Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 5

A Look At Zero Point Foods

It’s time once again to reflect on my week. As I finished up my fourth full week of the Weight Watcher’s program, I took a few moments to see why I had not lost as much as I had hoped for so this week. After some soul searching I believe that I may have been overusing the “FREE” foods. Both mom and my sister lost weight this week. I am so proud of them!

Zero Point Foods

I want to take a few minutes to explain what Zero Point Foods are for those who are not familiar with them. For many years one of the main features of the Weight Watchers program has been their point system. All foods are given a points value and your goal is to stay within your daily points allowance. Now with the Weight Watchers Freestyle program, many foods such as lean proteins, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, nonfat plain yogurt, veggies, and fruit are called Zero Point Foods. The foods on this list form the foundation of a healthy eating pattern, so you don’t need to weigh, measure, or track any of them. They are a great way to stay within your daily points budget. 

Zero Point Vegetables – You can enjoy most non-starchy vegetables for zero points on the plan. You will have to count any oil or butter the vegetables are cooked with. This includes fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables as long as they aren’t packed with any additional oil, sugars, or fats. There are a few vegetables that are not zero points including potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, parsnips, cassava, mushy peas, yuca, and olives.

Zero Point Fruits –  Almost all fruits are zero points but they should be eaten in moderation since they can quickly add up and slow your weight loss. This includes fresh fruit as well as frozen, canned, or jarred fruit as long as it doesn’t have added sugar. However, avocados, plantains, and any fruit that is made into a drink or smoothie are not zero point foods. This is because a smoothie contains much more fruit than you would normally eat in one sitting. For example, you would not normally eat several whole fruits, a cup berries, and some pineapple in one sitting but is common to have all this and more in a large smoothie.

Zero Point Condiments, Flavor Enhancers, and Spices – The WWFreestyle program also includes as zero foods spices, low calorie, low sugar condiments, and many of the things that we use to enhance the flavor of foods. Some of them are vinegars, broth, fresh and dried spices and rubs, mustard, hot sauce, capers, and salsa. Note: These are zero points when used in small amounts but if you are using more in a recipe you may have to count the points.

Be Smart About Zero Point Foods – These zero points foods are one of the things that I love the most about the Weight Watchers program but they can lead to slower weight loss if they are overused. This is especially true when it comes to lean proteins, beans and legumes, eggs, and fruit. If you find your weight loss is slowing or plateauing, it may be a good idea to look at how you are using zero point foods. You may find that you are overusing these foods. I went to Aldi’s so we had lots of fresh fruit in the house. I believe this is why my weight loss was lower than I wanted it to be last week as I found myself snacking on them all week. Even if it is zero point food, eating too much is not good. For example, even though eggs and grapes are zero points, it still isn’t a good idea to have several boiled eggs or a huge portion of grapes for a snack. Instead, opt for a single egg and a small handful of grapes. Everything in moderation! If your weight loss is progressing as you would like. If it is – then just keep doing what you are doing!

How my freestyle weight loss week went:

Much of this week was spent on the laptop working. So much work to do that I had to remind myself to get up and move. With my father having trouble with his vision, this has also been an emotionally stressful week. I had hoped that I had a grip on my emotional eating but found myself looking for those comfort foods that in the past I had found solace in. This time, however, I stepped back for a moment and evaluated my choices. Instead, of eating I grabbed a cup of green tea or went outside and tidied up the yard.

Even with having a weak moment, I swear that Milky Way was calling my name, the week ended with 56 points left in my bank unused. With all the free foods that I love eating, I had many daily points left at the end of the day a several times this week. No matter how I good or bad did this week or this month this journey has given me a chance to get to know myself. Best of all, I’ve just begun. There’s a lot more to discover about myself. I’m just glad that I don’t have to travel alone. But the trip to scale was one that I would have to do on my own. So on Sunday, I found my way to the scale for my weekly weigh-in. Nervous as usual, I stepped on the scale to see that I had lost 2.4 pounds this week! See you can have your cake and eat it, too. You just can’t eat all of it. Averaging 2.9 lbs per week, I have lost a total of 14.4 pounds since starting the Freestyle program. Until next week… Remember to stay positive and keep looking forward.

Where are you?

Where are you on your journey? What are your health goals? Have I forgotten anything? I would love if you would let me know.

Share your thoughts below or on my Facebook fan page.

I am not a medical professional. The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. 

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Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 4