Along with losing 2.1 pounds this week, I’ve lost another friend.  I’ve lost another point.

As you all know, I’ve been doing the Weight Watchers Flex Plan.  On this plan, foods are given point values based on the number of calories they have, how many grams of fat they have, and how many grams of fiber they have.  These numbers are used in a formula to calculate the food’s point value.  Or, if you’re a Weight Watchers customer, then you simply have to input those values into a points slider or calculator and voila!  You have a points value.  Their online tools are extremely handy for this.  There are several place you can find a calculator on their website if you’re a paying member, and I also own a points calculator that I can take with me everywhere.  It can also be used as a regular calculator, so it comes in very handy and is very small, so it is easy to carry with you.

The WW Flex Plan has undergone several changes over the years.  I’ve only been around for two years, so haven’t had to experience too many of these revisions.  One is that your Daily Points Target (the amount of points you have to eat each day) used to be calculated solely on your height and weight.  The taller you are and the more you weigh, the more points you would get.  I believe it was also broken down into about 25 pound increments.  Every time you entered a new bracket, you would lose around two points (if I’m remembering correctly).

The current program is a bit different.  First of all, your Daily Points Target is based on a variety of factors now.  There is actually a quiz you take to determine what it is.  If you’re an online member, this is very easy to do as they have the quiz online.  This quiz factors in your current weight, your height, your age, if you’re male or female, if you’re a nursing mother, if you mostly sit or are on your feet for your job, and whether you want to lose weight or maintain your current weight.  As you can see, it is much more personalized.

One of the best things about it is that instead of having the same Daily Points Target for 25 pounds and then having your system shocked by having to lose two points at once, they step you down much more gradually.  Every ten pounds, or every time you break far enough into a new decade, you lose one point.

Hence my current panic.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m ecstatic to be losing a point because it means I’m losing again!  However, I’m really sad to see that point go.  I’m sure you’re thinking “one point?  One measly point?  How bad can it be?”  Well, when you’re already struggling with the points you have, then one point can make a huge difference.  Depending on the amount of fat and fiber in the item, one point can actually mean anywhere from 40 to 110 calories.  And I value every one of my points as though they were gold.

I have also gotten myself into a routine as far as my daily menu.  Monday through Friday, I practically eat exactly the same thing every day.  I don’t mind this, because they’re all foods that I love.  And if I do, then I have no problem switching it up a bit.  On the weekends, however, I tend to change my menu radically.  It just depends on what is going on. 

Since I have lost a point today, I am having to re-evaluate my daily menu for Monday through Friday.  And darn it, I’m not liking it!  Maybe I’m selfish, but I like to eat!  I’m also stubborn.  But if I remind myself why I’m doing this, and what I have to gain from losing the point, then I will find it in myself to get over it and figure it out.  I’ll just take tonight to pout a bit.

I guess I can look at it as if (when) I reach goal, I’ll only have to lose three more points by then.  And luckily, because of my height, I don’t believe that my points will ever have to drop as low as some people’s will.  One of my friends, in fact, had to try to survive on 18 points a day. I could NEVER do that.  I would say screw it and stay overweight.  (Not that I thought she needed to lose anything, anyway!)