The latest WW plan is in full force, and you may be asking yourself, how to earn bonus PerosnalPoints™. One of the best parts of the new plan is that you now are encouraged to do specific things that will earn extra points toward your daily and weekly balance. Below I am going to dive into how this works and what you can expect as you follow the plan!
How to Earn Bonus PersonalPoints™
If you haven't heard about the latest update, you can check out our post all about the 2021 WW plan updates and changes to PersonalPoints™. Once you check that out, you may also want to look over my PersonalPoints™ tips and tricks for success to begin.
As this plan is vastly different in some ways than past plans, it is important that you understand going into it what to expect. While the same basic tenants apply, there are differences in that no two people have the same plan and it is much more customized for your overall health and success.
Note: As always, with any change in diet or exercise, it is imperative that you check with your physician first to make sure that the plan will be okay for your own personal health needs. We are not physicians or dietitians and cannot make any determination regarding your individual health needs. What we share here is just for informational purposes.
Drink More Water
The first thing you are now encouraged to do and finally have tracking for on the app is to drink more water! For years I have wanted to see the WW app and program have an option to track water to help hold me accountable. Now, not only can I track it, but I can also earn for it. Overall, it is recommended in general by medical professionals that an adult should drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, thus the plan that WW set forth includes that amount.
To earn that extra point, you must drink 64 ounces of water in your 24 hour period. The maximum you can earn is 1 point per day, and that point is only added to your daily points balance.
Note: If you happen to not use that point (or others), you can still carry over up to 4 points to the next day
Yes - only WATER counts toward the bonus PersonalPoints™!
One of the biggest questions and arguments I have seen in the various WW support groups is in regards to what WW considered water. There have been many arguments, so I shared a very specific post in our WW support group about this that I will also relay here. The only thing that earns the bonus point is actual water.
What is considered "water" when earning the extra point?
- Plain water
- Sparkling water
- Flavored water
- Water with fruit or herbs added for flavor
What does not count as "water" when earning the extra point?
- Tea includes herbal tea, green tea, black tea, or sweetened/unsweetened iced tea.
- Coffee
- Diet soft drinks
- Juice
- Water with additives such as Crystal Light, Mio, or Kool-Aid - even when sugar-free.
WW does recognize that your body absorbs water from many things, including those things such as fruit, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and more. However, they do not recognize that as part of the plain water goal for earning your points.
Eat More Non-Starchy Vegetables
WW has always encouraged us to eat more non-starchy vegetables. They add tons of fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and are often a great source of hydration. Since they are lower in calories, have no fat, and are lower in carbohydrates, they fit into almost everyone's menu with no guilt or worry about overeating them or causing blood sugar increases.
How much do I have to eat to earn extra PersonalPoints™?
For every 1 cup of non-starchy vegetables, you eat you earn 1 PerosnalPoint™. This can be from eating the vegetable all by itself as a side or base for a meal, or as part of the meal or recipe.
Is there a limit of PersonalPoints™ per day I can earn from vegetables?
No. There is no limit on how many extra PersonalPoints™ you can earn in one day from eating non-starchy vegetables. However, the average person would eat 2 to 5 cups of vegetables per day. If you feel like you are struggling with this and abusing the rewards system, you will want to reach out to a Coach with WW to discuss further.
Here are vegetables that earn additional PersonalPoints™
The image below shows the items considered non-starchy vegetables. I have included a shortlist of common items as well. For the full list, you can see it HERE within your personal WW account.
- Broccoli, cauliflower, romanesco.
- Zucchini, summer squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash.
- Onions, bell peppers, celery, cucumbers.
- Carrots, radishes, and turnips.
- Kale, spinach, swiss chard, collard greens.
Here are vegetables that DO NOT earn you additional PersonalPoints™
While some of these may be on your personal ZeroPoints list™, they will not count toward your earned PersonalPoints™. These tend to have more carbohydrates which can alter your blood glucose differently than the vegetables mentioned above.
- Corn
- Acorn squash
- White potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
Of note here that may be surprising is the acorn squash. While some of its counterparts are on the list above, such as butternut squash, acorn squash is not. It has a higher carbohydrate count than others so is considered starchy food instead.
Get Active and Move Your Body
The last way you can earn additional PersonalPoints™ is by exercising. For this, the number of points earned does vary depending on the person. In the past, activity points were earned at a set number per minute exercised. WW has changed the algorithm to take into consideration the individual rather than a set number.
Now, your individual weight, age, and sex will play a larger part in how many points you earn. For example, my son is young and at a healthy weight, so it is less difficult for him to walk 5,000 steps a day than it is for me who is heavier and older. I would earn more points than he would for doing the same activity because it is harder for my body.
When Should I Choose To Count Steps?
In my opinion, the best time to count steps is for those who need the challenge to meet a new goal and are just beginning an exercise journey. This is especially helpful for those who have a more sedentary job where moving during the day doesn't come naturally. While it may not be a way to earn more PerosnalPoints™ easier than straight exercise would be, it will help you become more mindful of your movement.
When Should I Choose to Count Time Active?
For those with less weight to lose, counting a timed activity may be better as it will encourage them to increase the cardio or weight work they are already doing.
Of course, these two are my own opinions and it is entirely up to you what you feel is a better way to account for your activity levels. Plus, you can change it at any time if you feel you would benefit more from a different way of tracking things.
Create Healthier Habits to Earn Bonus WW PersonalPoints™
Ultimately, this is a great way to encourage those following WW to make better choices in what they eat and how active they are each day. I realize that many don't like this, but for others, it is just the boost they need to work harder toward their goals and to fuel their bodies with healthier options.
Carol G Kerr
Thank you for taking the time to explain and put together the helpful printable personalpoints zero pt. food lists. Your tips are spot on. Thank you so much.