”. The new Zero Point foods not only encourage you to make better choices, but, it frees you to focus on tracking just those items that have points (just like the Simply Filling Technique.)
The new foods are based on the foundation of a healthy eating pattern, are less likely to be binged on and should only be eaten until you are satisfied, not stuffed. It’s entirely up to you whether you track your zero point foods or not, but, if you are on a time crunch, it’s nice knowing you can stay the course on zero point foods and only track the absolute bare minimum items that add points.
This picture is a great summary of all Zero Point Foods. But, you can find a detailed list of the over 200 zero point foods by clicking here.
Vegetarians are totally going to dig all the beans, tofu and edamame being zero points too.
Excited yet?!? You all, let’s think about the possibilities……
Zero Point Eggs – scrambled fried, boiled, casseroled or quiched!!
Zero point 0% Greek Yogurt – leaving you room to add delicious toppings to your yogurt.
Building a salad with chicken, egg beans, veggies…..all zero, then, you get to layer on the “fun stuff” like nuts, avocado, cheese, or real deal dressing!
Zero Point Chili……almost zero point Split Pea Soup.
Corn and peas are now zero too…..meaning, you do not have to count Corn on the Cob!
But, let me put this in perspective even more. You can now have a zero or very low point bowl at Chipotle! Lettuce, fajita veggies, beans, corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa – all zero….then, add points for the things you want like chicken, guacamole, cheese.
The possibilities are endless and Weight Watchers really is making it easier when you need to come up with low or no point meals to plan for a night out or save up for a weekend celebration.
The new guides offer some fantastic new recipe ideas that I cannot wait to try. Feel free to swap out items to make the points lower like subbing chicken breast or shrimp (both zero) for beef.
To help you get even more ideas, they provided a shopping list with all zero point items in bold.
The one thing I am focusing on this week on the new program – Eating Mindfully!
And I am totally following WW 5 Take It Slow recommendations – anyone want to join in??
They have a new cookbook, a few new snack 2 point protein bars in chocolate/peanut butter and a cookbook/bag/pasta bundle out.
Totally buy the bundle if you want to cookbook it’s currently $21.95 ($34.35 & you get a $5 off coupon for the cookbook). The cookbook alone is $19.95 so buy the kit then give the cookbook to one of your WW friends. The cookbook is truly beautiful and reminds me of the Oprah book last year.
I will not be going back to update any of my recipes for the Freestyle adjustment to SmartPoints (unless it’s a Flashback Friday). However, I will make sure I add the new Freestyle SmartPoint adjustments for any new recipes going forward.
What do you all think of the new SmartPoints addition ~ WW Freestyle?
Night all!
Very cool updates. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Why would chicken at Chipotle have points? Is it a mixture of breast & thigh meat?
I think it may be because the marinade has rice bran oil in it. I agree it shouldn’t have any either lol.
Danica
What a great job you did on this presentation. Thank you for sharing this
The chicken at Chipotle does include thigh meat. Bummer, I know.
Thigh meat is not zero points.
They don’t use chicken breasts…they us thighs!
oh my goodness! I never knew this!! I was always under the impression it was breasts! That makes sense why its slightly higher in calories than the beef! Thank you for sharing!
I bet it’s the oil they use to grill it.
Thanks for the info!
Thank you joining this week
We will work the new plan. Just take a bit to getting used to the new 0 point foods.
Thanks, Danica!
I don’t like that they took 7 points way from my dailies. I was doing just fine tracking. I guess everyone is not going to like the new plan!
Hi Joni,
I was totally not happy at first. But, after working the plan for a few days, it hasn’t been an issue. The new zero point foods make it so much easier to stay in that range.
Thanks,
Danica
What do you do when you simply don’t want any of the new zero foods? I will always eat fruits and veggies everyday, but sometimes I don’t want eggs or lean meat or beans. I don’t eat fat free anything (yogurt) or much seafood.
I felt like I was starving a few days last week, so I tallied my calories (just to see) and I didn’t even break 800 yet my points were gone.
