WW Core anyone?

[Hello Kitty]

I guess I've decided to do the WW core plan. My main meals are great and under control (pretty close to core foods already), but I get out of control with the other stuff. So I hope it will be a small lifestyle change for me, and yield better results than what I'm doing now, which is not trying very hard. :o

I don't know what I'm looking for - I guess some commiseration, feedback on how the program worked for you, what you like/dislike about it, how it really works in practical settings, etc...

[Hello Kitty]

Okay, well, it's awfully noisy in here, but I'll start. ;)

From the research I've done, not too many people are on core - it's awfully lonely! I wonder why, really. You still get points, and carbs and protein. It's just low fat. To me, the plan makes so much more sense nutritionally than the regular WW plan. MIL & SILs were always eating 'no point' soup and these low point super-processed foods. Kinda crazy, but I've never seen anyone do WW in a sensical fashion.

There are some of the 'no' foods I think are kind of weird, but I understand where they're coming from. By putting something on there as okay and unlimited, people can go nutso or eat unapproved versions.

One is lunchmeat - I know that by putting this category on the list, you open up people eating salami and braunschweiger, but why is cooked roast beef okay, but roast beef deli meat not? I assume the processing, b/c it's certainly not the macronutrients. But anyway.

As far as nutrition, yesterday, I was at about 1300 cals with eating my 5 points and 2 activity points. Points are surprisingly expensive! I'm kind of worried the calories are too low, but I clearly wasn't doing so well before this, so.... what do I know?

So my question is, if you know you're going over your points, what do you do? I guess everyone's thought process is different (mine is probably 'screw it' ;)) but I'm not sure how I *should* think. Should I avoid it and suck it up and resist?

I guess these extra points are to teach me to balance things I want and going out to eat with a healthy lifestyle, but it seems so polar. If I'm going out to eat (which is rare) I kind of say 'forget it' and just eat whatever. Either that, or I just don't eat out at all b/c it's too tempting.

[SwiftyOWB]

I did core awhile back and I liked it. I was never that hard core but I would be up for doing it now. My breakfast was core: Old Fashioned oatmeal, peaches in juice, raisins and cinnamon. My lunch was almost; a flour tortilla, fat free re fried beans, brown rice, full fat cheese and chicken. If i used a fat free tortilla and fat free cheese it would have been core!! Let me know what you all are doing. We are having crock pot tortilla soup that is core other then the tortilla strips which once again I could replace with fat free tortillas.
Long winded but I am here not the less!!
Kel

[maybride2007]

I am doing WW now and doing the flex plan, but I am thinking of switching and trying the core plan and see how it goes, how are you guys making out with the core plan.

[Hello Kitty]

Yeah! Friends! :D

I've still been tracking my food here (http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=kats737), if you want to see what I'm eating. I feel like I'm getting there - I'm not going to throw out food, but replace it with more core items as I go along.

I've been on it for two whole days, so I don't think I've lost anything - actually I'll be shocked if I ever lose weight. I haven't budged from my current weight for 2 years, although my body composition has changed drastically. We'll see.

I'm never hungry, but I'm never stuffed, which I think is the point. I'm also eating less calories and fat than I used to, so, so far, so good.

[Hello Kitty]

OMG! I've lost weight - eek! I'm down 2 lbs, which is huge for me. This includes 5 days off of core, when I went to visit my grandma. I did some quick measurements, and I'm losing some inches too. I need to continue weight training to make sure I'm preserving my muscle (which I'm terrified of losing) but I'll probably check my body composition over the weekend.

I've been having a hard time making core dinners - I think I might want to use my extra points for that. Dinners just seem so sad, esp, because I love cooking rich, yummy things. :D

[amorey]

Hey Kat, I didn't know you started a thread over here! Congrats on your weight loss. I’ve only lost about 8lbs, but today I’m wearing my skinny jeans. Go muscle mass! You were right about sticking with strength training.

I love the Core plan. I cheat it a little- I’ll eat low fat cheese instead of fat free cheese because fat free cheese is nasty. Since Tuesday I’ve only eaten 8 points- so I currently have 41 saved up for the weekend. I won’t use them all, so I figure that makes up for my little cheats.

Here are some of the things I’ve been eating for dinner:
-Stir fry with brown rice
-Chili (I made an all-core recipe) with some low fat cheese sprinkled on top and one or two points worth of baked chips
-Meatloaf (again all-core recipe)
-Buckwheat spaghetti
-Lean pot roast with veggies in the crock pot
-That lentil barley recipe you posted a while back (a couple points for the butter)
-Another lentil recipe I found on the WW site
-Tacos either taco salad or a couple of points for soft taco shells

I can post recipes if you’d like. Don’t forget that you can eat barley/oatmeal/potatoes/whole wheat pasta one meal a day. I’ve been having a salad with chicken, tuna, or canned shrimp for lunch and saving my starch for dinner.

