Core or flex?

[Guest guest]

I've been with Weight Watchers since 2001, and have seen myself drop 50 lbs

on the Flex program, and come within 2 lbs of my goal. I loved FLex when it

was the only option. (I also gained most of it back due to emotional stress

beyond my control. Today I have 41 lbs. to goal.) It was nice to feel so in

control of what I was eating, yet I could eat anything in the house and make

it work. However, when the stress hit and I stopped counting points, I just

continued to eat the same way, but more of everything, apparently.

When I rejoined in the middle of last month, I couldn't get back into the

swing of tracking and counting all the time - felt like I was spending

waaaaaay too much time thinking about food and how to work the program. So,

I was thrilled when WW introduced the new program two weeks into my current

journey. I am definitely sold on Core.

I spend very little time thinking about my food anymore. As long as I keep

my house stocked with plenty of Core choices, I know my next meal or snack

will be simple, satisfying and yummy! I, too, am eating lots more fruit than

I used to. I used to feel that a one point chocolate was the same as an

apple, so I'd prefer the chocolate. Not anymore! Now I can satisfy my sugar

cravings with fruit several times a day, and not use up any points. Same

with milk products - a glass of skim milk or a dish of non-fat cottage

cheese or plain yogurt (dressed to my liking) goes a long way, anytime I

need them.

On Core, I am eating very well and developing habits for a lifetime. After

20 years of fighting with my weight, I truly believe I am now making real

changes in my habits and I CAN keep it off. An added bonus is that the

weight is dropping off with seemingly little effort.

The biggest secret to making Core work is the grocery shopping. Before you

can really enter into living the Core lifestyle, you have to make sure you

have plenty of Core foods, in variety, in your home.

I'm not knocking Flex either. My WW buddy from the very beginning is

sticking with the Flex plan. For her, Core is too challenging, and requires

her to give up some foods that she loves having every day, such as bread,

tortilla chips and tortillas. Technically, she doesn't have to give them

up - she could use the points allowance for those items, but she likes to

use her extra points for weekend treats. I understand why she prefers Flex,

and we can still provide plenty of moral support for each other. (But I do

like to tantalize her with the vast array of foods I can eat without

counting whenever we get together.)

Cindi