This means in order to be full I’m going to have to eat foods I’m not hungry for. I don’t know, but this is not WW to me. :/ This feels more like a diet plan.
I couldn’t agree with you more!!!! I’m in the same boat!
I was wondering if EVERYONE has to go to 23 points for freestyle. I had 36 before and now have to go down to 23? I have looked all over for the answer and I guess unless you join and pay money, you don’t get them.
Hi Mindy,
No, it’s different for everyone. You will most likely have more than 23 as your prior target was higher. They have a chart in meetings or your app will update with your new target.
Thanks,
Danica
Try this link http://pinterest.com/pin/710583647428312375/?source_app=android
The first chart calculates daily points for the new Freestyle program
I agree
I also eat almost nothing on the free food list but vegatables
Great post! I am a WW Leader and I have been following your blog for a long time. Love it!
Just wanted to make mention of the blue dots.
The blue dot range is now -10 +5, so if you are a member that loves to eat within the blue dot range, you now have much more flexibly to do just that!
Happy Freestyling Everyone!
Hi
Does anyone know how to figure the new smart points allowed per day. I have the calculator, but that’s mot going help with this new set up
Hi Lisa,
It varies by person but they do have a chart in the meetings that let’s people know. Your WW app will also update on your weigh in day with your new total. If you were at 30, then, your new minimum is 23.
Thanks,
Danica
So, if my old number was 36, my new one would be 29? I don’t pay for WW yet, because I can’t afford it just yet, but I still have my old stuff from Points Plus.
Hi Mindy,
Here is a link to a chart I found online that looks like it works for calculating your WWFreestyle Daily Smartpoints Target. Keep in mind this is for Smartpoints not Points Plus.
http://pinterest.com/pin/710583647428312375/?source_app=android
Hopefully that helps a bit.
Thanks,
Danica
I loved Poinrs Plus – how does the old smartpoints compare? Not thinking I’m a big fan of theirs freestyle but I’m giving it a chance – I like the points plus where I had 49 weekly points
Thanks for reading and the nice note Julie. I’m going to check with WW and my leader as my tracker still says 20-30 but I’ve seen a WW article saying -10/+5. I have one friend whose tracker updated to 13-28 so perhaps not all trackers are updated yet?
Danica
Hi Julie,
It took me logging out of the app and logging back in for it to change. I’ve now updated my post with the correct range.
Thanks for your help,
Danica
Thanks this was the info I was looking for! I ate 13 pts and some zero point food and feel just right. This plan is perfect for me. ?
What is the blue dot range?
Danica,
this is so awesome. Thanks for providing this information! I just rejoined WW 2 weeks ago and was so excited to learn of all the upcoming changes. I came back at the right time!! I’m pumped. My weigh in day is Thursday so I have to wait to start, but I’ve been scoping out all the Connect posts about Freestyle and now yours (which, btw, is the best summary I’ve seen thus far)!
Hope all is well. Looking forward to more of your posts on Freestyle!
Aww thanks Lynette. Glad you are back.
Danica
I see on of the books say CUT. What is on it?
Thank you for sharing all this info.
Hi Yurle,
I think that may be the Eat what you love book.
Thanks,
Danica
It actually says eat what you love…the glare is making the lowercase e look like a c and the cursive a looks like a u because it’s open at the top.
Thank You! Worried about this new point system.
Thanks for all the information! As a former WW leader, i lost my weight years ago on pointsplus. This looks very interested..While i’,m no longer active in the ww world i have kept my almost 30 lbs off for 15 yeaars. I will try this new plan…thanks for posting all the new information!!! Best, donna
You are awesome…thanks for all of the help
Really glad to see that WW has modified their Smart Points system. I really didn’t like the Smart Points system (I called it “STUPID POINTS”). When I originally joined WW they were still using Points Plus and I had amazing success on that plan, I never took to Smart Points and landed up leaving WW. Maybe this is the incentive for me to return. Thank you for posting this information!
Me too! Haven’t been able to stick with the plan for years due to constant change. Hoping this one works better. Just rejoined. Lost most of my weight in 2007 on points plus then switched to core to drop the last few pounds. Haven’t been able to adjust to any of the new plans since. This one does look easier but I pre counted all my planned meals for a day and still have a bunch of left over points??? Wonder if I could easily over eat on this one.
I still use the OLD, OLD points system that I used to lose my weight in 2000…
to many changes for me!
I too lost weight very well on the Points Plus program in 2006-2007. A couple years ago I tried smart points and did not do well. I went back to points plus and got back to goal. So life happens and I am trying to lose 20 lbs. that I have gained. I rejoined in Jan. 2018 doing the FreeStyle program. I have only lost 7 lbs. and I am hungry. I walk 12,000 steps a day 5 x weekly. Just find the thatmany of the foods I enjoyed before are too high in points now. Snacks are tough. Even popcorn is high. Not loving thid program but I’ll keep trying.
Me too, lost 40 lbs in 2007/2008. Quit a while, gained 20. Went back and Smart Points were not for me! Quit again. Going to rejoin to try Freestyle.
I lost more than 50 pounds on points plus and was very happy with that system. I also quit when smart points became the new plan, some foods I enjoyed having doubled in points. Why does ww change their systems so often? When something WORKS for you, I want to be able to stay with it, not find that the rules and allowances are all going to be changed up. I wish ww offered the option of choosing between systems.
I agree!!!! I loved Points Plus. My calculator finally gave out & I couldn’t track anymore so joined online this week. Not sure if I like this new plan. Only allows 26 weekly points…I’m giving it a shot & if it doesn’t work I’m going back to Points plus –
I will just have to find a new calculator or a Points Plus App
Just re-joined and not happy with the new plan. Too many things to consider…. daily points, weekly points, roll over points….blue dots…etc. Weight Watchers is changing their plans to much. I understand updating the caloric values of foods..but this is getting ridiculous!!!
I feel like this way teaches how to be mindful if you’re hungry while practicing eating “normally”. Things we are counting are foods most healthy weight people eat but don’t overdo regularly (sauces, nuts, snacks, cheese, etc) Things we are not counting are healthy foods we don’t tend to overeat. However zero doesn’t mean we can eat it until we are stuffed. This is where being mindful comes in. I think this is the most practical program they’ve come up with yet! I’m excited to be back on board.
I loved points plus – i just came back so this freestyle is new to me – the verdict is still out . I’m not happy that my 49 weekly points is cut to 26 weekly points. We will see…
How do fit points for activities factor into the freestyle plan? Do I tap into fit points if i go over my weekly points?
I really am looking forward to the new program, but I wish Fat Free/Skim Milk would be 0 especially yogurt is you would think FF milk would be too… But no problem, I love the new 0 pt foods. I may have to rejoin again…
On the Simply Filling program fat free milk is on the list..you can drink it in moderation
This is a great overview, thanks! But I think you can only rollover 4 points each week, not 4 points per day. Also, sadly, Chipotle’s “fajita veggies” are drenched in oil, so you would need to figure put a way to count them too (in addition to the chicken, which is dark and light meat AND has added oil). In general this is just a super healthy eating plan, and guides people toward the best/healthiest choices. Looking forward to trying it.
Hi Cecily,
The Smartpoints values came from the Weight Watchers online tracker values which is where my Chipotle values above came from.
The 4 rollover points are daily but must be used in the same week.
It’s a great program and I really like it as it’s sustainable as a lifestyle.
Thanks,
Danica
I am loving this new program and I didn’t think I would. I have been on WW (for the 100th) time since July. Down over 18 and I have been hitting the blue dots daily. I am not even eating my weeklies. There is something to be said for protein and its ability to make you feel satisfied. Great post!!
I loved the smart points system and lost 80 pounds on it in the last year. I am now at Lifetime and have been eating between 36-38 points a week to maintain my weight. They cut my weeklies down to 21 right before I reached my goal weight. They’ve now reset my daily points to only 28 to maintain. That means they’ve taken 8-10 points away from me every day! I was doing great maintaining the old way. Due to illness and doctors appointments I haven’t been able to attend a meeting for the past 3 weeks, but I’m going tomorrow morning. I’m just a little apprehensive about how I’ll do on so many fewer points.