The last couple of times I’ve gone out to eat I’ve ordered shrimp fajitas. 1 pt a piece for the tortillas and a point or two for the cheese. I also get salads that usually will just have a few points for the non-FF dressing.

[Hello Kitty]

Ah, I like to eat my points on the day I earn them, but maybe I should try and save them up for the weekend or something...

Hmm, I forgot about lentils, I should definitely look up some recipes for them. Those are good menu ideas though - just what I needed to get started. I definitely use my starch at dinner time. Lunch is either no starch or I use 1 point for half a WW pita pocket.

I have to say, it really makes me think about what I'm putting in my mouth. Do I really want XYZ, because it will cost me so many points. And since I only get 5 points a day, it makes it very easy to avoid things like a grilled cheese or bag of caramel popcorn.

[EmilyBronte]

Can you explain to me what the Core plan entails? I am starting WW again (was on it in 2003 and went off it because of the $$) January 9th. Anyway, I am just wondering about the Core plan because the WW website doesn't really detail it all that much. I am familiar with the points plan as that is the plan I did in 2003.

Thanks!

[Hello Kitty]

Basically, you eat as much as you want off a list of whole, healthy foods - unlimited fruits and veggies, lean proteins, lean dairy, whole grains - the CORE foods. Then you count points for foods that are not on the core list.

That's overly simplistic, but you can find a list of core foods here (http://www.geocities.com/core_food/). You get 35 points per week and can bank them up along with activity points earned.

I personally like it because it was fairly close to the way I already ate. I was just going overboard on eating non-core foods. I also like that I can eat as much as I want - just knowing that is very good for me mentally and prevents me from being in a restrictive mindset. For me, the key is counting extra points accurately, I've had several half-points lately that I haven't counted in, and that's stalled my progress.

Okay, :o I was going to sign up for WW online, but am trying to do it on my own first. I'm sure there are resources out there I am missing, but so far, it has gone really well. So if you're still strapped for cash, you can probably do the plan on your own if you're disciplined enough.

[EmilyBronte]

Okay, :o I was going to sign up for WW online, but am trying to do it on my own first. I'm sure there are resources out there I am missing, but so far, it has gone really well. So if you're still strapped for cash, you can probably do the plan on your own if you're disciplined enough.

Thanks for all the info! I actually have been trying to do this on my own (my mom pays for the online and I use her access) since my DS was born in January, and I have decided I need to discipline of paying someone to step on that scale each week.

I'll be back here once I've started and maybe we can help support each other!

[Jaycee]

I just started the core plan yesterday. I would LOVE some recipes that are total core recipes. Should I start a new thread for WW Core recipes or is it cool if we post them in here? Anyone?

[amorey]

I think posting recipes here would be fine. I’ll be back later with some of mine.

[Hello Kitty]

Sure, post recipes! Glad to see there are more people on board! :) Not many of my recipes are 100% core b/c I eat my points throughout the day. You can also find a lot by googling 'WW core recipes' - there are a couple of forums and lists, etc... So post any links to sites you find!

[Jaycee]

This one looks pretty good for a cold winters night...I may try this tonight

copied from: http://www.healthdiscovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=107182

Ham and White Bean Soup with Greens

1 T olive oil
8 oz Canadian bacon (I used 12 oz. lean ham cubed)
1 c diced onion
1 c diced carrots
1 tsp dried thyme (oops…..I only had ground, just added what I needed to taste good)
2 15oz cans cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
2 14oz cans chicken broth
2 c chopped fresh mustard greens (grocery store didn’t have these but they did have a spicy spinach mix that has arugula and red & green baby spinach)

Sauté ham, onions, carrots and thyme in olive oil 3 minutes or until onions and carrots are slightly soft. Add beans and broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in greens and simmer 10 minutes more or until greens are tender.

[Hello Kitty]

Lotsa recipes. (http://www.recipezaar.com/mycookbook/book/33588)

Even more recipes! (http://www.recipezaar.com/mycookbook/book/32481)

[Amuse Bouche]

Yay! I just started core yesterday and so far I love it. (Ha! So far! One and a half days!) I love that I'm mostly eating very healthfully (lunch today was a veggie minestrone and some plain ff yogurt with frozen berries and a little maple syrup), and that I can occasionally indulge (it's OK to have a glass of red wine, or one cookie, so long as I count it). It's a pretty cooking intensive plan, though -- not a lot of quick and easy foods are core. I did a lot of cooking Sunday to prepare -- made homemade succotash, minestrone, and bulgur wheat salad -- that I can just pack up and take to work.

[carrie9142]

Hi! I just came across this thread and had a few questions...

