Weight Watchers launched an innovation to the program in early December, and as I was leading my meeting yesterday morning, it occurred to me that I haven't yet shared anything about it! So here we go with a look into Weight Watchers 360.
To start off, the PointsPlus 2012 part of the program hasn't changed at all. You still are given a certain number of PointsPlus per day, extras to use as you wish each week, even more for activity (and through the ActiveLink) and each food has a PointsPlus value. To add to the tried and true method of tracking, Weight Watchers has introduced two new pillars to the program.
The main reason behind this innovation (in my completely unendorsed words), is that science shows that willpower is basically crap. Sure, willpower will carry you through a certain number of tough food decisions each day, but the fact is that we are forced to make so many choices about food all day, every day, that no one will be able to make the right ones all the time.
So here comes the two new additions to Weight Watchers 360 – Routines and Spaces.
Did you brush your teeth this morning? Get into the shower before work? Put on clothes before leaving the house?
I am guessing (hoping) that the answer to all these things is yes, and that you probably didn't have to put too much thought into it because it's become a habit over time. Weight Watchers decided to study the habits and routines of the most successful members who have lost weight and kept it off, and came up with a list of 16 routines that we should all be doing every day.
Some of the routines are basics – like eat breakfast everyday – but some of them are things that have been great for me to work on, like making sure to have a snack with me before I leave the house and making sure to include fruits or veggies with every meal and snack. The idea behind it is that we know that people are more successful when they work on changes in groups and have that built in support, so each month, we introduce and work on a new routine and reflect each week on what worked and what didn't.
The first thing we worked on was making sure to have a snack every single time you leave the house. This was something I was not at all in the habit of, and something that I truly changed during that month by putting some thought into it. I'm not going to lie – I definitely still have to remember and make an effort to bring a snack with me – it's not a routine yet, but I have made a lot of progress on it. Over time, I am guessing that this will become second nature to me and won't be something I have to even think about, at least I'm hoping. Having something healthy at arms reach that I enjoy but isn't tempting enough to consume my thoughts has been a game changer a few times over the past two months.
The last piece of the puzzle with Weight Watchers 360 is taking control of your spaces – or of all the places that you eat and/or are around food. One meeting a month will be dedicated to taking control of a particular space, as it applies to the routine of the month, so it all feeds into itself.
For example, the routine of the month for January is Produce Power: Make sure to include a fruit or veggie with every meal and snack. Last week's meeting was about reorganizing your fridge and making changes that can set you up to be more successful when you open that door to your fridge after a long day.
Prep and wash all fruits and veggies when you get them home from the store, and place them front and center in your fridge in clear glass or plastic containers.
Put more tempting foods out of sight, in the freezer, and/or in opaque containers so they are harder to see.
Put leftovers in single serving containers so you can grab and go.
Get single serving treats to keep in the fridge rather than large multi-serving containers.
A lot of those are pretty self explanatory, but I honestly never thought to put treats/higher calorie things in containers that you can't see through – I LOVE that idea because I really am so affected by what I see and it influences the decisions I make quite a bit.
Overall, I am really impressed with the Weight Watchers 360 program. I love that each month is guided by a routine, and it's really been helping me to refocus and recommit to being healthy. Even for some of the routines that I have down pretty well – like eating fruits and veggies all the time – it's forced me to look at it in a different way and realize I actually need to incorporate more veggies into my diet, and maybe a little less fruit. It's so refreshing to look at a routine at face value, and then reflect how I apply (or don't apply) it to my own life. I also love the emphasis on spaces, because I feel like making little changes – like sitting myself AWAY from the food at a party – make such a difference in how much I eat and how good I feel after the party is over.
Any questions about WW360? For those of you who are members of WW – what do you think of the program? Like it, love it, indifferent?
I really like the new program. I reached my goal at WW in November and the Routines have really helped me in Maintenance. My favorite one so far is "Put down your fork and sip water between bites". I eat too fast and this has really helped me to slow down.
Congrats on getting to your goal! And that's a really good routine, and one I DEFINITELY need to work on. It'll be fun to hear other people's ideas about different ways to slow down when that becomes the routine of the month, too!
