by Rowann

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

I've followed Weight Watchers[1] on and off for a number of years with some success (currently I'm down -35 lbs.!) The current program offered by WW is called "Turnaround" and provides two food plans for people to choose from. The first plan is called the "Flex" plan and the second one is called the "Core" plan.

Both of the plans have been developed so that when followed correctly, they provide a maximum amount of nutrients, good variety of nutritious food, promote moderate portions, which in turn provides a gradual and permanent weight loss without endangering the health of the body.

The "Flex plan" is designed for people who are interested in tracking exactly what they're eating. Any food is permitted on the Flex Plan; from cake, to pizza, as long as the "Point Value" of the food is recorded. Each specific piece of food is given a point value[2] , from 0 points (like carrot sticks and celery) to 2, 3, 4 and even 12 points (fajitas at a restaurant!) People following the Flex plan are given a specific number of points for the day (depending on their age, gender, weight, activity level and whether they are a teen/ nursing mother.) As well as the daily point allotment, there are an extra 35 points available for the week that can be spent at any time.

The success of the "Flex Plan" is that people become very aware of what they are putting in their mouth. Everything is written down; they can see if they are drinking their water and dairy. They can see if they are missing any important food groups and can also tally their daily points at the end of the day. If the total is in the negative, they can use some of their free weekly points to bring the balance back up. The Flex plan encourages adherents to use all of their daily points, so that they don't miss important nutrients. The goal is slow, steady, healthy weight loss; not a sudden drop like so many "fad" diets.

The "Core Plan" is designed for people who either cannot, or are not interested in tracking daily points. People following the Core plan must select foods from a specific list, rather than pick whatever foods they feel like. The list includes lean meats & meat-substitutes, vegetables and fruits (but not dried fruits), a large variety of whole grains, low fat (or non-fat) dairy and plenty of water. (Both plans encourage a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day, as well as a multi-vitamin.) The Core plan helps people learn how to tell when they are "full". Since there is no tracking in the Core plan, people must

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