Hi all! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the new Weight Watchers Smart Points Program. I am super excited to say I am down 3.6 lbs for my first weigh in and The Husband lost 7.2 lbs. It wasn’t an easy week and my first day on Smartpoints I used 15 weeklies just by eating some of the same foods that I “thought” I knew the points for. It definitely taught me I really need to recalculate things before I try them and planning ahead is going to be the key to success for at least the first month. I really think it makes a difference when you know how many smartpoints you are eating and for what meal so you can swap out the equal amount if you change your mind. It also will help you decide if it’s “worth it” to eat the food.
Like this….Our weekend “on the go” breakfast of a Subway 6 inch flatbread with egg, ham, cheese and veggies went from 10 points+ to 12. Ok, I can handle that as I can have half…..
I found my breakfast groove the rest of the week having a scrambled egg with 2 pieces of Trader Joe’s Turkey Bacon and 2/3 cup hash browns “fried” in 1 tsp olive oil. (7 smartpoints (SP)
Or, my favorite “healthy eggroll” paired with an apple for 6 smartpoints.
The biggest shocker…My beloved latte – a tall is now 4 smartpoints. Sad. I did manage to switch this to a cappuccino this week for 2 smartpoints. It’s not the same but it still satisfies.
Lunches were all “wrapped” up. I am excited that I can get 2 oz of honey ham for 1 smartpoint and that these “Ole” wraps are only 2 smartpoints. They do not taste “diety” at all.
Each morning I wrapped up my lunch with 2 oz honey ham, 1 slice Sargento Ultra Thin Pepperjack, lettuce, cucumber, red cabbage, carrot, tomato, sweet peppers and jalapeno. (5 smartpoints).
Served up with a simple salad topped with 1 tsp lemon peel olive oil and 2 tsp lemon fig balsamic vinegar (1 sp).
Every time I eat an orange, I always think of some corny way of completing the phrase “Orange you….” like, Orange you glad I get to eat you 😀
Dessert ~ 2 sp Dove Peppermint.
Snacks are one thing I feel like I really have down. I plan my meals so I have breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, then, dinner. I rarely eat anything after dinner unless I am truly hungry.
I am currently IN LOVE with The Bees Knees as my veggie dip of choice.
Some of my favorite go to snacks are:
- Hard boiled egg (2 sp)
- Sargento Light Mozzarella Cheesestick (1 sp) – sometimes plain, sometimes wrapped in turkey (2 oz = 1 sp)
- Fruit – I am pretty sure I have a banana every day.
- Nuts: 1 Tbsp Pistachios or Peanuts = 1 sp, 7 almonds = 1 sp…cashews & macadamia nuts are higher but fun to mix in a few to make your own nut mix.
- If I am not dipping my veggies in pb, I use hummus.
- I am still debating if my 0% Greek Yogurt is worth it for 3-6 sp.
- Any nonfat latte, cappucino or misto but it has to be good coffee.
- I am thinking I need to add 3 oz shrimp with cocktail sauce to my list for 1 sp
- And, these Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
Dinners are another thing for me to figure out. The first day where I ate way too many points (breakfast subway, lunch a panera chicken soba noodle bowl, my tall nonfat latte and this….yes, that’s really all.) I had this Cooking Light Cheesy Pasta Bake planned for dinner so I went with it, even though, one serving was 14 smartpoints. It’s pretty crazy that it is that high even after I lightened it up a bit using half the turkey sausage and low fat cheeses.
Pasta dishes are tough on smartpoints which makes me a little sad but I am determined to figure out how to make them worth.
I did manage to try another new dish with this Cooking Light Mushroom, Bacon and Barley Casserole. The Husband totally blames his weight loss on the fact I made him eat barley lol. It wasn’t bad, but, it was a lot of work. 1 serving is 10 sp.