--You really, really don't have to count calories?
--You really, really can eat as much as you want from the allowed foods?

Thanks!

[Amuse Bouche]

Carrie, an important part of the diet is stopping when you feel full, and learning how to recognize that. Most of the foods on core are not very calorie dense -- they are whole grains and veggies and lean meats, with lots of proteins and fiber. So the theory is that you will get full on fewer calories. A lot of people have lost a lot of weight on it, and it certainly gets you eating healthily. Anything that isn't on the plan you do have to count, though.

[Hello Kitty]

It is rather cooking-intense. It works out really well for me b/c I work from home and don't have to go out or pack portable food much. I do have problems on weekends b/c I'm in more grab & go mode. Hmm, I eat quick scrambled eggs, veggie burgers, canned soups, leftovers, etc...

So I made this brownie recipe (http://cookie.allrecipes.com/az/LwrFtFdgBrwnis.asp) and it was really good! Counting the sugar, flour and cocoa powder as non-core foods, they're roughly 2 points a piece (cut into 9 pieces) It was very quick to whip up and much less processed then a box mix.

[Jaycee]

I have a couple of questions maybe someone can answer..

For the starches, it lists all the starches that are allowed, but it says that certain starches like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and potatoes are only allowed one meal per day. Than it says that whole grain cereals are allowed, but just one meal a day. But it also lists a bunch more starches like couscous, polenta, bulgar wheat, starchy vegetable (peas,corn), ect.. and it doesn't specify that you can only eat these for one meal per day.

Does this mean that:
a) I can eat couscous, polenta, bulgar wheat, starchy vegetable (peas,corn), ect. anytime throughout the day and at more than one meal? (within reason of course).

b) That I can eat a bowl of whole grain cereal at breakfast, AND a potato during dinner, OR are they saying that I can only have one or the other and just for one meal during the day?

[Hello Kitty]

a) I can eat couscous, polenta, bulgar wheat, starchy vegetable (peas,corn), ect. anytime throughout the day and at more than one meal? (within reason of course). Yes

b) That I can eat a bowl of whole grain cereal at breakfast, AND a potato during dinner Yes as long as you only have one serving of WG cereal and one serving of potato, you can eat both in one day.

That's how it reads to me. It would stand to reason that you could eat WG cereal for breakfast, couscous at lunch, and a potato at dinner, BUT, if you find that you aren't seeing results, you may want to see how you are using these foods b/c every body responds differently.

I guess this goes back to what Carrie asked. While it seems as simple as eating as much as you want of core foods, you still need to exercise caution, portion control, and get a balanced diet in (not saying you aren't doing that Jaycee!) as Amuse Bouche pointed out.

PS, someone please tell me a gyro is core? :cool:

[Jaycee]

you still need to exercise caution, portion control, and get a balanced diet in (not saying you aren't doing that Jaycee!)

Yeah right! I get it. You're calling me fat, aren't you!!! :D ;)

[Amuse Bouche]

I work in an office and I haven't had any trouble preparing food to take with me. It requires a lot of tupperware, though. I bought some small containers. This week I've been toting a salad I made from bulgur wheat, scallions, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, chickpeas, olive oil, vinegar, and a little crumbled low fat feta (which I count points for). It's very filling. I've also brought homemade succotash (bell peppers and onions sauteed in a little olive oil, then you add ground ginger, frozen lima beans and frozen corn) as a snack, and minestrone soup. Packaged miso soup is also a good snack, and I've been bringing nonfat plain yogurt with a little maple syrup (which I count the points for), and frozen berries. Today lunch was some fat free refried beans with some fat free kraft singles, black bean and corn salsa, avocado and cilantro added. I'm eating SO well on this diet! Let's see if it pays off. I know I'm having issues with eating more than my true satisfaction point, but it's not always easy to plan -- if I'm this full now (when I can eat), will I still be full in x hours, when I won't have the opportunity? I know that even if I don't lose this week, it's because I'm still finding a balance in the amount I eat and when.

Would it be helpful to post core meal ideas?

Last night I had shrimp stir fry from Trader Joe's (which is all core) which I added a little teriyaki sauce to (still core). I could have had brown rice with it, but I wanted to try these tofu shirataki noodles (not core, but also not listed in the WW database at all, and they're made from yam flour and tofu, so I'm counting them as core. The whole package (which serves 2 of us easily) only has 40 calories and 4 g fiber so it's 0 points, anyway, and I'm not tempted to eat them at every meal since I'm not a pasta junkie.) I rinsed the noodles, then sauteed them in olive oil with garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, hot sauce and scallions. Those puppies were tasty! (Though a totally different texture from pasta -- I'd use them in Thai food or Japanese or Chinese dishes, but I think it would be weird to have them with bolognese sauce.)

[Jaycee]

OMG those noodles sound great!! Did you get them at Trader Joes? We don't have one around here :( can you post the brand name and what they are called so I can look it up online to see who sells them?

[Amuse Bouche]

I actually got them at Ralphs. They were in a refrigerated case near the vegetables (I think where the other Japanese food was). They're by a brand names House Foods; you can also get them at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000AQFQC6/qid=1136589866/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-1609532-0287827?v=glance&s=gourmet-food&n=507846

[Jenean]

Hi ladies! I just restarted Core after taking the holidays off. I had done the Wendie WW plan for a long time, tried Core briefly last spring but didn't like it, but decided this fall that regular WW was allowing me too much junk (I was spending too many points on ice cream and other snacks) and that I needed to totally overhaul my eating. I started Core again in October and found that I loved it.

I have a ton of recipes and meal ideas, but most recipes are at home, so I'll have to post them from there later.

I saw a couple of people mention using their APs for non-Core foods. That's totally okay, but you have to use them the day you earn them; they don't carry over to another day (as my friend Heather, a WW leader, reminded me this morning).

I'm glad to find this thread! It's always good to have people to share with. :)

[amorey]

I saw a couple of people mention using their APs for non-Core foods. That's totally okay, but you have to use them the day you earn them; they don't carry over to another day (as my friend Heather, a WW leader, reminded me this morning).


Are you sure this is true for Core? The Flex Points online doesn't let you carry them over, but the Core online does. Would it be wrong? I’ve been carrying over and still losing, so I think I will keep doing it. It makes my life much less stressful!

[Hello Kitty]

According to WW of Western Michigan (http://www.ww-wmi.com/section.asp?categoryID=2&sectionID=228),
Earn extra POINTS values with exercise! Members are encouraged to reduce sedentary behavior and progressively increase activity in addition to following the Flex Plan. The POINTS Activity System is designed to compliment the POINTS Food System. Based on a proprietary formula that includes body weight, time, and intensity, all types of physical activity can be assigned a POINTS value. Weight Watchers members are provided with a POINTS booster® to calculate Activity POINTS on their own. These Activity POINTS values can then be added to your weekly POINTS Allowance giving you more freedom to add a little something to your meals or even treat yourself to a treat!*

*Please note that Activity POINTS values swapped for food should be used the same day that they are earned.


But I think this needs to be tempered with common sense. It seems that official WW literature has agressive guidelines when it comes to consuming your points (IE, eat only half of the points you earn, eat them on the same day you earn them) because activity points can be easily taken advantage of, as they are easily earned (JMHO).

One could work out like a fiend all week long earning say, 5 pts a day, not consuming any of them and binge on the weekend. Not only is this bad for your body in general, it's not conducive to fat loss. I think since WW doesn't want to set people up to fail, they use the consume it when you earn it guideline.

Anyway, like the guidelines of no deli meat ;) I see where they are coming from, but I can see how it would work not doing it the way they say.

[nolagirl]

Can I join? I'm going to WW on Thursday. I did it once before, very successfully, before core was invented. I loved that I lost weight, but I always felt like I was eating a ton of highly processed fatfree foods. I'm pretty sure I'd like to do Core this time around, but am a little worried because I've heard that there isn't as much info/suggestions available from WW regarding Core as there is for Flex. I would love to read more menu/recipe suggestions from all of you experts!

[Hello Kitty]

Welcome Nolagirl! :D Eating/meal planning has become a lot easier now that I memorized what is on the core list and what isn't. At first I was always checking, but now I think I've got it figured out enough to know.

Recipe:
Quinoa & Black Beans (http://vegetarian.allrecipes.com/az/QinndBlckBns.asp)

I would look at the 'reviews' for it. It was very good once I added tomatoes and halved the black beans.

[EmilyBronte]

I officially joined WW on Monday and this week has been going pretty well. I haven't started to really exercise yet but I've been doing everything else. So far, so good. I do like core, especially not having to count points. Also, I feel I'm being more healthy than if I did flex and just ate processed foods to save myself a few points here and there.

The only thing I don't really like is that you have to eat FF cheese, etc, unless you use points. Oh well, small price to pay!

I belong to WW online and there are good recipes on there. I've made several just this week. If anyone would like me to post anything from there, let me know what type of recipes you're interested in.

[Amuse Bouche]

Hey ladies -- how are you all doing on Core? I felt really down last week because I felt like I was just not into the program -- eating past satisfaction, getting in a bit too much oil, etc. But my WI for this week was down 4 lbs! So I say yay Core! I don't really expect that to continue, and I fell off the wagon a bit this weekend (darn movie theater popcorn) but it's worked so far and I'm not hungry!

Lunches this week are going to be Quinoa salad with curried FF yogurt, scallions, red pepper and mango. Does anyone else have idea for lunches you can take to work?

[Jaycee]

Way to go Amuse Bouche!! And that lunch sounds great too!! I weighed in after my first week last week and lost 5.8 lbs!! To that I too say yayyy core plan! Tommorrow is my weigh in for this week and I think I did OK..we'll see.

[EmilyBronte]

Congratulations Amuse Bouche and Jaycee on your losses!

I really like following the Core plan. I don't feel hungry all the time, and I don't feel like I waste my points on junk. My WI is on Mondays and this week I only lost 0.4. At least it's a loss! I didn't exercise last week, AND AF was in town, so I'm sure both of those things had something to do with it.

Hopefully next week will be better for me!

[Hello Kitty]

Yay for the losses! I'm so glad others are enjoying the program and doing so well on it.

I weigh in on Friday and while I lost two lbs last week, I think some of it came back this week. I haven't been as diligent as counting my extra points this week, where last week I only ate 3/day + activity points earned. I know that I use the remainder up on the weekend, so I think that's a good system for me.

I don't feel hungry all the time, and I don't feel like I waste my points on junk.
Me too! And even when I do eat junk for my points, I don't have to deprive myself the rest of the day - it's just like, 'points for that stuff are gone, but you can still eat X, Y, or Z if you're truly hungry.' I guess Core for me is about what I can do rather than what I can't. :)

ETA - do any of you weigh in during the week? I do, and I think it's got to stop. It makes me feel defeated for the whole week instead of positive. Bleah.

[Amuse Bouche]

I'm doing it online and I've been weighing myself every day. One, because I read some study that said daily weighers actually lose more weight than weekly weighers, and Two, because I get very dispirited if I don't lose during my weekly weigh in, and I'm more likely to give up. Last week, I gained .5 lbs, then in two days before WI, I dropped 2.5 lbs. I'm charting my daily weight on FitDay.com so that over time I can see if there's a pattern to the fluctuations, and it helps keep me accountable. If the scale goes up on Wednesday morning, I'm more likely to stay OP on Wednesday and make sure I'm drinking enough water/eating enough veggies.

I decided I didn't have enough veggies yesterday, and I was hungry after lunch, so I added an arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette, pomegranate seeds and avocado to lunch. Tasty!

Also, I found a great "treat" last night. I took Total/Fage brand nonfat yogurt, which is thicker than regular yogurt, and mixed in some Jello SF/FF pudding mix in the cheesecake flavor. It actually tasted like cheesecake! And the gelatin in the pudding mix stiffens the yogurt even more so it feels like cheesecake. There was a little too much artificial sweetener flavor, but I had some banana with it, which helped mask that.

[nolagirl]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the welcome! I'm sorry I haven't posted....I was away visiting family.

I had my first weigh-in today - and lost 6.6! Very happy about that! I actually did flex since I was visiting relatives and didn't have a lot of control over food choices. I started Core today - went straight to Whole Foods and bought some fresh produce, lowfat cheese, etc. (totally agree with Emily Bronte - I can't do FF cheese. I'd rather count the points for LF!) I'm a little nervous about staying in my weekly point allowance, but we'll see how it goes. And keep the recipe/menu/food choice suggestions coming - I need all the help I can get!

[Hello Kitty]

I WI and I gained 1.6 lbs back. While I know I didn't consume an extra 5200-some calories in a week, I think my gain is somewhere in between the two. My floor is uneven, and I think the scale can give wrong readings. I think last week's loss was too much - I just took the low weight with no arguments. :p

Anyway, I did my body fat and my BF% was up a little, so I guess it gives me extra motivation to stay more OP. I just find it funny that I can't stick with anything for any period of time. :rolleyes: It's not like core is terribly hard to follow or anything, I just get lazy. Guess that's not funny. That's really sad.

[nolagirl]

Very excited to report that I lost 2.4 on my first week of Core - yea! I love it so far. I did eat all my flex points - I may try and eat less of them as I find more core foods/recipes, etc. Does anyone have a favorite core find? So far, mine are fat free refried beans. I had them for lunch almost everyday. There is so much you can do with them, and they don't have a lot of junk in the ingredients list.

[Hello Kitty]

Nolagirl, that's awesome! :)

Well, I'm down .8 this week, from last week's gain, so that's good. I weighed myself everyday this week - just once in the AM - and it was a bit lower than it was today. So I'm definitely NOT discouraged by today's weigh in b/c I know I didn't gain 1.2 lbs in a day! I am very glad that I did the daily weigh in - it didn't drive me crazy, and I don't feel defeated after not having as big of a loss as I had hoped for. :)

So, I think I may change my weigh in day. The weekends really aren't so bad for me, but somehow going in to work is (I go in on Thursdays) - I can't drink my water, I can't eat often enough, etc...

Anyway, I dont have any favorite core foods. I like milk and oatmeal (really good as an evening snack!) and I love a salad with grilled chicken. We've also had baked sweet potato fries once a week or so and those are good. Fish is great... Okay, so yeah, I just like a lot of core foods!!! :D

[Jaycee]

I have a favorite Core snack!! It's Pop Secrets 94% fat free microwave popcorn in KETTLE CORN flavor!! It's got a sweet and salty taste to it, like the kind you get at a fair!! Not only does it taste scrumptious, but it makes my kitchen smell great for hours!!

Another new favorite is organic Polenta. They sell it pre made in the refridgarated produce section, so all you have to do is slice it into 1/4 inch slices and grill or sautee with a tiny bit of olive oil. I served it with mexican sautee of onions, poblano peppers, cilantro, tomato, lemon, and chicken. It was delish!

I've also been having fun with whole wheat cous cous lately. I make it with chicken broth instead of water. It's so quick and you can serve it with anything, as a substitute for whole wheat pasta or brown rice, plus it's not limited to one meal a day.

Can you tell I like my starches?? :D

Finally, I weighed in on Monday and am down another 2.8lbs!! :)

[EmilyBronte]

Dropping in for a quick update....

I lost 1.6lbs this week (I weighed in yesterday) bringing my total up to 5lbs. Only 45 more to go. :)

[nolagirl]

Not my best week ladies - Friday was bad, bad, BAD! I ate ALL of my flex points and more in ONE night! I can not believe I did this! I tried to make up for it by being pretty much all core since (had a couple of tsps of lowfat dressing - I hate fatfree) and I worked out every day. Still, I'm not expecting good news on the scale tomorrow at weigh-in. I also have my period, so I'm sure that won't help. This week MUST be better! I can't believe I messed up so badly on my third week....I was doing so well.

[nolagirl]

Just had to share......I lost another 2 lbs at weigh-in, for a total of 11 so far! Yea! I guess those all-Core days are powerful! Now if I can just make it through Superbowl weekend without blowing it again!

Abby

[Jaycee]

Anyone have any ideas of what they're going to do for Superbowl? DH and I were talking about Core snacks we can make and I thought I'd see if anyone has any they want to share..

Heres an idea:

Core potato skins, with ground turkey chili, ff sour cream, and some FF or LF shredded chedder.

[Hello Kitty]

I saw this black bean dip (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_32880,00.html) recipe, but the host of our party is making chili, so I don't know if I want to bring that or not. I really want to make the 'Tuscan Bread' recipe in the Super Bowl party thread, but that would be oh-so-not core :D

I took this week off of working out, but I've stayed on core fairly decently. I've been weighing in the AM every day and I have lost since last week, so we'll know if I don't lose tomorrow, it's a conspiracy and Fridays are out to get me.

[Hello Kitty]

How's everyone doing?

I'm down 6.5 lbs so far, based on Friday's weigh in and I've actually reached my goal size! :D I'm kind of nervous about it - worried it's going to come back and get me or something. Like it's too good to be true. I know I didn't want to lose a ton, but I'm very happy with my progress so far.

I'm still staying on Core, b/c it will help me keep the weight off, and maybe I'll continue getting leaner (not like I mind). What I have done is doubled my APs earned. Instead of 1 pt for every 100 cals burned on my HRM, I'm counting 2.

Anyway, hope everyone else is doing well. :)

[nolagirl]

Congrats Seb's Kitty.....that is fantastic! I definitely agree that Core is something I will be able to stay on once I reach my goal...that's one of the reasons I like it so much! And I think that is a great idea about doubling your APs. Let us know how it goes!

I'm still doing really well on Core. I barely feel like I'm on a diet! I'm down 13.8...we'll see how this week goes.

[Hello Kitty]

How is everyone???

I'm kind of in a Core slump. Instead of tracking my points, I've just been keeping a mental note of them, which is bad. Maybe I've gotten a little overconfident.

One thing I have noticed is the everyday eating has gotten to be second nature - it's just so, so easy to eat core now that we've used up all the non-core stuff. I just know what to do - it's like I'm on autopilot. It's so awesome!

Anyone else still doing it?

[amorey]

I'm also kind of in Core autopilot. I'm really good about eating core foods at home, but I sometimes get into trouble when I'm out and about.

Last week I was really sick and lost 7lbs in two days. So far I've only gained one back, which really made a dent in my weight lifting performance. :( So I'm not really sure I want to be losing right now, since I think some of that weight must have been muscle.

[Hello Kitty]

Ugh, well my slump continued through the month. That sucks. I didn't lose anything, and I feel so fluffy around my waist. My main measurements stayed the same - I lost a little on my arms and my thighs though, which is good. I know it's my own fault! I think I was doing fine before - I had bent the rules a little and increased my AP to not lose so much - but I haven't even been following those already bent rules. Bleah.

Anyone want to kick my butt back into shape? :(

[sea74]

I started WW late last summer and did the Points system. I lost my goal and loved it. Then the holidays hit and I've been pretty bad since then.

I want to get back into it. I'll be doing it on my own (not paying for classes) this time around, but will spend the $$$ on the program again if I'm not seeing results. I think the weekly weigh-ins kept me motivated.

Anyway, I want to try core this time around because I think it's healthier and I also think I'll see better results out of the gate.

[Katy]

a few folks have been asking about Core, so I'm going to bump this up.

[Hello Kitty]

I'm bumping this up. I read about the plan changes on healthdiscovery.net

Basically, if you're a three meal and snack eater, your snack must consist of:
For snacks, choose from the following. Or spend some of the 35 POINTS® values from your weekly POINTS Allowance.
Fat-free milk
Fruits and veggies
Weight Watchers Fruities
Air popped (or 94% fat-free microwave) popcorn

Anyone care to discuss? I can certainly understand this, as I think there are some core foods out there with high abuse potential, and WW is trying to put a stop to that.

I dunno if I'm a meal and snack eater. I think I eat two regular meals (breakfast and dinner) and then two mid-day mini-meals. I think it's rare for me, maybe not lately, but that's another story :o, to just have a *snack* - I usually try to combine a little protein, fat and carb, so that they're more balanced. However, I can see how this would help me bump up my woefully inadequate fruit and veggie intake.

[Hula1974]

Can you think of any reason why sushi made with brown rice wouldn't be core? :rolleyes:

[Hello Kitty]

Nope.

But what can I say, I'm what they call 'soft' core ;) So I would say core+core+core=core.

Enjoy your sushi!

[kristine80]

BUMP! :)
Anyone still around?? I started Core again about 3 weeks ago and have lost 6.8lbs so far... I have always had success with WW if I can just stick to it. For me once I get through the first week I'm pretty good, but then once I start feeling comfortable with my weight again (ie I can fit into my clothes again!) I get kinda lax... I really want to try to get to 155 and see if I can maintain there.. Been there a few times in the last 4 years or so, but with 2 pregnancies in there it got easy to just kinda be comfortable, but not great. I'm gonna try this time, I just gotta keep my motivation up..

My starting weight was 178.5, current is 171.7 and I weigh in on Monday.. I am doing it online again, don't have much time to go to meetings since my hubby works nights and the meeting in my area is in the evening.. But online works great for me, I can add everything as soon as I eat it at home and at work.

I really need to get back into the gym, I was good the first week going every other day, but then I got sick and we had some pretty crappy snow/icey weather and just coulnd't make it back in. But I went on Wednesday so I will go today too when my hubby gets up. It's so hard for me to get the mindframe to want to go, but once I'm there it feels good, so I know I just gotta do it.

SO I noticed it doesn't say anymore online that whole wheat pasta/baked potato/brown rice is limited to once a day anymore?? I was kinda surprised about that, but I hadn't heard about the new snacking requirements.. I'm more of a 5 small meals a day kinda gal, so don't know if I need to change anything?? I have to be up by 3am on work days (yes, I start at 430am, yuck!) and I eat as soon as I get up (I'm always hungry!) Then I eat a little at work, and then lunch, dinner and a decent sized snack in between there too.. On my weekend I don't eat as much though cause I'm not up that early!

Well, I guess thats about it for me.. If anyone is still around on the Core it would be great if we could support each other! Take care!

[Hello Kitty]

Hiya welcome. I still love core. I just need to count my points of non-core things and I'll be all set. My hungry/needy button is still broken ;). I also hate this weather and that I can't earn APs. Grr.

WW/potato/brown rice is still limited to once/day (along with ground beef or turkey and cold cereal + milk). As far as the snack rule goes, it seems WW instituted that to end mindless snacking. So if you eat small meals, or balanced snacks, you're in great shape and don't need to change anything!

I eat 3 meals and one snack. Usually, my snacks are either - not core, so they count anyway or something plus something, which I figure is balanced enough to count as a mini meal. I think people were sitting down to a bowl of potatoes and steak for a snack, which isn't quite what WW had in mind.

[ambula704]

Bumping...I am going to start Core this week. I have been doing Flex for the past 6 months (on and off) and I find that Im eating alot of points in FF junk stuff and sugary snacks.

I need any tips I can get, as this is new territory for me. Im reading my materials from the meetings but it helps to get advice from CC gals!

[Hello Kitty]

Planning is extremely important on core - for me, that's what I've had trouble with. It's not that it's hard to plan things out, it's that if you don't plan and shop and stick to it, well you're left eating whatever else is laying around.