I do WW 360 too and LOVE it! At first I didn't notice a difference in the program but once I gave the routines a try and participated more outside of the meeting I started noticing BIG changes! Carrying a snack has affected me a lot – and in a good way. No longer do I stress when I go out shopping wondering if I'll get hungry while I'm out and if so, what would my options be? I eliminate like 5 food thoughts just from having a snack! This week I also reorganized and cleaned my fridge and pantry and realized with all of the expired items out of the way I no longer stare in the fridge for 10min searching for treats I may have forgotten about. I realized I had made it a game and I actually enjoyed staring in the fridge to find a treat of some sort. Taking that away took importance I was giving my food away, too. The first day I realized this I felt really uncomfortable and slightly emotional (I know, weird) but now I LOVE how I feel and LOVE that I'm finally becoming that person I've always wanted to be – the one who doesn't make food the most important thing in her life. I never knew such small changes in routine and space would make such a HUGE difference! I've stayed on track better these past 2 months (and ENJOYED IT!) than I have in my whole life.
It is kind of crazy how much power food has over us, isn't it? I get weird and emotional about changes too, which is so dumb, but I can't help it! So glad WW360 is working well for you. I'm a HUGE fan of the changes.
Thanks for the insight on WW360, it sounds great and I really need a change. I also feel like everything I do involves food and its taking over my life. Do you have anymore advice and also did you do the online program, I'm thinking of trying it?
I love the new additions! I am 4 lbs away from goal and feel confident in the healthy routines I have and the new ones I'm focusing on now!
Wow Amy – you are SO close! Congrats!!!
I really like this enhancement to the program. I have learned the hard way that willpower is crap and routines ARE the key. I had some great routines going into the holidays–and then they all fell apart. I love WW new focus on them because they really are the key to long-term success. Now I just need to get back into those routines!
Hi Melinda! So glad you are liking the additions to the program. I agree that the focus on routines really is the key piece that makes it that much better. Even when we have some of the routines down pat already, it's never a bad thing to take a step back and look at ways you can improve upon them or come up with new ideas.
Hm… thanks for sharing this. I haven't looked too much into the new program on my own, and haven't really been feeling the new changes. I feel the meetings haven't been as good (focusing the on the one routine the whole month) as the past 2 months are things I have already been doing. Maybe I need to read over all the new stuff and pick a few routines that will help me. Thanks!
Curious if you are doing WW online as well as attending meetings. And if one just does WW online, would they still get the routine and spaces info?
The new WW 360 program is actually what enticed me to give WW another go. (I joined several years ago, got about 12 pounds from goal, stalled and fell off the wagon.) I rejoined on Jan. 1 and am down 11 pounds so far.
Glenneth, I'm doing the online program this time, and the WW app puts routines/spaces info right at your fingertips.
Thanks Arlene! I am considering signing up for the online.
I joined WW again about 6 weeks ago. I've done it a few times in the past, and as I've told you before, it never worked for me. But- I either did it online or just went to the center to weigh in and didn't stay for meetings. This time, I took a different approach. I go my meeting every Tuesday morning and stay the whole time. I engage in the discussions and ask for help when needed. I figured out how to balance my activity/extra points since I exercise for a living and always have a crazy amount.
It's been slow and steady, but I'm about 7 lbs down, and have about 18 left to reach my goal. And I am loving it- the new program is SO helpful for me- because I really had to tackle the reason behind why I gained weight and mindlessly eat, etc. I'm actually excited about it (still) and look forward to my meetings. I'm not going to go so far as to say that I look forward to stepping on the scale, because that's always causes a little bit of anxiety for me (from YEARS of being afraid of it growing up!).
I am finally embracing the new 360 program and using the tools that the meeting and e-tools provides. I am a repeat WW offender….:-)..and at this point 12 lbs away from goal. I have found a new commitment this time around…although far from perfect. I LOVE MY meeting and my leader and look forward to the support and fellowship every week even if I'm disappointed in the scale. But, I realize it's not the scale's fault…but maybe some poor decisions I made during the week. Beth, thank you for this post and I hope you share more of your WW experiences as a leader with us on your blog.
Thank you for posting this!! I am a member of the meetings, and I honestly had no idea what the new program was about–despite the fact that I go to meetings every week! My leader didn't explain what the new program entails–she just started by telling us to bring a snack with us everywhere. I love that you explained HOW this came about and WHY it's a good idea. I am going to start looking at the routines I can form!
