The Weight Watchers Program is back and better than ever! Below are updated notes on what has changed for Weight Watchers in November 2022! The new plan started on Monday, November 14th, 2022.
In an unprecedented move, WW (Weight Watchers), has decided to make a plan change after only 1 year! This November 2022, the PersonalPoints program will go away, and replacing it will be a new plan better suited for weight loss. If you are curious about the WW Changes for 2022, we are happy to share what we know so far. As new information is shown to us, we will update this post, so bookmark it to check regularly.
WW Plan Updates for 2022
If you are currently a WW member or considering joining, the next month is going to bring about some amazing changes. This year, the WW changes are going to remove the current PersonalPoints plan and replace it with a fresh update. This plan is unnamed at this point, but from all reports, it sounds like an excellent change moving forward.
What's the New Weight Watchers Plan Name?
You'll love it - WEIGHT WATCHERS PLAN or WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM - that's it! No fancy name, just call it what it is. WW will still be used some, but you will find the full name listed more and more in this program.
When Will The Plan Change?
We have been told that the plan change will happen this month The most recent update shows that it will happen on Monday, November 14th, 2022. While we are not positive about this, if you are already a member, you will be receiving updates in your email throughout the month.
I am confident in saying that the plan will change during November this year. However, if you are uncertain about the change, this year they are allowing you to stay with PersonalPoints through at least mid-December (verified December 11th,2022 PP will go away). Instead of an immediate change, you can transition a bit slower. This is a nice change from the past.
Things That Will Stay The Same
The first question most think of is what is going to change the most. Since we've talked about that, now I am going to share a few of the things I know will remain the same. These may be updated as we learn more, and once the plan is live on the app and on the site.
- The food point calculation algorithm will stay the same for most foods. It will continue to use the same macros for calculations that all plans using SmartPoints have in the past.
- Weekly points will be a part of the updated plan. At this point, however, we do not know for certain if they will carry over daily or be a set number per week. UPDATE: The weekly points will roll over, up to 4 points per day - verified 11/14/22.
- Points allowances will be determined by your weight, age, and sex. It is rumored that the lowest daily point allowance would be 23 Smarpoints. At this time, this sounds reasonable and would increase for those with more to lose.
Things That Will Change
There are some great things happening with this plan that I, personally, am excited about seeing change. While not everything is detailed for us yet, below are a few things that I know are going to be great changes.
Same Plan For Everyone Except Diabetics
Rather than multiple choices of plans like the last change, this plan will be for everyone. We will all have the same pointed foods and zero-point foods with the exception of diabetics. The PersonalPoints plan of last year introduced a change for those who are diabetic. The biggest change was that fruit would be pointed for them while it would not be for others. I would guess that is the case with this plan, but we will find out more information once launched.
UPDATE: The following zero-point foods will be different for diabetics and will automatically show in your plan if you are prediabetic or diabetic.
- Fruits
- Corn
- Air-popped popcorn
Note: it has also been mentioned that WW has partnered with Abbott pharmaceuticals in relation to the diabetic end of the program. This could bring about some good changes and education about how diabetes works.
No More Zero Point Starches
PersonalPoints plan added the option of potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, and avocado as zero-point foods for many individuals. This has also been the case in the past with the Simply Filling plan as well as the Purple Plan. The latest Weight Watchers Program plan change for 2022 will no longer have these as zero-point food. They will be counted as points for all on the plan.
No More Earned Points for Drinking Water or Eating Vegetables
This is one that I am a bit disappointed about. I know that the idea of earning more points is appealing, but it can be a bit too much for some. I personally liked the ability to track water in the app still. I am hoping they at least retain that option within the app, even if the water intake will no longer earn me extra points each day.
New Zero Point Options You Will Love
It is said that this year, a new addition to the zero-point options will be fat-free cottage cheese. I believe it has been for the last year but cannot verify that on my own account as it isn't listed but others say it is on theirs.
I know this will be a great addition for many and definitely add variety to regular meals. Especially if you are a fan of the popular "Felicia Combo" from a past WW influencer that consists of eggs, turkey bacon, and cottage cheese. Another addition that has shown up on lists in the past is air-popped popcorn.
UPDATE: Both fat-free cottage cheese and air-popped popcorn have been zero points in the past for some, but it's a nice update this year to be included.
What Plan Is This Similar To?
We have been through many plans over the last several years, and each one has its benefits and downsides. From what we have seen and been told, the new plan will most closely resemble the past Freestyle Plan or Blue Plan. That means it will have a familiar list of zero-point foods and have flexibility in daily and weekly points. The hope is that it will be less likely to feel restrictive or have a "diet" mentality.
UPDATE: No, it is NOT exactly like the past plans, but is much closer to those than the ones in recent years.
Get your brain going by checking out our WW Freestyle week meal plan or the Blue Plan week of meals to get started. These may not be exactly the same points as the new plan but will be close and give you an idea of what to look for and plan for in meals.
What Are The Zero Point Foods on the WW 2022 Plan?
It is my understanding that this plan will include many of the same zero-point foods you have had in the past, with a few exceptions. Below are some of the basic additions to the list.
UPDATED LIST 11/14/22
- Fruits and non-starchy vegetables will be zero points. I am uncertain if that will include corn, or if corn will be back on the pointed list as it is a starchy vegetable. Additionally, as mentioned above, fruits may have points for diabetics.
- Some dairy will be zero points. As in the past, both eggs and non-fat plain Greek yogurt will apparently be zero points. Add to that this year is the above-mentioned fat-free cottage cheese.
- Lean poultry is included. 99% fat-free ground turkey or 98% fat free ground chicken, as well as boneless and skinless chicken or turkey breasts, are both zero points.
- Tofu and tempeh
- Yogurt and Cottage cheese. Fat-free plain Greek yogurt, fat-free plain yogurt, and fat-free cottage cheese are included.
- Fish and shellfish. All fish and shellfish are zero points, even salmon!
- Beans, peas, and lentils
- Corn and air-popped popcorn. With no added oils or butter.
How Should I Prepare For the Weight Watchers Plan Change?
First and foremost, make sure that you have an open mind about the changes. This will be different for you but can be a great change. Especially for those who found PersonalPoints to be a bit lackluster. The new plan can really be a great update. Other things below may help with the transition.
- Make sure your app is updated this week. The changes will show on the updated app and may not register on apps that haven't been updated.
- Focus on meals for the first few weeks that are your favorite healthy options. With the plan changing, that means you may find some of the recipes you like are higher or potentially lower in points. The goal is to keep things familiar so you don't falter. It is okay to find yourself a bit over points as you adjust.
- Create a plate with vegetables as the largest portion. Make meals 75% fruit or vegetables, 10% starch, and 15% lean protein. This helps you have a balanced menu that is lower in points but will still give you healthy protein and natural fats.
- Don't panic. Above all else, a change may be a transition but doesn't have to create panic. This one sounds like a good change!
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