I’m with you Jill ~ WW has sabotaged me again! I was on momentum when the program changed to Points Plus. I went from losing over 100 lbs. to gaining/losing the same pound for over a year; I quit WW. Fast forward 6 years and 75 lbs. gained back and I joined WW at Work with SmartPoints; I lost 61 pounds. Now I’ve been on Freestyle 1 week and guess what? Yep, gained 2 lbs.; I’m not going through this again. If I do not lose next week, bye-bye WW!
Jane….I’m with you!!!
I am a liftime member, I get weighed in monthly. I was wondering could leftover points be rolled over into a new week.
I found out, the hard way, that just because a food is zero points…you can’t eat all you want!
If I was allowed 21 smart points a week.how many Im I allowed now wirh the freestyle its cofusing to me.
When do the points roll over in the app? Daily? If yes, mine didn’t.
Hi Steve,
They should rollover the next day. If not, then, you might need to change a setting on your app to fix it.
Thanks,
Danica
This looks like a great plan, but I can’t afford to join WW again ( on a set income). I have lost weight on the old WW in the past, so hopefully I can do this on my own this time. I will just use past experiences and common sense to try to figure it out . What is the minimum points I should allow? I am 66, 194 lbs, and lightly active.
She provided a link when she answered another posters question…… here it is:
http://pinterest.com/pin/710583647428312375/?source_app=android
Thanks
This is an invalid link
Hi 🙂 Love this.! Thank you. I am doing the plan online… my question is does anyone know if you have to use
the points calculator if it compensates for free foods. For example, lets say I have something made with chicken and I want to use the label…. Do I use the calculator then subtract the chicken points out? Thanks!
Thank you so much for this update! Very cool!
I joined WW online January 8,2018! I stumbled across your site by accident and I enjoy reading all that you put up Danica! I was wondering if you join online do you only get just online service ? I would like to purchase kits if they are available please.
Hi Jeanie,
The materials are available in the online form. However, you could try calling the 800 # or emailing Weight Watchers to ask. Alternatively, attending one meeting, you will get the materials.
Thanks,
Danica
Wonderful overview! I am an off again on again WW gal. Currently back on again via online/app only. I do love having the pocket guide…kind of like how I like to hold a book sometimes vs. an e-reader. Do you think the local WW spot would give me one (even for purchase) if I show im a paying WW member?
Hi Megan,
Yes, I think it’s worth a try.
Danica
The old system in 2017 was exellent. I was able to loose 45 pounds in 10 months. Then just before the new year (when most people start their diet for the new year) they changed the plan. The 200 free items were on every news station and got lots of free advertising for weight watchers. The timming of the roll out and the lure of free points makes great press. However it is not good for their clients. The new system does not limit over eaters or those with a large appetite. 1 can of chick peas has 1500 calories. which will make about 1 cup of hummus. Hummas made without olive and eaten with 6 carrots is 0 points but it is 1800 calories. Turkey chilie made with kidney beans, ground chicken or turkey brest and fresh tomato sauce is zero points. An average bowl has 3 cups or 600 calories. A full size male can easly eat 2 bowls or 1200 calories. The old system tracked everything and had no FREE points. The new systen give us inaccurate information. It does not allow us to make educated decisions. It’s almost as if Weight Watchers made it less accurate and Dummed it down or as the marketing put it “simpler” for some free press.
I and many others would gladly take the extra 60 to 90 seconds a day it takes to properly track all of our food to have accurate information. It’s not much to ask if you want to loose weight. The new system takes that away from us. I will now have to switch to an app that tracks every caloie. That will take a bit more time and discipline. The old points system was accurate and detailed enough to work. The new system is not. It is a shame, the online support with connect is great, it will be missed.