I used to go to the boards on healthdiscovery, but I'm just supremely irritated with some of the posters and their answers to 'is X food core' :rolleyes: It's a good place to get a start if you have questions about the program. Just don't rely on what anyone else says as gospel, use your best judgement and make the program work for you. :)

Are there others in your WW meeting who are on core?

[lins_n_derek]

I agree with seb! Even people on the weightwatchers.com core board irritate me sometimes. Someone will ask for advice and you will give it to them and then about 10 other people will jump in accusing you of not following the plan right. I KNOW that fast food grilled chicken is not core but I have had it without the bread for three or four meals a week without counting and I have lost over two pounds a week so I could care a less whether it's the wrong way or not. I just feel like some people on those boards are so by the books and they follow every step exactly but you have to do what works for you. I have all kinds of little tweaks I do.

How long have you been on core? I've only been on it a month so I may need to come to you for inspiration!

[Hello Kitty]

I've been doing core since Dec 05. I kind of slacked off in the winter, though. Core is so much easier and budget friendly in the summer.

What really steams me about boards is people apply core rules how it works for them but they don't cut anyone else slack. People will say that 'X is not listed as a core food, period' yet then they are posting recipes for breads which are NOT on the core food list. What makes it even more irritating is if, god forbid you ask WHY they replied like they did, and they say 'Because WW said so' - um, NFW. Can you tell this gets me all riled up??? :D

[Fenway]

Okay, I'm jumping in with you girls, if that's okay.

This is my second attempt at the core plan, but this time I have more riding on it than just weight loss. I am borderline hypothyroid. I went to see my Naturopathic doctor today, he put me on a diet (and a few supplements to get my thyroid balanced) that pretty much mirrors WW core.

I have approx 30 lbs to lose, but at this point I'm more concerned with getting healthy, and hopefully losing weight will follow.

I'm a terrible planner, which usually leaves me with starving with no healthy options around. This will be my biggest challenge.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to following this thread!

[bellanapoli]

Bumping...

I've been doing WW online for a while now and I'm down about 55 pounds. I decided to switch from flex to core for pretty much the same reasons as everyone else - while I'm staying w/in points I'm not really eating quality food.

Hoping those who have been doing core for a while have some suggestions....

[Cr8nme]

I am thinking of starting core because from what I have heard its mostly what I eat anyway... Can anyone give me a full list of foods for CORE? Thank you...

[Hello Kitty]

To summarize:
Vegetables and fruits
Soups (non-creamy)
Whole Wheat Pasta, Brown Rice, Potatoes and Grains (ltd to once/day)
High Fiber and other cereals without added sugar
Lean Meats, poultry, fish and eggs
Fat-Free Milk Products
Healthy Oils
Condiments
Coffee, Tea and sugar-free beverages

Here's a core food list (http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/past-amazing-posts/332315-ww-core-food-list.html) - the one I had in a better format was taken down. I do want to stress that it's definitely NOT (or doesn't have to be) a low-carb diet. :p on that. I also do not get caught up in WW's branding machine, and use a good deal of sensibliity when it comes to deciding what is or isn't core.

It's absolutely a lifestyle. I got a little off-track during a home remodel, but it is really close to the way I eat when I prepare food myself. And for me, it just really works.

[Cr8nme]

Thanks!

[Cr8nme]

Another question... is any bread allowed? Like whole wheat or no I would have to use my points for that? I wonder about FF tortilla?

I am officially starting tomorrow! I know one of my struggles will be eating enough...

[kristine80]

No bread or tortillas, you would have to use your points for those items.. The only starches you get are one serving per day of whole wheat pasta, or brown rice, or a potato.. HTH! :)

[sea74]

If anyone is interested I made this tonight and it's SO GOOD!

I marinated and grilled some chicken breast in BBQ sauce (I was able to find some fat-free, low sugar BBQ sauce, not sure if that's 100% core, but close enough in my book ;) )
Then I topped it with fat-free American cheese and let it melt (I only like the Kraft brand FF cheese)
Then I mashed up some avocado and fresh salsa and spread it on top.
It was a really good "southwest" type dish and so yummy. This is going to be part of my regular rotation :D

[Mystikal]

Can anyone explain the basics to me? Or maybe point me in the direction of a website with the basics? I'm hoping to start Core by Monday and since I don't have the $$ to do it online or at meetings I'd really like to gather as much info as possible.

Book recs, maybe?

My understanding (from a link) that was posted earlier is that I am allowed to eat as much as I want of the core foods and then 35 flex points a week?

As far as activity points go, how do I calculate those?

[Medako]

I've been doing core (although I'm not counting points, just trying to avoid non-core foods until I get the hang of it) for about a week now. I know there are TONS of options out there for meals, but I'd be real curious to know what everyone is eating that is core (or almost).

I'd love to swap some recipes and ideas if anyone has some to offer up!