Weight Watchers PointsPlus Review: To Pre-Track or Not to Pre-Track?

In one of my favorite episodes of the show "The Office" a character is typing at his computer and another character asks him if he's busy. He asks, "Are you working or are you entering Weight Watchers Points?". The character replies ruefully, "You have to track them right away or you forget."

So true! For almost three months I've been typing away the moment anything passes my lips. It's crucial to do it right away or else something might not get tracked.

Of course, I've often been told that the ideal way to keep your PointsPlus values in check and have a well-rounded diet is to pre-track. (To actually plan your day ahead of time and that way you know exactly how many PointsPlus values you're using and for what. Nothing is left to chance.)

I've tried. But, I like the freedom of getting to choose what I am eating the day of. Almost every time I try to pre-track, I end up deleting almost everything I planned, and I change it to something else.

I think pre-tracking puts me in a "diet" mindframe. I don't suppose I like having anybody tell me what to eat even if it's ... me.

I can see its merits, though. Not being caught off guard by running out of PointsPlus values... making sure I get in those two dairy servings ... those elusive multiple veggie servings.

So, should I "force" myself to pre-track and stick to the plan or should I keep "winging it" daily?

If you've tried Weight Watchers, what worked for you? What are the pros and cons or pre-tracking? Share your tips in comments!

Note: Weight Watchers has provided me with free access to the online version of their program, and other tools, for me to complete my review of the new PointsPlus program. I am in no way being compensated by Weight Watchers.

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Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge

Weight Watchers is challenging Americans to get moving! Its 3rd Annual Walk-It Challenge encourages its members to walk a 5K on National Walk-It Day on May 22, 2011.

Weight Watchers members and online suscribers get a "leg up" with free access to a six-week training plan. You can learn more here.

Check out these great tips for getting started, from Weight Watchers:

The first step is getting up and moving - start slow and increase your speed and distance over time. Be sure to set reasonable goals.

To help motivate you, sign up for a future 5K. Having that date on the calendar is sure to keep you focused.

Be sure to add strength training to your routine. Before you know it, you will have a new you!

Finally, listen to your body. If you need to rest, take a day off. And have fun!

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Weight Loss 101

Easy ways to keep yourself fit, happy, and healthy throughout the year. More

Learn about diabetes symptoms, what can make a management plan, and what tests you should never skip. More

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Water Way to Go!

Tap in to an easy way
to prevent overeating.

A Virginia Tech study showed 48 overweight subjects on a diet who drank a two-cup serving of water 30 minutes before each meal for three months lost four and half pounds more than those who didn't drink the water.

The researchers concluded the water drinkers experienced a sense of fullness that helped them eat less. Allowing between 10 to 30 minutes to pass before you eat is the trick -- the water has time to have its filling effect, but any longer than 30 minutes and it's probably too late to benefit from the fullness-factor.

Related Reading: Water Works

Image: Clipart.com

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