Counting points vs counting calories

Any opinions on what works better. Assuming I know to focus on high fiber and healthy eating, cant I just count points and work each day on a caloric deficit? Or does WW trick me into eating less?

Sat. Jul 15, 10:06am

If you really know how to eat healthy, either one will work. It's definitely possible to do either one while eating "junk" food (it may be low calorie or low fat, but it isn't doing anything for you nutritionally).

Saturday, July 15, 2006, 12:34 PM

1 point = 50 caloris so its the same..or there abouts

Saturday, July 15, 2006, 4:56 PM

Don't points also take into account the nutritional value of the food as well as the calorie count?

Sunday, July 16, 2006, 9:45 PM

They also include fiber and fat content of the food.

Monday, July 17, 2006, 12:23 AM

It is true that the general rule of thumb is 1 pt=50 cal. however, 50 cal. of french fries, dougnuts, potato chips, etc. are not the same as 50 cal. of green beans, carrots, strawberries, etc. That is why they have the points, the points take into effect fiber and fat.

Monday, July 17, 2006, 9:02 AM

If I remember right, the formula for points is something like:
points = (calories/50) + (fat grams/10) - (fiber grams/4)

So if it has lots of fat, it makes the points higher, and if it has lots of fiber, it makes the points lower. But fiber grams only count up to 4, and after that, you still count it at 4. (You used to be able to count up to 10 g of fiber -- but that changed 4 or 5 years ago, much to my chagrin!)

I find it easier to keep track of points because it's easier to ballpark. I know that one slice of normal bread is around 2 points, even if its 80 or 100 or 110 calorise.

Monday, July 17, 2006, 9:54 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge