It’s been weighing heavily on mind lately how and where Weight Watchers and Paleo intersect and if they can be complementary to each other.
You all know that I joined Weight Watchers after the birth of my son and lost 55 pounds (If not, read about it here). That is why I started this blog in the first place, to share Real Food Weight Watchers recipes for those out there like me, who need the structure of a weight loss program but aren’t willing to compromise on eating clean, real food.
I hit a plateau in my weight loss and it just seemed that no matter what I did, I couldn’t lose anymore weight.
I upped my exercise, restricted my calories even further (and was quite miserable about it), started taking a closer look at wine consumption and Point heavy meals. After months of tweaking and tweaking, it just seemed that nothing was working.
That is when I decided to try an elimination diet to see if there was something in my “healthy diet” that was affecting my blood sugar or ability to lose this last 20 pounds.
A few friends had recently completed the Whole30 and I, like everyone else, had been incessantly hearing about the magic of the Paleo Diet. I was really apprehensive about the whole Paleo thing when I first heard about it – honestly, I thought it was a crazy fad. That was just ignorance on my part for not really digging in and learning more about the science behind it.
So, in January I started to slowly eliminate a lot of grains from my diet. Then I started reading more books. Some of my favorites are It Starts With Food and Practical Paleo (highly recommend). I kept counting Points Plus and managing my portion control and did see a little bit of weight movement (down) but not as much as I was hoping for.
The more I read, the more conflicted I started to become. Weight Watchers restricts fat and calories and is all about moderation – which is a concept I really like when applied to a Whole Foods diet.
Paleo is Whole Foods, all the time, without exception. No processed anything – including grains, legumes, refined sugars and most dairy. Paleo advocates for high food quality (something I already feel strongly about) and eating to fuel your body and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
About 7 to 10 days into the Whole30, I started sleeping solidly through the night. The food cravings I used to have for crackers, chips, cheese and crunchy, salty foods were completely gone. My skin started to look bright and fresh and people were stopping me and asking me what I was doing because I looked, “so refreshed”.
Fast forward to today – I’ve done a Whole30 and have been eating 95% Paleo diet and guess what?
The dry skin I had on my hand is pretty much gone, those stubborn pounds I have been battling for months and months are coming off and most importantly – I have to say – I feel better than I have in a long time.
Am I Paleo? I don’t know. I don’t know that I need to label myself.
Am I still doing Weight Watchers? Sort of. I still have the rest of this weight to lose.
So, what does that mean?
As for Weight Watchers, I am still going to the meetings for accountability and for the most part eating “Simply Filling” minus the grains, dairy and legumes, which is Weight Watchers alternative to counting Points. If you aren’t familiar, it is basically eating real, whole foods until you are full, anything with a green triangle next to it in the food book or in eTools.
I will still provide the Points Plus for all of my recipes because I know so many of you are counting Points and I want to be able to count on me for Real Food recipes that help you eat better and get healthier!
As for Paleo, I don’t like the idea of assigning a label to myself because there will be a time where I eat dairy or grains or sugar. But as you have already seen, my recipes are getting cleaner and cleaner and more “Paleo” friendly.
I think that is a good thing thought because it means that more and more of us are eating Real Food and that has always been my mission!
Irene M Gutmann says
Thank you so much!! I have been conflicted about this for so long. I like the structure of WW program and the support but the meetings were full of tips that I would never use – such stretch your points with processed “diet” foods – ugh!
Now I am going back to a customized paleo plan (my health coach tests me and makes recommendations based on my results. We have lost many family members young to cancer and I want to be healthy first and foremost. I also joined WW for the support. I think I will do the “blue food plan” but I’m not sure if that’s best – we will see. I will probably go over on points with fats some days but I’m not going to worry about it too much if I’m eating clean and the weight is coming off.
I’m open to suggestions.
jennifer says
I am a WW user as well as Paleo. I love the accountability of the app and the recipes. I find that i go over my points with the healthy fats which i think stinks. I wish that WW would delve into a paleo type plan and focus on healthy fats instead of fake stuff. For now tho i track my food but I leave out oils i use (avocado, coconut etc) and stick to tracking my meat and veg. I consider this my own WW paleo Hack. so far so good. I figure since most times I am just sauteing or flavoring a dish and not deep frying im not over using the oil.
Alyssa Brantley says
That is a good hack! I totally agree about a paleo type plan. I am really surprised that they haven’t done it yet!
Lynn says
Do you use cream in your coffee and leave that out too? I like your idea. I am keto and using WW also. NO grain. I feel so much better no eating grains.
Jennifer says
I usually drink it black but if I do use cream I don’t count it because it’s such a small amount.
