Weight Watchers (Question about fat)
I have a question about the Weight Watchers program and it involves fat. I was just wondering if anyone could explain why fat is double counted. I mean every 50 calories equals a point (actually 25-70 calories equals a point) but then I was wondering why if a portion of food is 6-12 grams of fat it is then counted as an extra point on top of the points already counted. Ten calories are subtracted for every 1 gram of fiber for that food first and then the fat is added on a second time if it exceeds 6. (After 2 plus years points are second nature and the math thing does not phase me. It seems a little complicated but it is not. I just could not be bothered to carry my Pointsfinder around everywhere. Plus, my dear BF found the WW formula online.)
Examples:
Hempseeds: 110 calories, 1 gram of fiber, 8 grams of fat / 2 T. - 3 points OR 1 point for 1 T.
Almond butter: 90 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 8 grams of fat / 1 T. - 2 points
Hummus: 120 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 6 grams of fat / 1/4 cup - 3 points
*I am not complaining, but I was just curious if anyone could explain to me why the fat is counted twice. I know the general rule for healthy eating is low fat, but that has to be a diet that is low in bad fats like the saturated and hydrogenated kinds. When it comes to good fat it is still counted the same. I understand, how could they make the distinction? Of course. Is it just to get people to lower their burger and fry intake? But what about the good fats? I suppose even they have to be moderated. Is there another reason? I think I may have worked out a near answer for myself in the process of writing this blog. But maybe I am still missing something. Thank you. I would appreciate any insight. Tea cheers.
Fat has more calories per gram than carbs and protein.And it jumps on our bodies with no effort at all. Fat to fat. Fiber helps bind with the fat and moves some of it thru the G I tract faster,hence we don’t absorb as much. Marge
Wow, I don’t know if I need to impressed or disturbed, that anyone would put so much thought into disecting points values. Wow.
I don’t the answer unfortunetly, but I feel as if by reading your blog I learned more than perhaps I needed to! Hahaha!!
OH, I study nutrition so it only makes sense that I know some things. What is second nature to me may seem extreme to others. Just to clarify some of my craziness
Due to some thinking and some good points made here and away from here (my tired and yet brilliant BF), it is just clear that WW wants to encourage people to eat to feel full and that means eating foods that are rich in volume and nutrition and low in fat which does not offer a great deal of volume. Feeling full is important for weight loss, but fat does not make us feel full because you do not get a lot for so many calories. It provides energy and is a component to good nutrition, but must me eaten in moderation, clearly.
I saw this book yesterday - “The Volumetrics Eating Plan: Techniques and Recipes for Feeling Full on Fewer Calories” by Barbara Rolls. I checked it out but did not buy it. It makes good sense though.
Hmmm…… Just goes to show you, what is clear to some is not always so clear to others. Oh god I need to go. *rolls eyes* I think the caffeine from my green tea is warping me into BUZZ mode.
Course you know I have my certicate in nutrition; but as knowing how weight watchers works I have no clue! Tracey can tell you all about them!
I don’t count anything — I just watch what I drop in… I started counting and it drove me bloody bats… LOW CARB - LOW CAL - LOW FAT - LOW THOUGHT — WHO CARES… EAT healthy… Thats what I do… Whatever works for ya… @)–>—