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Hey there, savvy savers! It’s time for a fresh update on the ever-popular topic: How to Do Weight Watchers for FREE. That’s right – who says you can’t enjoy the benefits of a top-notch weight loss program without spending a fortune?
Why Consider Weight Watchers?
Weight Watchers is one of the most popular diets in the world, and for good reason – it’s simple to follow and can help you achieve your weight loss goals. But if you’re on a tight budget, it can seem daunting to think about shelling out money just to get started. Fortunately, there are ways to do Weight Watchers for free! In this article, we’ll discuss some of the tips and tricks that will allow you to do Weight Watchers without spending a dime.
How Much is Weight Watchers?
On average, a Weight Watchers membership will set you back about $60 bucks a month. Once you know the basics, it’s easy to do Weight Watchers on your own. Weight watchers does work if you follow the directions and it’s much easier than counting calories. On average you should expect to lose about 2lbs a week, although many people lose more. (I lost 4lbs my first week!)
What’s Up With All The Weight Watchers Plans?
If you’ve been following Weight Watchers (WW) over the years, you know they’ve been on a journey, constantly evolving and refining their weight loss and wellness approach. From PointsPlus to Freestyle and now to the latest Points® system, WW has been innovating to keep up with the latest in nutritional science and member feedback.
Why Consider the New Points System Plan?
While each WW plan has its unique strengths, the newest Points® system might just be the most exciting yet. Why, you ask? It’s all about personalization and flexibility. This latest iteration is tailored more closely to your individual needs, taking into account not just the basics like age and weight, but also your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, it’s designed to be inclusive, with special considerations for individuals with specific dietary needs, such as diabetes.
What’s Stayed the Same?
Despite the changes, some core elements remain consistent across all WW plans. The focus on holistic health, encouraging physical activity, and the beloved ZeroPoint foods are still here. But each plan has its unique flavor, and understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your health journey.
The Weight Watchers Plans Table of Comparison
To help you navigate these changes and see how the new Points® system stacks up against the previous ones, I’ve put together a detailed comparison table. This will give you a clear picture of what each plan offers and how they differ. Take a look at the table below to find out which plan aligns best with your personal wellness goals and lifestyle.
| Feature / Plan | PointsPlus (Pre-2015) | Freestyle (2017-2018) | New Points® System (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Concept | Based on a formula considering protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. | Introduced ZeroPoint™ foods. Focuses on protein, lowers points for sugar and saturated fats. | Similar to Freestyle with tailored plans, but no extra points for non-starchy veggies or water. |
| Daily Points Allowance | Calculated based on gender, weight, height, age, and activity level. | Personalized based on similar factors. | Tailored based on gender, age, weight, height, and lifestyle. |
| Weekly Bonus Points | Yes, Flex Points for occasional indulgences. | Yes, Weeklies for extra flexibility. | Yes, Weekly Points for added flexibility. |
| Activity Points | Earned through physical activity, can be swapped for food points. | FitPoints, encouraging physical activity. | Fitness Points still available, encouraging activity. |
| ZeroPoint Foods | Not a feature in this plan. | Over 200 foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins. | Includes fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and specific items like non-fat dairy. |
| Food Tracking | Mandatory for all foods. | Mandatory, except for ZeroPoint™ foods. | Required for most, excluding ZeroPoint™ foods. |
| Focus | Overall balance of macronutrients. | Holistic health, emphasizing protein and reducing unhealthy fats and sugars. | Comprehensive wellness, with a focus on tailored nutrition and mindset. |
| Tailored for Special Diets | Not specifically tailored. | Not specifically tailored. | Special considerations for individuals with diabetes. |
As you explore the table, consider what aspects of a weight loss plan are most important to you. Is it flexibility, specific dietary accommodations, or the ease of tracking? Your preferences are key in choosing a plan that not only works but is also enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
Remember, the best plan is the one that fits seamlessly into your life and supports your wellness journey in a balanced and joyful way. Here’s to making informed choices and embracing a healthier, happier you!
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Getting Started Doing Weight Watchers for Free: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re eyeing the PointsPlus, Freestyle, or the latest Points® system, the journey with Weight Watchers follows a few basic steps. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
1. Choose Your Plan: Start by picking the Weight Watchers plan that suits you best. Each plan has its unique approach, but they all focus on making healthier food choices and promoting an active lifestyle.