It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be my first week considering I eat fairly close to Simply Filling on most days. When I first started the “CORE” technique way back it, it took me a month to get to where I felt like I can do this and knew how to work the plan in any situation. I do think that as with any new program change, it takes a few weeks to adapt and for now, I am excited to try to make it work as I work on mastering smartpoints….even, if there are a few things that went up way more in points than I think they should have (like my fat free latte) 😀
How did your first week on Weight Watchers Smart Points go?
Night all.
So glad you are back to help us navigate! I had a small gain this week…too much eating out and not tracking 🙁 I’ve been a scanning maniac and am thrilled at a few things (my favorite yogurt is still 2SP, my favorite wraps,bread,and most items I usually eat…yes Danica, WINE..stayed the same!!!) but a bit shocked at some other changes (why are TJ organic cheese sticks 2SP, and WW are 1SP?, my favorite WW ice cream bar went from 4 to 7SP…really???). I get that I have 4 extra points a day…but they don’t go far…I like that we are now looking at sugar, but the saturated fat…really? Every 3 months I do the Advocare 24-Day Challenge, so it looks like I will now be able to track closer to WW, since the focus is lean protein! Happy about that…let’s keep trudging along folks…I think it will get better! I’m just thankful that my app an web-site are all functioning, as I know many (like my Sister) are still having issues! My biggest frustration is that I now have to figure and convert P+ to SP and some of the nutritional info I need is not available! Have a great week everyone and I look forward to seeing how others have done, and what tips you all offer!!
I’m on day 3. Today, I’m going to try not to dip into my weeklies. The last 2 days, I used 2 of them each day. Like you, I’m eating what I used to eat, which puts me over my daily allowance every day. Dinners are also harder to plan. It will take some getting used to, that’s for sure!
That healthy egg roll looks great! I’ll admit, adjusting to the new WW program is a challenge, but it’s also been the inspiration to get me back on track–so it’s a good challenge! I’ll be hitting Trader Joe’s this week to try out their turkey bacon. DH loves bacon, and it would be nice to have a healthier option on the table.
Thanks for taking the time to share your recipes, and your thoughts, about WW. It is a help–and an inspiration!
You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you back (even I didn’t know!) Reading your post this morning energized me, and encouraged my heart, and reminded me of how much I looked forward to your thoughts and comments in the past. Even though I am a WW staff member, and one who attends weekly meetings, I still get an extra boost when I read how you approach the day. Keep up the good work! You are so inspiring to so many people! Merry Christmas!
I have been a lifetime WW member for 12 years. I have seen many changes to the program over the years. I honestly have to say that it was hard to stay at my goal on the previous program after I turned 55. With the new program I am excited to say that I saw a loss for the first time in quite a while. I love the fact that my sweet treats went up because I was actually abusing them. They weren’t really “treats” but had become a regular part of my daily food consumption. I also am impressed with how my daily and weekly SPs are based on my personal assessment. I am so glad I stumbled onto your site.
Same experience as Barb. Been lifetime since 1996, but for the past several years cannot get out of the +2 range. Have lost 2+ pounds on the new plan – biggest change was giving up a daily coffee drink (was 6 PointsPlus, now is 11 SmartPoints). Plus, I have been unable to get in much activity due to an injury, and still have this outcome. I love the new plan – I feel like it is finally realistic for long term maintenance. And, I am finding it easier to say NO – I eat in restaurants most meals, and it is so much easier to pass on bread, dessert, etc. – cravings gone!
Thanks Danica, I love your positive attitude. I am really struggling with the change- I too keep getting surprised when one of my old go to’s points have changed. But this is good because it challenges me to pay more attention to not only what I eat but what’s in it. Like any change I know there’s a learning curve to be expected. I can do this.
I went over my first day too because I logged the night before and things didnt change until the next day. When I sat down that night to log the next day’s food, my points were updated for Monday and I was over. At first I was shocked because I too eat mostly Simply Filling foods. When I thought about it, the things that went up were all the iffy things that I knew I needed to change. Things that I knew weren’t the healthiest but I was pushing it because I had the points like coffee creamer, salad dressing and some snack items. My coffee creamer went from 7 to 13 points. If I make my own salad dressings and figure out the coffee creamer, I think I will be happy and I know eating healthier. This is just pushing me to do the final tweaking of my meal plan.
