Weight Watchers Points versus Points+?

The points system is actually easy to do! I've tried lots of plans over the years (from Scarsdale, way back in the day, to South Beach a few years ago) and nothing seems as simple and effective as Weight Watchers. Basically, every food has a point value per specific quantity. You calculate your allotted points per day based on a few factors (gender, current weight, activity level...) and then you can literally eat anything you wish as long as you respect your daily points value. Once you learn the point values for the foods you eat most often, it gets even easier because you don't have to look them up. Also, there are online calculators so that, if you have a food package in your hand with a nutritional label on it, you can bang out the points per serving in seconds. A majority of veggies are 0 points... so, if you have a salad, you only have to account for the dressing or toppings you use. Nice thing is that you don't have to have everything "low fat" if you don't want to. There might be a difference of one point between a regular version and a low fat version. There are also lots of "free soup" recipes - I just made a great cauliflower soup the other day that is pureed so it's like a creamed soup with no cream at all. It's 0 points. Those foods help so much if you're really hungry and don't have a lot of points left for the day. You can fill up on soup and not jeopardize your goals and progress :) I've been using a really, really good site for points so far. It has all the calculator tools I've mentioned, along with tons of point value pages, recipes and more. Since I've been to the paying version of WW, I do know what I'm comparing it to and this site is good - and FREE http://onemorepound.com/ if you would like to take a look and see if it interests you. If I'm really stumped and can't find a particular food's point value, I have a back-up site that often helps: http://quiddity.cc/rachel/diet/wwfoods.htm I just find onemorepound.com to be comprehensive and useful. On average, you can expect a weight loss of 0.5 to 2 pounds per week (more if you incorporate exercise). Also, people tend to lose more in week one because of the shake-up/changes to their eating plan... it's a good kick-start, though, and certainly gets you motivated. The best part is not feeling deprived. If you have the available points, you can eat what you want. I had a DQ ice cream cone with my daughter last week because I had the points for it that day... and I didn't jeopardize anything. I lost 6.4 pounds in my first week back on the plan :) I realize, going forward, it'll be between the 0.5 and 2 pounds, but that's ok. I was excited all the same

Sounds sensible and easy. I've been avoiding bread and pasta so this sounds great, not having to avoid foods you like. Is it recommended for diabetics?

Carbs have always been my downfall... bagels, especially, and pasta. Fortunately, I've got that in control at the moment and I'm hoping for the long haul :) With the points system, I can have a bagel and not feel rotten for it. It's 1 point per oz so I had one the other day for 3 points... and didn't feel worried or guilty for eating it! WW is not specifically formulated for diabetics, no, but as I understand it, it's a program that is very adaptable for those with diabetes because it's focused on a healthy, balanced lifestyle and not one that deprives anyone of what they need. I did some looking around on the WW US site (I'm in Canada) and I found this information that relates to Type 2 diabetes: http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=54471&sc=808