Chantelle Weiss says
I use Nutpod as my dairy free creamer and I love it. So many amazing flavors and no sugar at all. I reminders me of half and half and is a great alternative for those doing Paleo and even Keto.
Vickie says
Are you on the green plan? I love whole30 way of eating,paleo.
Jennifer Wiley says
I just switched to purple for the potatoes. I always chill then reheat. Changes the chemistry.
Vaishali Patel says
I’m so glad I found this article and website. My husband started on Paleo this year and I am sticking to Weight Watchers. He has lost weight and so have I. Basically, we eat on our own during the day and I make a WW friendly Paleo meal for dinner. I usually eat mostly 0 point means during the day and save my points for the evening Paleo meal. We order from Sunbasket for our evening meals as I can order Paleo without thinking about it. I pick the meals by deciding which ones will help me keeps points low and it’s worked very well for us. These plans work the best for our household without us alienating each other. Thanks for this website.
EverydayMaven says
I’ve tried Sunbasket and they have some great options! Glad you found a way to make it work for both of you!!
JaneyGA says
I’ve enjoyed reading all of your comments, and I have a little “hack” I’ll share on WW and paleo. Here’s what I do- I record all the food I eat in the WW app, including all the FAT points, which almost always puts me over my goal. Then, at night, I look back at my food journal. If I was a good girl and 100% paleo, I subtract all the points I accumulated for healthy fats, and I’m always way under points after that. It’s good motivation to eat clean AND track my food.
EverydayMaven says
Wow – how long have you been doingthat Janey? I’d love to hear more about your results!
Hisgirl100 says
Me too. Please tell!
Tammy says
Me too!
Tammy
Kim says
Hi, I found your site while googling Paleo Weight Watchers to see if it was a thing. I’ve heard a bit about both, but don’t know a lot about either. I know I need a cleaner diet to lose weight and feel better health wise, and I have been trying to research ways to do that. I feel like I need the accountability and support to accomplish the needed changes in my diet so the Weight Watchers sounded good. I haven’t heard a lot about Whole30 but it sounds pretty restrictive. I have tried other plans that were fairly restrictive, and made it a couple weeks before I gave in to cravings. I’m not sure where to go from here, and I’m not sure what I should take away from your post. If I’m not familiar with Paleo, whole30 or Weight Watchers, should I start out with Weight Watchers so that I have support and accountability? Are there support groups out there for Paleo and Whole30?
Marion says
I’m chiming in late on this post, and like others, found it by googling “Weight-watchers and paleo”. I’m very grateful for this discussion. I’m on day 1 of WW. I am also a Whole 30 veteran. I LOVE the way I feel on Whole 30. My eczema clears up, my clothes fit, my skin and eyes get clear. (I have done 4 over the past 3 years, and lost 10-20 lbs each time). However, while I can do anything for 30 days, there’s no way I’m never going to drink a glass of wine or eat a desert or piece of pizza ever again in my life. So when I try to reintroduce, I find I go off the rails and within 6 months I’m right back where I started. (or worse, as is the case right now -even after 4 Whole 30s I’m at an all time post-pregnancy high. And my youngest child is 11!). So rather than do another Whole 30, I realize I need to figure out how to do a Whole365, and learn to eat without the “all or nothing” mentality. I feel like WW will help me with this – by tracking + accountability, I’m hoping to truly change my relationship with food and learn how to eat paleo most of the time and the bad stuff every now and then as a treat, without going off the rails. I know that instead of doing, say Lose It (which I’ve tried and didn’t stick with) the points system and the accountability of a friend to do weigh-ins with will help. I’m also really enjoying the inspiration stories on connect. However, on day one I’m already appalled as I start to understand the points, given all I’ve learned on Whole 30. 1) Fruit should not be 0 points! It would be so easy to overindulge on fruit all day and never break sugar addictions. 2) Healthy fats are so too many smart points!!! I ate a small portion of almonds for snack, along with 2 eggs & lots of veggies cooked in coconut oil for breakfast, and am appalled at how quickly the points added up. I could have eaten an egg white I guess for less points and used fake, gross cooking spray but both of those just make me cringe and take me back to the 90’s when I was obsessed with low-fat but kept gaining. I’m not sure how much I’m going to buy into the points thing given my disagreements with the philosophy of the healthy fats. I’m thinking about just allowing myself more points/day then they allow, and think of it as my “healthy fat bonus” or something, and see if I still lose weight. I kind of think I might, but it will be annoying to see me not being within the points goal each day! thoughts on this? Would love to know how it’s gone for you Alyssa since your original post! And I’m glad to have found you – I will now subscribe to stay connected. Thank you
EverydayMaven says
Hi Marion! So glad to have you. I hear what you are saying – it’s really frustrating to plate what you know is a healthy, clean-ingredient meal only to be penalized by the points calculator for it. I’ve not been able to go back to WW for this reason!