What are the updated points for your turkey meatloaf muffins?
Hi Anna,
The good news is the points did not change. The Turkey Meatloaf Muffins are 2 Smartpoints each.
As with most my recipes, I provide the nutrition facts so calculating the new points should wor after inputting tge data.
Thanks,
Danica
I was bummed when I found out your (and also my) favorite “healthy eggroll” had gone up from 4 PP to 6 SmartPoints!! I eat one every day (I use the Sargento ultra thin Colby Jack which used to be 1 PP). I was crushed to find out both the corn tortilla and the cheese went up to 2 SP each. I make a latte at home or at work (usually twice a day) using a frother with 1/2 cup skim milk and strong coffee at that went up from 1 PP to 2SP. I only get 4 more SmartPoints a day, so just increasing those daily items wiped out the excess. Needless to say, I’m not sure I love the new plan, but I’m willing to give it a try. Glad to see you posting again!!
I agree with the others Danica! I love to see how you are making it work and congrats to you and your hubby on the terrific weight loss! My moble apps aren’t working like they should so I’m depending on the books for more information. BTW, you can still get the 8 oz skinny latte at SB for 3 points if the extra point is the deal breaker. (Tall is 12 oz)
Wow…your meals look yummy. And that’s a GREAT weight loss. I’m just sticking with points plus until after the holidays when I can really concentrate on the new program. I struggle with getting enough protein because I don’t eat any mammals and I rarely eat chicken and fish. I’m glad WW is pushing us to look at added sugar and saturated fats. This is definitely “cleaner” eating. Keep up the great work!
Please help us!!! I am having a hard time with all my favorites like hot chocolate, ww giant fudge bars and ww chocolate creme cakes jumping up way too high for me. Thanks for all your examples. My ww app is having problems too and it is very frustrating. Please keep posting to help me!! Love your encouragement and your ideas, even though I only have a Trader Joe’s 5 hours away!!! thanks
Many of the diet /fat free hot chocolates (about 25 calories) are still only 1 SmartPoint.
I switched from an egg to 3 egg whites for breakfast – only 1SP. And, with the increase in SP for sweet treats, I have a renewed focus on fruit and fruit based desserts. Looks like I will have a nice loss this first week, without too much time invested in the transition from PPV to SP. I am a happy WW!
I am sooooooooo glad you are back!! You make working the program so much easier.
I look forward to your posts and recipes.
I am finding I really like the SmartPoints. I needed to change my focus to lean proteins and curtail the sweet treats. I am a Life Time member but am about 6 pounds over my goal. I think this new program will help me get there. My weigh day is still a few days away but I am confident it will show a loss. Please keep your posts coming.
Thanks for posting again. I love your writing style and your knowledge of WW is superb! Don’t go away, again, for such a long period of time!
Great to see you posting again.
I’m looking foward to my weigh-in on Thursday after week 1 with SP.
The transition hasn’t been too difficult for me, but it does refocus efforts to more fruit based desserts or my fave treat is a Yasso frozen greek yogurt bar and only 5 SP.
Hi Danica so nice to see your comments, yes, we are all in this together. I like the new program. I am very happy that I had my own personal epiphany this summer! I stopped eating most of my snackie bars and reduced calorie ice cream. It has required some tweaking, changed the amounts of half & half in my coffee and small adaptions like here and there. and I agree – should take a few weeks to smooth out all the kinks!
Thanks for posting again. Made it thru the weekend on smart points and have a renewed vibrance for the program. I am a lifetime member ( many different programs over the years) that has struggled to get my excess pounds off again. I am pleased that WW is focusing on lean proteins and fruits and vegetables. More clean food and less boxes. I am thinking that fruit makes a great dessert which is a new thought for me.
I’m so glad to see you’re back to posting 🙂 I’m still trying to figure out the new program and I really need to take the time to recalculate all of the foods that I already have the PointsPlus written on the boxes for so I can plan my days better.