This was great info, Beth! I am doing WW online and kind of wish now I was going to meetings instead. I did see the tools for Spaces and Routines but didn't really bother much with them, thinking that just focussing on recording my food and activity was enough for me. After reading your post, I think I will give these more attention!
The tips about food in the fridge and always taking a snack with you when you go out, are great! I am glad to see that, on my own, gradually, the contents of my fridge have changed and reflect mostly what you mentioned above. I even went out and bought snack size baggies for other things like sunflower seeds, etc. I portion out any snacks like that right away, so I can just grab a baggie and know exactly how many points I am getting!
Another tip, my husband has ALWAYS done for the sake of saving money and I now strive to do for my health is, always bring a bottle of water with you when you leave the house. There have been so many times in the past where I get thirsty but am not anywhere I could easily walk into a store and buy some water; he just reaches into his backpack and has water any time he wants! Without having to dole out money, either.
Hi. I am 50 and have been on protein shakes for meal replacements for a few years. It was successful until I became sensitive to the ingredients. I'm ready for real food. I want to know if this is a great nutritional way to loose weight or just maintain as my matbalism slows as I age? I exercise regularly but when it comes to food I really need help. I tend to either skip meals or crave carbs . So just to maintain and feel great is this for me?
I'm a newbie to the points program period. I did the original WW WAY back in the 70's. A friend and I are going to our first meeting this coming Thursday and I am very excited to start this program. I've been a yoyo for my whole life and I'm finally ready to settle down and change my way of thought. Just happened to stumble on this site and hope you don't mind if I bookmark you and come back for advice and encouragement.
I'm a really new newbie!! I'v never done anything with ww except buy an occational dessert in the freezer section. I am terribly overweight and my Dr. has wanted me to have gastric by-pass for several yrs. now. I would probably go that route but I don't like the way it makes parts of your body look after one has lost quite a few lbs. I guess I was really wanting to know is, Can a person lose like 100lbs and/or more if needed with ww? I know this is probably an unrealistic goal in my life and gastric by-pass may be the only option I have. I really need to know if this is possible. I have also had to have neck surgery and major back surgery. My Dr. tells me I'm going to have to have both done again in the future.
Hey Marsha! Let me tell you my story. 6 years ago I joined WW and had over 150 lbs to lose. I wasn't certain that WW could help me lose that much or if I had what it took to lose that much weight or if it was even possible for anyone to lose that much weight without some medical intervention. But I had to at least TRY! You know what? I did it!! I lost 167 lbs! That's one hundred sixty-seven pounds, more than half of my total body weight. Once I started the program, I never looked back. It took just 2 years to lose the weight. I ate my daily points target, exercised, enjoyed treats now and again, and tracked, tracked, TRACKED! I never starved myself to increase my weight-loss because I knew from previous experience that just comes back and bites you big time. What made me stick with it? The freedom to move like I never could before, my boundless energy, loving what I saw in the mirror every day and best of all moving down from a size 28 to a size 6. Surgery as an option for weight-loss is a serious one to make and for some people, it is the only way. I never considered it for many reasons; the risks that major surgery brings, the tiny meals would be a downer (I love food!) and most important, it wouldn't change the psychological reasons why I did overeat. I encourage you to try WW and give it your all. Don't listen to the people who say the odds are stacked against you. Statistics don't matter, this is about you and the weight you want to lose and doing it! Best of luck to you!!
Hi Darlene – Thank you so much for sharing your incredibly inspiring story! If you are interested, I'd LOVE to do a feature your story on my blog in an "In Her Words" post. Email me if you'd be interested at bethsjourneyblog at gmail dot com. The transformation you've gone through, both physically and mentally, sounds amazing. Congratulations to you!
Does the 360 program work for the stubborn menopausal weight gain? That extra 15 pounds that just won't go away no matter what.
I feel your pain. A year ago, I was on points plus and lost 60 pounds. Was under 200 for the first time in years. Then I gained back 45 pounds of it. The program does work, but I CANNOT keep it off. Back to needing to lose 100 pounds again.
