What’s in store for Weight Watchers 2017? Weight Watchers has been pretty much silent about changes coming, but I’ll share what I’ve found in this Weight Watchers 2017 Program Review.
The Biggest Change to the Weight Watchers 2017 Program
Perhaps the biggest changes to the Weight Watchers2017 program is leadership. CEO Jim Chambers resigned in September, and the company is seeking to find a replacement. Oprah gets to help with this, so I’m excited to see who they choose. Too bad Gayle already has a job. The stock price is down to about a third of what it was at the peak of the Oprah announcements. Revenues are also plummeting, and the negativity around Smart Points doesn’t help.
Weight Watchers 2017 Program Changes
From a points perspective, there aren’t many Weight Watchers 2017 program changes. They’ve added a new program that gets you a discount on the Apple Watch. But, be careful, if you terminate early you can be charged $304 the first month and less as you stay with the program. You effectively save $125 on the watch if you use this method. Not a bad deal if you truly want both programs.
Note: If you want the new program click my referral link here to get a $10 gift card, the latest Weight Watchers promotion (sometimes $20-$100 in incentives), and $5-$10 back from Ebates. Plus if you use a reward credit card, you’ll get that bonus too. There are so many ways to save on the Weight Watchers 2017 program.
Weight Watchers continues to update the app. They typically release a new change every month, but they are mostly to fix bugs and crashes. There aren’t as many crashes these days, which is nice.
Smart Points Are Here to Stay for 2017
Weight Watchers 2017 program still includes the new point calculations called SmartPoints and FitPoints.
What are Weight Watcher Smart Points?
Smart Points replace the old points plus system. They’re focused on getting you to eat healthy, more filling foods. If you thought South Beach diet was similar, you might be right.
- Calculating SmartPoints: SmartPoints are created from a formula that includes calories, protein, sugars and saturated fat. Point are calculated with calories and decrease as you add protein and increase as you add saturated fat and sugars.
- Weekly SmartPoints Allocation: Everyone starts with a target of 30 daily SmartPoints. You may get extra depending on the results of your initial assessment. You will also get a weekly allotment of SmartPoints depending on your weight, gender, etc. The absolute lowest number of weekly SmartPoints allocation is 14 based on a conversation I had with the expert chat team. However, 14 is very rare. Most people get between 21 and 35 weekly SmartPoints.
- Protein: Proteins that are lean are the best choices for low smart point values. In fact, lean meats are often 1-2 points less per serving than they were on the PointsPlus program. Think tuna, turkey, lean ham, and chicken.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and Veggies are free! Except for high starch veggies like potatoes. If you decide to juice your fruits and veggies, you’ll need to count the points because you’re removing the fiber. As far as freezing fruit and eating them unblended, I have word from my coach that this is fine. Zero points that is. (insert Yoda voice)
- Sugar and sweets: Snacks hit you hard on the Weight Watchers 2017 program. Most snacks are a few points higher than they were on Points Plus. If you reduce the amount of snacks you have, you’ll do great on this program.
Weight Watchers 2017 Review
After a year of being on the new Weight Watchers program, I can say that when I stick to it exactly…I lose weight. When I mess up and go off track, I don’t do great. The difference between what I do and what most people do is that I don’t give up. This is why I’ve been able to lose weight and keep it off over the years.
There are so many avid Weight Watcher’s fans that are frustrated with the new Smart Points system. I have always said that if an older system works better for you, you should stick with it.
The only person who knows your body is you. If your body doesn’t respond to the new Smart Points system but, responds nicely to Points Plus, then by all means…do Points Plus! Just because Weight Watchers doesn’t support Points Plus, doesn’t mean you can’t find a program or app that still works. Do a search in Apple’s Appstore or Google Play for Weight Watchers Points Plus to find an app that works for you. My quick search turned up at least ten right off the bat.
Most folks who want to go back to the old system or who want to pay less for WW, should use the itrackbites app. It’s one of the best out there. It costs $3.99 with a recipe builder add on for $1.99 as well as a restaurant guide for $1.99. It tracks Smart Points, Points Plus, and the old Points program. The possibilities are endless.
I said it last year, and I’ll say it again, Weight Watchers exists to make money for its shareholders, and they do it by changing the program and marketing the heck out of it. Hence, the Oprah effect. I believe if Oprah weren’t on board with Smart Points, the stock price of Weight Watchers after the loss of their CEO would be well below $10 per share. Weight Watchers was SMART for partnering with her.
Overall, I give the Weight Watchers 2017 program two thumbs up. Mostly because it works and is focused on the right things: healthy, filling foods combined with exercise. BUT, YOU MUST DO THE WORK.
Whats in Store for 2017?
I’m continuing with the Weight Watchers 2017 program, but with a few changes. Firstly, I’m making small, lasting changes. I’m analyzing my food habits and seeing how my body reacts to a new one over the span of 7-14 days. This means that I’m tracking and journaling daily!
One thing that I’ve found is that I don’t have as many cravings I when I start my day with protein and add carbs after lunch. I literally can last an entire morning on two cups of decaf and one egg. That’s 2 Smart Points if I don’t use creamer.
Secondly, I’m going to focus on ONE bad habit that I’d like to break. I think this is 2 PM carb binge. In 2016, I focused on removing caffeine from my life. This wasn’t easy and cost me a few weeks of nagging headaches. But, it was well worth it.
If you want to make a change in your life, start small and don’t give up just because you didn’t have a perfect day. Look for progress. Was today better than yesterday? If so, you’re making progress! If not, what do you need to do to change that? Make slow and steady progress to the person you want to be. AND DON’T GIVE UP ON YOU.