I’m so glad you are back! I stopped following WW, but maybe this is the inspiration I need to join again!
Danica, how do you get 7 almonds = 7sp? 1/4 cup almonds are 4sp. I need to have almonds every day, so what am I doing wrong?
I meant 7 almonds equals 1sp. How do you get that count?
Hi Vera,
It’s always best to calculate based on the nutrition facts for the product you are eating as some of the items in the books are averages of multiple products.
You can also count how many are in a 1/4 cup and divide by 4 as there are 4 Tbsp in a 1/4 cup or enter the actual number of almonds you eat as “items” in your online tracker versus measurements such as oz, cup, etc.
Hope this helps,
Danica
Thank you! That is important and very help info for me.
I really like your straight forward approach to the new WW. I am a lifetime member at goal and I am embracing the challenge of the new program. I have maintained a 90+lbs weight loss for 10 years. I started the new program on Saturday and thus far I can honestly say I have been more mindful about my food choices since Saturday. Change is good!
Danica, I always get such great ideas from your posts! I am gonna hunt down those Ole Wraps for sure!! My first week went ok. I finally was allowed to take the assessment (the site was being funky). I am at 30 points which is 2 pts LOWER than I would’ve been on the old points system. I was super bummed, but it made me determined to REALLY look for ways to lower the points of the foods I like to eat. Pretty much EVERYTHING I normally eat went up in points so that made it hard. Like you, I really had to check everything and basically start from scratch, which was fine because I kinda am anyway. It did gear me towards those higher protein–more bang for your buck foods though–so I guess that was good. I also cut out grains and starch from my dinners completely since I could never afford them by the end of the day so need to keep it to protein and veggies. I really do like having to calculate everything over. IT really makes you look at what you are eating, where as before you just kinda knew and flew through food without much thought. Looking forward to seeing how this all works out on the scale on Saturday. Imma cry if I don’t lose anything!! LOL!! See you soon and always grateful for your posts!!
Hi Lynette,
I get the Ole Tortillas at Raley’s.
Thanks,
Danica
Thanks for posting–I’m excited to see you back! This new program looks promising, but overwhelming. I’m glad to have your help in getting on track!
So, as an aspiring RD, I think that the new SP is a great system. The Points system was what worked best for me and since the change from Points –> PP I have been on and off Weight Watchers, getting frustrated that I see no great change.
I am excited for SP, just started yesterday, but I am wondering, do you find yourself able to eat all the points? I was tracking last week – nothing seriously just to see and couldn’t get all my daily points in (I think protein really took up my points before, not a bad thing). I am not a huge chips, candy, soda person (lies, would love to eat this every single day – but i don’t I’m okay with having 10 pretzel sticks and closing the bag).
Would love to hear some feedback, really hoping this works – need to take my college weight off….3 years later 🙁
I don’t get the logic behind upping the points for greek yogurt. Isnt that mostly protein and its lowfat too? I’d be starving on only half a breakfast flatbread from subway.
I had to switch the yogurt too! Dannon Light & Fit, 80 calorie GREEK Yogurt it still only 2points. It’s good. Try it! Good luck!
It’s interesting to see how the SmartPoints work. Glad to see that you are back to blogging. Your food pics are making me hungry!
See, I don’t get why your breakfast sandwich is now 12 points. Same WW system here in Canada, but my 6-inch Ham and Cheese on flatbread was only 5 points. Needless to say I am loving the new points system. A little harder to gauge, but overall the results are encouraging. From what I’m noticing, it seems WW is trying to encourage us away from “white” or “bleached” grains and more towards whole wheat with an emphasis on backing off sweets. I will gladly take that ^_^
Hi Catherine, I was trying to figure out Subway Canada in the WW app too. I have a bad feeling the flatbread egg white, ham and cheese is only a 3″ portion as that seems to be closest match to the nutritional info on the Subway site. I have been cross checking items from various sites as I go. I found a Starbucks skinny latte was 3 points when I use the current Starbucks nutritional info on their site. I think the WW site is often ‘behind’ restaurants current nutritional info. Many chains update their online info numerous times a year. Our BC chain, White Spot, did a huge menu overhaul awhile ago and it’s definitely the old menu online on the WW app.