Weight watchers should STRONGLY consider going back to the proven system or at a minium offering a choice the old systen called Weight Watchers Legacy or the new less restrictive and inaccurate free style. Let the members decide.
If you are a large eater I would consider another system that track calories. The new weight watchers system is to vague in its tracking of calories.
Is it possible to buy the Weight Watchers’ Freestyle startup pack without committing to a Monthly Member Fee? I don’t mind paying for the materials, etc. I just can’t afford to pay for something every month. I also live in a rural area and there isn’t weekly meetings here and I don’t do any better with the online program then doing it myself when I’ve tried in the past.
I hope this makes sense. Thank you!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I am not sure. You could try calling the 800 # or emailing Weight Watchers to ask. Alternatively, attending one meeting, you will get the materials.
Thanks,
Danica
If I do the new Weight Watchers Freestyle program online will I still get all the booklets/materials that are giv n out at the in person meetings?
Hi Sandi,
You could try calling the 800 # or emailing Weight Watchers to ask. Alternatively, attending one meeting, you will get the materials.
Thanks,
Danica
Danika-
On the new Freestyle program I am registering at 23 daily points, which I understand is the lowest I can go. So, I’m wondering – how do I continue to lose weight (I have about 30 more to lose) if my points are not going down as my weight goes down? Just increase my activity level?
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Your extra weekly points will decrease as you lose weight.
Thanks,
Danica
Great! Thanks for the info!
If I have 23 points per day but only use 19. Shouldn’t the 4 rollover onto the next day’s weekly points? It is not doing that. How do I change it? THANKS!
Hi Lisa,
It should increase your weekly total, not the next days total. It will not show up until the next day.
Hope that helps,
Danica
hi
yes, it’s not adding on to the next day’s weekly point total. In my settings, it’s switched to “on”.
Hi Lisa,
Hmmmm. Maybe try pulling down to refresh or completely signing out and signing back in. If that doesn’t work, try the free chat or calling the 800# as it should be updating.
Danica
ok thanks!
This might be a silly question but do you still earn activity points on the Freestyle program?
Hi Jill,
Yes, you still earn activity points all the same.
Danica
Great, thank you!
Can I still use my calculator that I used when I was doing Points Plus to calculate points?
Hi Renee,
No, you will need to buy a new Smartpoints calculator or use the WW app as the formula is different from PointsPlus.
Danica
I started back on WW after a long hiatus last month. Today is my weigh in day, and I noticed my Weekly points budget is lower today. Do those points change as you make progress?
Hi Jenn,
Yes, they go down as you lose weight.
Danica
Can I still do Simply Filling, combine it with Freestyle and use the 23 smart points a day or do I still need to do points plus?
This is cool! I just rejoined and it’s been challenging staying on point (literally) with the new freestyle program. Good idea about Chipotle! I got a bowl for dinner with steak, all the salsas, lettuce and white rice. Wish i had a chipotle calculator haha!
I’m still totally confused. I thought I had 23 smart points a day and can roll over 4 if not used toward weeklies. This would be for Simply Filling. I am away and can’t find a meeting so am totally lost. Can someone help.
Hi Diana,
The daily Rollovers only applies to WWFreestyle Smartpoints. Simply Filling only uses the weekly points allowance.
Hope that helps,
Danica
I don’t mean to be negative .Weight Watcher’s hasn’t been the greatest program for me.,I have been on and off for years now. I have ALWAYS been hungry. No matter what new thing they come up ,it hasn’t worked for me I know that you have to have a certain of willpower but I will be quitting the program to find something else.
My husband gets 23 daily points. I know he can roll 4 over but is there a minimum number of points
he should not go below?
I’M DOING IT ONLINE. HOW DO I GET A POCKET GUIDE?
I purchased Oprah’s Food, Health and Happiness book and just realized the point counts are Smartpoints, not the new Freestyle program. Is there an easy way to transform the smartpoints shown for each recipe into the new program point system? If so, how? Thanks.
Hi Jody,
You should be able to use the nutrition facts or the online WW recipe builder to calculate.
Danica