The new PointsPlus System replaces Weight Watchers' Points plan, which has been used by tens of millions. The reason for the change? Weight Watchers wanted to reflect the latest nutrition science, according to Karen Miller-Kovach, the company's chief scientific officer and the mastermind behind both the original system and the new one.
The formula to calculate the new PointsPlus values is based on the amounts of protein, fiber, carbs and fat in foods, Miller-Kovach says. The formula takes into account that protein and fiber are important for fullness and warding off hunger. It also factors in how hard the body has to work to process food into energy, she says.
In the PointsPlus system, a medium croissant with a pat of butter gets a 7, while one poached egg, 3 ounces of ham and one slice of whole-wheat toast with a pat of butter gets a 6. Both breakfasts have 270 calories. Fresh fruits and most veggies were given zero points so they'd be "more enticing," Miller-Kovach says, because most Americans don't eat enough of them.
New Weight Watchers Plan
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