I am a Lifetimer at goal and went to a meeting this week to get the new materials. I think the plan looks great! I’m not a big cookie/candy person, so for me, this is a very livable program. The only thing is that they were out of calculators, so I need to rely on the website. I have the Activia light 60 calorie yogurts — are these 2 points as well?
Thanks for your website. Glad you are back.
Yes, still 2 points.
I have not joined WW… yet! I’ve been poking around the internet reading reviews and thoughts of the new program and checking out recipes. I am vegetarian, 1/2 way to vegan. I do have some excitement about starting WW with a new program as I am not really familiar with any WW program. I love your site and recipes. This may be a newbie question here, but, will I be able to easily convert points for your recipes to the new program? I also really appreciate the fact that you have vegetarian and vegan recipes in their own little folder!! Thank you! This site pushed me closer to joining. I love simplicity…. I just don’t have time to search all over for recipes!
Hi Autumn,
Yes, 90% of all my recipes have the nutrition facts so you just enter that into the WW calculator and it will give you the new smartpoints value. I’m glad your excited about the program – it can definitely be done vegetarian/vegan as I’ve worked the program during Meatless March and Meatless Monday a few years.
Danica
How do I figure how many smart points I get per day and how many extra weekly points on this new program?
I just went to my first meeting today and am pumped. I heard people talk about “scanning” items in the store. How do you do that? I may just be a dolt. LOL!
Great blog, Danica.
Thanks for doing al the work for us.
What is that healthy egg roll you posted? Did you make it and might you share the recipe?
I’m struggling! I have been making Smoothies and I’m looking at the SP numbers for some others that are already listed on the site, like this one:
1 small banana
1/4 c raspberries
1/4 c blueberries
1/2 c plain fat free yogurt
1 c fat free skim milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
How does this equal ELEVEN smart points? Makes me just want to eat a donut instead, lol. I just need some one explain this to me….
Hi Billie,
I believe it really has more to do with the quantity/calories you would be eating versus if you ate the equivalent amount of fruit. As a general rule, your smoothie points will be lower if you use the same amount of fruit as you would eat in a regular meal or snack.
Here is a great article from Weight Watchers on the topic:
https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/m/cms/article/your-questions-about-fruits-and-veggies-answered
Thanks,
Danica
Hi. I believe those Ole wraps are only 1 SP. Punch in the nutrition vs scanning. I have the spinach version. With turkey, hummus, and veggies, it’s a 5 point lunch!
Thank you KF! I had scanned them when I first bought them and they came up as 2. But using the nutrition facts it is 1 -yay! Great lunch idea.
Danica
I am pleasantly surprised at how well the SmartPoints program is working for me. I’d been working the “old” program up until about a month ago, with very slow progress, partly, I think now, due to the nature of the foods I was eating to get my points. I frequently (when I did track), use all of my weekly points, and had hit a plateau for about 6 months. What I’ve found with SmartPoints, is that once I got in the groove, and track online (I don’t have any devices other than my computer), I have dropped 6 pounds in three weeks, and amazingly, don’t have nearly the amount of cravings I had with the old program. The online people helped me a lot in navigating the website. I trust that the science behind what WW does is solid, and while it is disappointing to see how high some points values are, it has helped me to be more honest and vigilant for the sake of my own body, and try to see food in a different light. I encourage anyone on WW to stick out the SP for at least a month or two and really work it before giving up.