2. Figure Out Your Points: Each plan works on a points system. Depending on the plan, you’ll get a daily points allowance. This is usually based on your personal details like weight, height, age, and activity level. Some plans also offer extra weekly points for flexibility.
3. Track Your Food and Points: The key to success with Weight Watchers is tracking what you eat. Depending on your chosen plan, you’ll track the points for most foods you consume. Some plans have Zero Point foods (like fruits and veggies on Freestyle) that don’t need to be tracked.
4. Make Smart Food Choices: While you can eat anything on Weight Watchers, it’s about balance. Foods higher in sugar and saturated fat usually have higher points. Choosing foods lower in points, especially those that are nutritious and filling, can help you stay within your daily allowance.
5. Stay Active and Earn Points: Most plans encourage physical activity, which can earn you extra points. Staying active not only helps in weight loss but also boosts your overall well-being.
6. Use Available Tools and Resources: Weight Watchers offers various tools, like online calculators, apps for tracking, and community support. These can make tracking your points and staying on plan easier.
7. Enjoy the Flexibility: Remember, Weight Watchers is designed to fit into your life. The plans offer flexibility to enjoy meals out, special occasions, and your favorite treats, all while staying on track.
Getting Started with Each Plan Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s dive into how each specific plan works. Remember, the best plan for you is the one that aligns with your lifestyle and helps you reach your goals in a sustainable, enjoyable way.
How to Do Weight Watchers PointsPlus for FREE
- Calculate Your Points: First, you figure out how many points you can eat each day. This is based on your gender, weight, height, age, and how active you are. Use this calculator to figure out your points.
- Track Your Food: Every food has a PointsPlus value. You need to keep track of everything you eat, using these points.
- Enjoy Flex Points: You get extra Flex Points every week. These are for when you want to treat yourself a bit more.
- Get Moving: You can earn extra points through exercise. These can be used for more food if you want.
- Balance Your Plate: Try to eat a mix of things: proteins, carbs, fats, and fibers. It’s all about balance.
How to Do Weight Watchers Freestyle for FREE
- Know Your Daily Points: Like PointsPlus, you start by figuring out your daily points based on personal details like your weight and height. Use this calculator to find your daily points.
- Free to Choose ZeroPoint Foods: Freestyle has over 200 ZeroPoint foods (like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins) that don’t count towards your daily points. Here’s a list of Zero Point Foods,
- Weekly Points for Extras: You still get extra points each week for those times you want to indulge.
- Track What Counts: You only need to track foods that have points. ZeroPoint foods don’t need to be tracked.
- Stay Active: Earn FitPoints with exercise. It’s part of keeping healthy.
How to Do the New Weight Watchers Points® System for FREE
- Personalized Points: Your daily points are calculated just for you, considering things like age and lifestyle. Use this calculator for 2023 points.
- ZeroPoint Foods Are Key: You’ll still have ZeroPoint foods, but they’re more tailored to the new plan. Check this site for a list of zero point foods.
- Weekly Points for Flexibility: Like the other plans, you get extra points each week.
- No Extra Points for Veggies or Water: Unlike Freestyle, you don’t get extra points for eating non-starchy veggies or drinking water.
- Track Most Foods: You’ll need to track your food, except for ZeroPoint items.
- Stay Active for Fitness Points: Keep moving and earn points for it.
- You can also download an app that actually allows you to scan the labels to get the points value. It costs a couple bucks but worth it. This is the one I use.
- You can also buy a points calculator on Amazon like the ones available from Weight Watchers.
- Here is a free printable log sheet if you prefer to write it down.
Helpful Tips to Succeed with Weight Watchers
Embarking on your Weight Watchers journey can be exciting and a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got some great tips and tools to help you stay on track easily and effectively.
Utilize a Points Tracking App: One of the easiest ways to track your food is by using an app. There are apps available that let you scan food labels to quickly find out the points value. While some of these apps may cost a few bucks, they’re incredibly convenient and worth the investment. They can be a real time-saver and help you make informed choices on the go. Here’s the one I use.
Invest in a Food Scale: A food scale can be a game-changer in your Weight Watchers journey. It helps you measure portions accurately, ensuring you’re tracking the right amount of points for what you’re eating. Estimating portions can often lead to underestimating the points, which might slow down your progress. With a food scale, you can be precise about portion sizes, especially for foods like meats, grains, and cheeses, where the weight really matters.