Thanks – your words have encouraged me to give the WW360 a try. Your story if very inspiring and I hope it works for me too!
How do you make yourself eat the foods that are good for you? The only vegetable I eat with dinners is corn. I eat by taste and at 55 how do you change that thinking?
Ok. Where do I begin. I m 61 and have tried ww a few time. Have gone up and down the weight loss and gain tower. Nd I m at the gain again . Even being in a coma for a month did not give me weight loss. So 4 yrs ago I died and was brought back to life.
Everything I eat makes my stomach hurt. No one knows why.
I have joined WW severall times and the last 2 times I did lose a pound but never could get pass that, I would lose then gain it back. I am a bit reluctant to join again, I do not want to waste the money again. Can you give me some pointers on making this work for me. I need to lose 20 pounds.
Note: I joined 20 years ago and I lose 30 lbs, of course I was younger and didn't have a husband to feed and it was just easier for me then, now I can't seem to grasp it.
Hi Marietta – Sorry you have been struggling so much with WW lately! I do think the new program is great and worth it, but it's up to you to decide. I know the meetings make a huge difference for people, so one idea could be to try out different meetings until you find a group and a leader that you like. Also, planning is a huge piece for me, so taking some time on the weekends to plan for the week can set you up for success. Finally, and maybe the hardest part, is accepting that you can't eat as much as your husband! I used to have the hardest time with that when I lived with my ex boyfriend because I wanted to (and easily could) eat as much as he could, but that wasn't working for my weight loss. That's just to say you can eat the same things as him, just have to watch portions more than he does unfortunately. Men have it easier when it comes to weight loss!
Hi Jamie! I'm sorry you've been struggling so much! I do think the e-tools are a great option, especially since they are cheaper than the meetings or the online program. The etools are the thing i use the most because you can use the app on your smart phone, or when you're sitting at a computer 10-12 hours a day! One thing you can also do is set calendar reminders to remind you to get up for a few minutes every hour or two so you're moving around! Hope this helps!
Hi beth I really want to lose weight but im not sure what program to choose I really prefer the online version because I have a baby and its hard for me to attend the meetings and my car is down right now. I need help and fast I also have a gym membership to work out so I just want to know if the online version is good and do it works.
Hi. I am twenty-seven years old and started weight watchers on March 26th 2013. The reason I joined was to lose weight, and so far I've lost 8.8 lbs! My birthday is next week *the 24th* and I want to lose 10 lbs total before my birthday. I find that I struggle with planning and staying away from foods that I crave. Yesterday I wanted a McDonalds burger and fries. I was allowed 17 points at 5 p.m. (I had a lot of zero or 1 point snacks throughout the day) and so I ate 20 points for dinner and had my McDonalds. I subtracted the 20 points from my daily amount and took 3 points from my "overdraft" points. I didn't feel guilty for eating McDonalds, I know there are better options, but it also taught me a lesson that I can have what I want, but I sacrifice a lot of points for just ONE meal! Before WW, I would've had the meal, then probably snacked on items that weren't good for me and then had a REGULAR soda too. I switched to diet soda and I'm slowly weening myself off diet soda. I hope my story helps people who are thinking of joining WW or who are on WW and need to hear about other people's experiences. I want to lose 60 lbs, and I know this won't happen over night, but so far in a month I have almost lost 10 lbs and that is better than gaining 10 lbs in a month!
I also have been a past member of Weight Watchers..The first time I joined there was a great group and leader..I reached my goal and kept it off for quite awhile but eventually it all came back plus…So I joined again, the group was very large and there was one member that talked the whole time and talked with leader after words also..The seconds meeting I wanted to talk to the leader. , I waited 20 min and this lady was still talking to her so I left…No one should have to,pay for a class and have one person hog the entire meeting..The leader should not have allowed that either..Need less to say I need to lose some weight but do not want to,pay to listen to one person take over the whole class…Thinking about online..
HI, I JUST JOINED WW ONLINE. CAN I COME TO THIS FORUM FOR SUPPORT?