I am just starting to get used to Smart Points. I am three weeks into it. Although I like Points Plus better because of the flexibility, I am determined to switch over to the new program. I get the best ideas from folks at the meeting, and the community on line. For me, I save my real sweet treat for late at night when I crave it the most. What has saved me is Oikos Zero coconut crème only 3 points. I peel an orange and add the whole thing to the yogurt, or dip the slices. It really satisfies my sweet craving. I am 7lbs down in three weeks. I agree with Cathy’s post, you have to give it time. It is a big change, but I believe you’ll see good results on the scale and in your “blood work” numbers if you stick to it!
I first joined Weight Watchers when I was in college, in 1972, and wow has this program changed! I kept its framework in mind through my adult years as a guide and it worked pretty well. But, for the past five or so years I have been about 8 pounds over my goal range and, since I have gotten really active (10,000 steps a day, Pilates Reformer classes, Walk at Home videos, etc.), I thought that I would try to lose weight. Joined the new WW about two and a half weeks ago and have lost 5.2 pounds. Hooray! This program is great. In 1972 the rules were STRICT: you had to have 2 glasses of skim milk a day, 5 to 7 fish meals a week, were limited to 1 tablespoon of oil or butter a day, had to have green vegetables at both lunch and dinner (a good habit, btw) and one serving of orange vegetables. No processed food at all was allowed and certainly no fast food. There was a category of food called #13s and they were called “illegals.” Popcorn, chocolate, cookies, crackers, a croissant, a piece of pie, pizza, wine. . .no, no, no. What freedom one gets with SmartPoints! I don’t have to crave anything–I just have to budget. If I like eating high protein breakfasts that include a couple of eggs (couldn’t have 2 eggs for breakfast in 1972, only one) and having a smaller dinner, I can do that. And a 5 oz. glass of red wine has only 4 SmartPoints. Do like this program. Thanks for all of these posts–they are really helpful. Rachel
Hi, a question about veggies. By way of background, I just rejoined WW after a hiatus of 25 years … last time, I lost 15 pounds but over the decades they crept back, and then some … I now have 20 pounds to lose. I love veggies, and last time they were my savior … I kept a stash of carrot and celery sticks to nosh on whenever I got hungry, and usually had several veggie servings (e.g. salad plus cooked veggie) with dinner. I’m doing that again this time, but have been frustrated this time because the weight is coming off much more slowly, and yesterday my coach told me she thinks the problem may be too many veggies! She said it’s OK to have a few carrot & celery sticks for a snack, but not a big handful … also she suggested that for dinner I just have all my food on one plate with no side salad, even if it has minimal dressing. Does that sound right to you? To be honest I’m kinda panicking if I can’t have my veggies. I always eat a lot of them even when not on WW. (by the way if you’re wondering about exercise I do 3 hours a week of Zumba plus an hour of fitness/weight training, so don’t think it’s that!) Thanks!
Hi Frenchy,
I disagree with the coaches advice. I add a fruit and/or vegetable to every meal or snack and that is one thing that helps keep me satisfied and gives the bulk I need to each. You could check your consumption based on having no more than 5-9 servings a day (1/2 cup fruit or vegetable, 1 cup leafy vegetables) and thinking in terms of calories (for example, I eat only 1 banana a day, never more than 2 as each banana is 100 calories). It could be possible that you are not eating all your daily points? I find when I work out especially this is important. Do you use your weekly points allowance? Perhaps you can adjust how you use that. It really is all about trial and error to find out what works with your body type. Good luck!
Danica
Cappuccino! This post made my day 🙂 My habit of getting a latte before my meeting every week was killing me now that it’s 4 points. I should point out that I’m not disciplined enough for this to be the only one I have every week 😉 The fact that there is a 2 pt. Starbucks drink I enjoy on the new system makes me so happy! Thank you, thank you 🙂
I like know smart point cheese and sunflower seed and salad kim
sunflowerseed and rasin smart points
How do I become part of this group chat
Can somebody give me the SMARTPOINTS value of a given amount (your choice: 4 oz? 8 oz? – 4 oz is 1/2 cup) of vanilla frozen yoghurt?
I have been looking all over for this and cannot find it. My Smartpoints shopping guide is old-fashioned (= European) and does not have the product.
Thanks much – Karla