Invest in a Points Calculator: If you prefer something more tangible, consider buying a points calculator. You can find these on Amazon, and they’re similar to what Weight Watchers offers. You can also find points calculators in the app store on your phone.
Printable Log Sheets for Tracking: For those who like to see things written down, there are free printable log sheets available. These sheets are perfect for keeping a physical record of your daily food intake and points. Writing things down can also help you become more mindful of your eating habits.
Plan Your Meals: Planning your meals in advance can make it easier to stay within your points budget. It also reduces the likelihood of impulse eating or reaching for unhealthy options when you’re hungry.
Explore Zero Point Foods: Make the most of Zero Point foods available in your plan. These foods can be great for snacking or adding volume to your meals without using up your daily points.
Stay Hydrated and Active: Don’t forget the basics like drinking plenty of water and staying active. While these might not earn you extra points in some plans, they are essential for overall health and can aid in weight loss.
Join Online Communities: Being part of a Weight Watchers online community can provide support, motivation, and valuable tips from others who are on the same journey.
Treat Yourself Wisely: Use your weekly bonus points smartly. Treating yourself once in a while is okay and can make the diet more sustainable and enjoyable.
Watch Your Portions: Watch your portions! If a serving of cereal is 3 points but you dump 3 servings worth in your bowl your overeating! Either measure the amount in one serving or count double the points.
By using these tips and tools, you can make your Weight Watchers journey more manageable and enjoyable. Remember, the key to success is consistency and finding the right balance that works for you.
Acountability
- One of the big reasons Weight Watchers works is accountability. No one wants to go to a meeting and get weighed to find they gained weight for the week. So that usually helps you stay on track.
- Whether you join a free online group like Spark People, Facebook groups or Myfitnesspal, or you join with some local friends to hold you accountable this is super important.
If you still need more help, Weight Watchers is offering 3 month free promo to help you get started. This is a great way to learn the basics!
Get Weight Watchers for $5 a Month for 3 Months
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Here are some more helpful links to help you be successful!
- Starting the PointsPlus® Program: 5 Things Not To Do!
- MyFitnessPal Food Database (To find the nutrition values in foods without a label)
- Weight Watchers Recipes at Skinny Taste
- FREE Programs to Exercise and Lose Weight
Weight Watchers Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between PointsPlus, Freestyle, and the New Points® System?
PointsPlus focuses on balancing macronutrients and requires tracking all foods. Freestyle introduces many ZeroPoint foods and emphasizes protein, while the latest Points® system is highly personalized and includes specific plans for dietary needs like diabetes.
How Do I Determine My Daily Points Allowance?
Your daily points are calculated based on factors such as age, weight, height, gender, and activity level. Use an online PointsPlus calculator or the tools provided in the specific Weight Watchers plan you’re following.
Are There Any Foods I Don’t Need to Track?
Yes, each plan has ZeroPoint foods. For example, the Freestyle plan has over 200 ZeroPoint foods like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins that don’t need to be tracked.
Can I Still Enjoy Treats and Social Events on Weight Watchers?
Absolutely! Weight Watchers plans are designed for flexibility. You can use your daily points, weekly bonus points, and ZeroPoint foods to enjoy treats and social events while staying on track.
How Important Is Exercise in the Weight Watchers Plans?
Exercise is a key component of all Weight Watchers plans. It promotes overall health and can earn you extra points in some plans, like PointsPlus and the latest Points® system.
Do I Need Special Tools to Follow Weight Watchers?
While not mandatory, tools like a points tracking app, a food scale, and a points calculator can make following the plan easier and more accurate.
What Are the Benefits of Joining Weight Watchers Online Communities?
Joining online communities offers support, motivation, and shared experiences. It’s a great way to connect with others on the same journey and get tips and encouragement.
How Can a Food Scale Help Me on Weight Watchers?
A food scale ensures accurate portion sizes, which is crucial for tracking points correctly. It aids in learning portion control and helps in making more informed food choices.
Michelle Harler
Michelle Harler is the founder of Guide2Free, a website dedicated to finding and sharing freebies, product testing opportunities, and other ways to save money. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her expertise in finding quality offers makes Guide2Free an invaluable resource for anyone looking to try new products and save money.
