The Skinny

Here is how the program works.  The calculator will calculate out how many points a day you are allowed.  It will ask you a few questions; age, gender, weight, height, and if you want to loose or maintain.  Once you get this number (mine is currently 32) the rest is easy, right?  WRONG.  Don't get me wrong, but now you have to decide how to use those points.

On top of your daily allowance you are authorized 49 weekly points.  That is standard for everyone on the program.  You can use ten on Monday, ten on Thursday, but it is not like Cingular... they do not roll over to next week!  Use or lose is the way the points work.  Now, it is not recommended; however, if you know you have a big event on the weekend, you can use all 49 in one day.  This should be saved for Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.  The goal is to stay within your point range, but the extra points allows for some divulgences.

Then the calculator (that I highly recommend) will calculate points to any food item, provided you have the nutritional information.  This is great, except when you are looking at the menu at Taco Bell.  Having to ask for the nutritional information sheet, and sitting there for ever calculating is a pain.  This is why I got the Dining Out Companion.  This has all the fast food and chain restaurants you could think of.  I sat down and used sticky tabs to mark the places I frequent.

The new Points Plus program is different from the old program.  The minimum number of points anyone will get is 30.  They discovered that anything less is unhealthy.  Also, foods now have a higher point value than the old system, so make sure that you re-calculate any old cookbook recipes if you plan on using them.

The calculator will ask for the protein, carbs, total fat, and fiber.  you will be surprised that a lot of the foods you already love, will fit in with the program.  If you know someone with a calculator, you can just have them calculate your point allowance and get a food journal to write everything down, or like me, use a free app on your cell phone/smart phone.

There are a few requirements you need to allow for in a day:

1. 6 liquids
2. 2 healthy oils
3. Multivitamin (I am not taking one)
4. 5 fruits and vegetables (you can go over this though)
5. 2 non-fat and low-fat dairy products

There are power foods that will help you stay successful, and that is the fruits, veggies, non-fat dairy, whole grains and lean proteins.  

Exercise gives you more points to consume in a day.  The most points you can get are 5 points.