It's still a points system, but it now takes into account carbs and protein along with fiber and fat. I'm still trying to figure it out myself - having the slider would be very helpful.

The formula apparently better incorporates how carbs and protein affect you.

I'm actually pretty stoked about that.

Does anyone get CI's "Entertaining" magazine? And if so, has the holiday issue shown up yet?

From what I've read, the eight-glasses-a-day rule originated with studies done by nutritionists in pre-WWII Britain and does not account for the fact that a fair amount of that 64 oz. of liquid can come from the consumption of solid food. Generally speaking, "drink when you're thirsty" seems to be the best guideline, with extra only needed if you're working outside in the heat, suffering from diarrhea, or drinking alcohol (the only truly effective diuretic that people commonly consume, depite all the squawking over caffeinated beverages).

The formula apparently better incorporates how carbs and protein affect you. Used to be calories/fat/fiber. Now you don't use calories -- you calculate points with carbs/protein/fat/fiber.

This makes me consider trying Weight Watchers, for the first time. The whole thing with counting points seems almost as oppressive as counting calories, but counting carbs is pretty annoying, too.

Basically, after losing 8 pounds in five months, I feel less "yay I lost 8 pounds!" and a lot more "dammit, why is this so hard?" and I'm willing to try something new. Low-carb is still definitely the way to go for me, but going too low with carbs leaves me lethargic and depressed, especially in winter. So I have yet to find that perfect balance of carb/fat/protein intake and exercise that will allow the pounds to melt away. Yeah, exercise - I should do some of that.

the only truly effective diuretic that people commonly consume, depite all the squawking over caffeinated beverages

So why does coffee make me pee so much?

Tea, coffee, etc. do have a diuretic effect, but you're not losing more fluid than you're gaining by drinking them in the first place. Net effect is that they do re-hydrate you, just not as much as the same amount of water would. Whereas alcohol really does dry you out, hence the hangover from drinking too much of it.

Wow, you guys are right, the WW website sucks. I can't find any information beyond the basic "Need to lose weight? Here's how!" Everything I click leads me to a sign-up page. I want more info before I give you money!

OK, that makes sense, Matt.

Wow, you guys are right, the WW website sucks. I can't find any information beyond the basic "Need to lose weight? Here's how!" Everything I click leads me to a sign-up page. I want more info before I give you money!

Yes, it does. I can give you basic information, but if you want more info before buying, you can go to a meeting for free and learn more about it before you sign up. Which is helpful if there is a meeting close by.

The formula apparently better incorporates how carbs and protein affect you. Used to be calories/fat/fiber. Now you don't use calories -- you calculate points with carbs/protein/fat/fiber.

This pretty much sums it up. You get a Daily Points Allowance that is based on your age, gender, and weight. You are supposed to eat those points every day. You also get a Weekly Points Allowance of 49 points (was 35 under the old system) that you can use as you wish, or not. Frankly, I usually use most of mine. You can also earn points by exercising which you can eat or not.

As many following along at home know, I did WW several years ago and did pretty well on it losing over 75 lbs. I then had a mental breakdown about counting points and gained all of it (plus 10 bonus lbs!) back.

I started WW again this summer and have lost almost 50 lbs. (48.8 to be exact). I know the program works for me and hope the new version will work, too.