Sue says
My struggle exactly!!!! I love paleo but have gained weight mostly I think because of portion control issues with nuts and “paleo-friendly” foods I make myself and buy. Do you have a guideline you use for calories, carbs, fats, etc?
Wyreriver says
You could divide your weekly points by 7 and have those be your extra points each day. Just don’t go over the total weekly points you are given.
Audrie Jurgens says
Hi Marion,
I’m starting a similar plan to yours with the new WW your way, hoping their new approach to higher protein meals (0 pts for eggs, lean poultry, seafood & fish) will fit better with a Whole 30 / paleo philosophy. I’m determined to use my points on healthy fats and pastured meats and avoiding the unlimited fruit trap. I’d like to hear how you’ve progressed over the last few months. Thanks for sharing.
Marion Biglan says
Hello and thanks for the comment. 5 months in and I’m excited to report that I’ve lost 30 lbs and KEPT IT OFF. As I hoped, weight watchers really has helped change my mindset. Nothing is off limits anymore, but I am learning moderation. I still eat mostly paleo, but I do eat more beans now from time to time given that they are now 0 points and my daughter is a vegetarian, so we are cooking more bean-centric dishes for her to have protein. I used to snack on nuts daily, however, given how high in points they are, I don’t think of them as a snack anymore but think of them as a flavor accent – e.g. I’ll have some crushed nuts as garnish on a dish but rarely do I just eat them alone. I am still eating healthy fats, but I am being mindful of how much given the high points. I guess I’m still annoyed by the fact that I have to measure and somewhat avoid things like olive & coconut oil, avocado, and coconut milk on days when I need to save points. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s OK. I highly recommend WW AND paleo together. I’m VERY glad I did several Whole30’s before WW, as I feel like Whole 30 taught me WHAT to eat, which I needed to learn first. Now with WW, I’m learning HOW to eat in a way that I can maintain over time.
Michelle says
Thanks for this update! I found this page by googling WW and Paleo. I learned about Paleo a little over two years ago and have been trying to eat mostly paleo but recently have found myself going off protocol and never finding my way back. When I did my whole30 and followed paleo very strictly I lost between 15-20. I did WW before I got married back in 2010 and loved it! I lost a lot of weight and loved the accountability of the program. I think that I will go ahead and give a try to blend WW and Paleo since you have had so much success. I am looking for a way to have a true lifestyle change.
Michelle says
I tried to do weight watchers and paleo last year and found it soooooo difficult! I am thinking about giving it another try but I really struggle with keeping my paleo breakfast points down in particular. I have 4 go to paleo breakfasts that are all high in points. Any suggestions? I’m also considering allowing myself to use my weekly points divided across the week and possibly skewing my allowed points by an additional 5 per day (not to be mentioned at meetings ;-)) I just don’t want to waste my money again!
Leah says
Have you tried intermittent fasting? And having a little fat in your morning coffee to get you through your morning tummy growling? I love skipping breakfast this way. I don’t have to think abut or make food in the AM and I don’t use up points so early in the day!
Kelly Pettinger says
Hi! I am just starting WW back up, but I’ve also been researching Keto and Whole30. WW has been successful for me in the past and I need the moderation and help with the “all or nothing” piece. I’d like to start incorporating bulletproof coffee into my mornings, but the fat content makes it very high in points – any ideas? Has anyone tried a WW version?
Melinda says
I’m a weight watchers lifetime veteran and really liked my leader and accountability—but have been away for about 6 months (and about 10 lb over goal). Recently did a lot of research and am in the middle of a whole 30– I plan to go back to meetings but eat paleo—now that eggs and chicken and fish, fruits and veggies are 0, I can pretty much use all the points for fats and lean meat—been tracking a few days on the Whole30, and it seems quite doable. Plan to just ignore all the low-fat stuff—many of the Whole30/paleo recipes are WW friendly with all the 0 pout ingredients
Michelle says
Melinda,
What will you eat for breakfast?
Judy says
Hi Marion,
Thanks for posting. I have been doing WW too and love it, however, I believe I do well with abstinence rather than moderation. So I am going to try to incorporate Paleo with WW, so I will completely abstain from dairy, grains, bread, sweets, beans and wine, but still count points and log into WW daily to track everything else.
Lori Catteau says
Any update, Judy? I’ve lost a bit on WW before and know Paleo thoroughly and WW philosophy just didn’t jive so I quit. Love to know how you made out and any tips and tricks before I go and drop my money on them again for the accountability.
Panayiota says
No word of a lie. I just signed up to WW today and the reason I am on this post is because I googled “WW & Paleo”. I asked the online coach why eating Avacado took away so many of my points. Her response was vague by saying although Avacado and Coconuts are healthy they are high in caloric value and too much is not good. I wasn’t impressed since for my entire life I have followed Atkins, Dr.Poon (low carb) Keto and now Paleo&WW. I think the advice of following Paleo and using the WW app and meetings to guide me. There is a great Paleo documentary on Netflix that had me hooked. But I need the community and meetings of WW. So overwhelming.
Katie says
I’m a Whole30 veteran too and have begun WW for the same reason! I’ve also done a lot of macro tracking and what I learned doing that is that, even though I was eating pretty much only healthy fats, I was really eating way too many for what my body needed. I feel like the high points for fat reflect that – that we really needn’t less than we think, even when it’s healthy fat. That’s just my take!
Kari Michalski says
I know this has been commented on so well, yet feel I have to speak my truth too. Started WW last week and am really frustrated about the point hits I take when eating healthy fats. It is hard not to feel like I am being penalized for something that scientifically has been proven healthy. The unlimited fruits and anti-fat slant of WW just doesn’t gel with what I am seeing as working in other nutrition programs. I want the support, accountability, and tools that WW provides, and yet I wish there was a plan they had that embraced healthy fats and deemphasized grains and fruits. I have been feeling hungry a lot but cannot tell if that is part of my psychological struggle against the issues listed above.
EverydayMaven says
I hear you Kari – very common complaint about the program. Have you thought about the Whole30 community / program for support and tools? They have a pretty robust group you can join!
Teresa K says
Avocados are good for you in the same way nuts are good for you. They are high in nutrients & healthy fats, avocados are also high in fiber; however, avocado is almost all fat. A little goes a long way.
Also, becareful which type of avocado you’re using. The hass variety are smaller, but ounce for ounce higher in fat; however, Florida avocados are advertised as “slimcados” because ounce for ounce, they are lower in fat, but considerably larger, so 1/2 a FLA avocado is like eating 3/4 of a Hass avocado.
Jan says
I have been doing WW for five weeks and have struggled to keep even three pounds from coming back! I’m wondering if anyone has tried something like: three weeks of WW and then one week of Paleo just to shake up your system a bit? I’m thinking of trying that because it seems that my system just gets used to one diet and refuses to lose anything.
Alicia says
Thank you for posting this! I’m on my second round of WW. My first time was when I was 18 years old and lost 25 lbs and made Lifetime at age 19. Ten years later the weight I lost has crept back on and I’m back to my starting weight. I started WW again about 2.5 months ago and I’m kind of in the same boat as you – stuck at my current weight (150 lbs and I am 5’6″). Ideally I’d like to be at 140. So far I’ve only lost 6 lbs. I don’t have much to lose, I mainly rejoined to retrain my eating habits. The past few years I’ve been eating out a lot more when I don’t need to. My partner and I have been doing a ton of research on nutrition. Funny thing? My first bachelors degree is in Dietetics! So you would think I know this stuff, but 6 years after college it all goes away if you don’t use it. Anyway, I was wondering if it was possible to do Paleo and WW until I lose the last 10 lbs. Sounds pretty easy. I think the hardest thing for me is cutting out the legumes and grains. I love tortillas, english muffins, and quinoa! I’ve stockpiled up on a few Paleo cookbooks, have been listening to various podcasts on the science of it, and I think this is something we can do together. We are both very active – counting activity points has never been an issue for either of us. My concern with WW is that they do want you to eat low fat everything while Paleo wants you to increase the fat content. This is so backwards from what I’ve been taught! I think I’m going to try and do both at the same time though. We’ll see how it works for these last 10 lbs!
Alicia @ http://www.GirlonaHike.com
EverydayMaven says
I hope it works for you Alicia!!
Bev Dittberner says
Thanks – I’ve been a WW for 3 yrs and at goal for one. WW has tools and I love the support group – I will always go to meetings. When I started WW I ate the foods I always ate, just tracked and used portion control – after I got to goal and started running, I noticed I didn’t feel as well as I thought I should so I cut out dairy and soy, then later gluten and meat. After a year, I still thought – this is crazy – I have 5 pounds that keep creeping back and I keep killing myself getting rid of them. Yesterday I saw my chiropractor ( who tests for food allergies with kinesiology ) and she said that I should be eating the basic Paleo plan – minus corn ( I’m allergic to corn and soy) I’m so glad to read your article. It makes sense to me. I look forward to this new journey.
EverydayMaven says
Thanks Bev! So happy to hear you story and that my post was relatable for you!