60 years old and 5'5 and always walked and ate healthy on some days. However, I love French fries and chocolates. Salt, on everything. This is it the old WW like the Duchess of York..I was eating donuts, ice cream and chips as it was in my point range. Before I knew it I ate my way up to 20 more pounds on weight watchers. Hurt my back, had surgery and steroids and gained another 5. However, started 360 as my niece lost 40 pounds since January 2013.. however she is 40 and 3 miles every morning she jogs. I finally, joined and lost 7 pounds since May 6th 2013 to May 26th..not walking as I am only allowed certain movements. The points are 26 and that is a lot. NO DONUTS..my double chocolate was 10 points alone. Happy meal 17 for lunch ad my baked skinless chicken breast with vegetables and salad 8 and jolly time pop corn for a snack or weightwatcher skinny cow. Now without a 23 point limit and learning about healthy and clean eating in my space of life it works hands down. So, now with 360 I have really loved the new "0" points on fruit and certain veggies. Pears, bananas etc..ucky..now I grab them in a sugar or salt attack. After this last month I am really happy that I can lose 25 pounds without gaining by October 2013 my 61st birthday. 5 pounds per month is the goal.
Sparkpeople..will tell you I did all on-line however, as I never stayed for a meeting at WW's. The 360 program is so great I need that space, spot or seat in that room to be part of an all new breakthrough in weight loss. The men and women..standing room only on some days we are learning more about how new ideas and sharing in the conversations. Presentations and preparations is so important as weight watchers ceo ..his book is fab…by the way..continue to research and more exciting things to come.
Folks..It is whatever suits you and sometimes, we can go it alone, or need some encouragement, hear from different perpectives, walking groups form, and most of all the dynamics of the facilitator. Each day is a struggle even more so now when you go to the mall for a summer outfit and everyone under 100 pounds gets to slip into the newest trend. Sorry, I am happy I am almost 61, however, I feel bad for this generation of teens, young parents and working people who are never going to get into a 0 or an 8. This is where WW's kick's in..Guidinance..to show you what a healthy lifestyle is and it's real.
New Insurance programs in our country will change and relationships with our physicians will be dissolved. You and me have to be our own advocates and help our aging parents or a life changing event like a bad doctor report. I, am actually using the new 360 weight watchers as a guide to stay healthy and fit as I age. OK..Ladies..and Men….challenge for summer starts tomorrow on Memorial Day..hot dogs, jello cake, chips etc….just write it down and be happy however you decide whether by 26 points or 226 points you WILL get back on 360 asap which might take a couple days. Do not drop out or give up..we are all in this together.
Along the lines of taking a snack when you go out, one thing that has helped me tremendously is to make a snack bag to take to work. I work at a restaurant/bar where almost everything we sell is super high calorie deep fried extra cheese stuff, and it's easy to get hungry when you're running around for 5-7 hours with no break! I make homemade protein-granola bars, and take one of those with either an apple or banana, sometimes some grapes, and baby carrots, celery sticks or bell pepper slices with me in a baggie, and I just graze whenever I get 30 seconds. It saves me thousands of calories a week, and since we only get a discount, not free food, it saves money too!!
I lost 44 pounds on WW and needed a boost to help with the last 20 or so. The holidays set me back by 10 pounds and I did my research and decided to try the Lady Soma Detox . I am pleased to say that after taking 3 per day for 4 days I have already lost 7 pounds. Lady Soma def makes the lbs come off. No jitters and no side effects that I can tell as of yet.
I just started WW360 and I am a week in. I havent seen any weight loss and I am getting worried that I am missing something. I have stayed within my daily points plus every day so far. I have been doing workouts 3 times a week, what am I missing? I record everything I eat and drink. I use fruit or veg with every meal and I dring 8 – 10 glasses of water everyday.
My idea is that as long as you stay within the daily points plus and/ or the weekly points plus, along with exercise, you should be losing weight and reaching your target. Am I correct?
Hi Anthea! Sorry you're struggling with the new program. That is the idea, yes. But every person has a unique formula that they have to achieve that you will discover over adjusting to the program. I've had members who haven't lost unless they eat all of their weekly and all of their activity points in a week, and I've had members who can't touch either if they want to lose. I'd say it sounds like you're doing everything right, and keep doing what you're doing for another week or two. If you still aren't seeing the scale budge, either talk to your leader (if you do meetings) or I'm happy to take a look over your food log and give you some suggestions!