Weight Watchers Core vs Premium Plans
Weight Watchers (WW) has helped millions of people lose weight through a healthy, sustainable approach over the last 50+ years. Their plans provide a flexible structure for long term weight loss based on a points system rather than strict rules.
WW offers two main plans - the Core plan focused on food tracking and the Premium plan with extra features for motivation and accountability. But what exactly is the difference between core and premium WW plans?
Overview of WW Plans
Both the core and premium WW plans are centered around the SmartPoints system to encourage balanced nutrition for weight loss. Members earn a daily and weekly SmartPoints budget to spend on any foods they want. The plans differ in these key areas:
- Food Tracking - Both plans provide access to over 16,000 recipes and a barcode scanner for tracking meals and SmartPoints values.
- Tools & Resources - Premium includes more programs, inspiration content and accountability tools than core WW.
- Support - 1 on 1 coaching and an online community forum come with premium but not core.
WW Core Plan Features
The WW Core plan focuses on the basics - giving members what they need to lose weight through SmartPoints food tracking and nutrition guidance. Core includes:
SmartPoints Food & Activity Tracking
Tracking food intake is core to every WW plan. Members use the app to track SmartPoints values for meals, snacks and zero point foods. Activity tracking converts workouts into additional SmartPoints.
Over 16,000 Recipes
Browse an extensive recipe database highlighting healthy, nutritious SmartPoints values meals across all food types from breakfasts to dinners.
Barcode Scanner
Simply scan food item barcodes to automatically track SmartPoints values when adding meals to your WW app food diary.
Premium Extras
For around double the price, WW Premium builds on the Core foundations by providing more motivation and accountability features. Premium extras include:
Personal Coaching
Message 1 on 1 with an expert WW coach for personalized advice, accountability check-ins, motivation and meal prep guidance whenever you need it.
Interactive Video Lessons
Hundreds of technique video tutorials, hosted classes and expert demos give tips for fitness, mindset, meal prep and lifestyle areas relevant to weight loss.
Insider Workshops & Events
From cooking workshops to goal setting challenges, Premium unlocks an exclusive timetable of digital events for motivation and community.
Programs on WW Plans
Both Core and Premium plans provide structured programs for weight loss journeys. Which programs you can access depends on your plan.
Digital + Studio Program
Digital + Studio is WW's original weight loss program combining app features with optional in-person workshops for accountability and community. Available on both Core & Premium plans, the program includes:
- Everything in the Digital plan
- Option for weekly studio workshops
- In-person weigh-ins
- Motivation from a WW coach
- Small group discussions
Digital 360 Program
A more modern, holistic approach focused on building healthy habits as well as losing weight. Only accessible on Premium, Digital 360 features:
- Personal health report
- Customizable food settings
- Mindset & workout content
- Virtual group support options
- 1 on 1 coaching
The Digital 360 path puts your overall health goals first to promote sustainable lifestyle transformation rather than just the number on the scales.
myWW+ Program
Another Premium exclusive, myWW+ uses personal insights to deliver customized weight loss plans based on habits, attitudes and nutrition needs via:
- An assessment quiz
- Tailored SmartPoints plan
- Personalized content feed
- Menu recommendations
- Insights reporting
myWW+ adjusts to deliver the right guidance, tools, recipes and workouts specifically matched to you for better results.
Which Foods Have Zero SmartPoints?
One element found in all variations of WW is their list of zero SmartPoints foods. Eating these foods essentially adds zero values to your daily or weekly SmartPoints allowance. Here are the main zero point food groups:
Fruits & Vegetables
All fresh, frozen and canned fruits and veggies without added sugars, oils or salt have zero SmartPoints. The key exceptions are potatoes, peas and corn.
Skinless Chicken & Turkey Breast
Skinless poultry breasts are zero SmartPoints. Go for turkey, chicken, duck or other lean varieties.
Fish & Shellfish
Most fish fillets or steaks without breading plus all shellfish like shrimp, crab and lobster all come in at zero SmartPoints.
Eggs & Egg Whites
Whole eggs get 4 SmartPoints each but just the whites alone are zero points. Choose low salt preparations.
Beans, Legumes & Soy Foods
Kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu and other plant proteins mostly have 0 SmartPoints per average serving.
Nonfat Dairy
Nonfat milk, plain yogurt and cottage cheese, ricotta, etc. Mean you can enjoy dairy without using up your allowance.
Check your WW app for exact zero point serving sizes. Sticking to these free foods means you can eat more of what you enjoy!
WW Core vs Premium: Key Considerations
Deciding whether core or premium WW is better for you comes down to your personal support preferences versus budget. Consider:
Weight Loss Approach
If you mainly just need the tracking tools and nutrition wisdom for self-directed loss, core should suffice. For extra motivation amenities, premium has more to offer.
Accountability & Community
Premium is preferable if you value outside accountability like coaching check-ins. The forums and workshops also foster community.
Holistic Lifestyle Change
Premium plans focus more on gradual lifestyle shifts through customized programs. Core allows DIY loss journeys.
Budget & Commitment Level
Premium doubles the cost, so core suits tighter budgets. But premium guarantees more comprehensive support which boosts commitment and results.
Weigh your preferences against the costs to pick the optimal level for your WW journey.
Tips for Success on WW Plans
Core or premium, some keys to getting the most from WW for weight loss include:
Use Zero Point Foods
Build meals around zero SmartPoints fruits, veggies, proteins and nonfat dairy for volume without overspending your budget.
Meal Prep
Prep grab & go zero point snacks plus SmartPoints friendly breakfasts, lunches and dinners to set yourself up for tracking success.
Plan Indulgences
Craving cookies or chips? Fit them into your weekly SmartPoints budget so you don’t feel denied.
Track Consistently
Logging meals accurately is essential for staying on track towards your weight goals.
Sticking to healthy habits long term using all WW has to offer drives sustainable results on either plan path.
FAQs
Do you need a subscription for the WW app?
Yes, to access the full features like barcode scanning, meal tracking and SmartPoints databases you need an active subscription to either the core or premium WW plan.
Can I switch between core and premium WW plans?
Yes, you can upgrade from core to premium or downgrade from premium to core at any time. Your plan rates, billing and features will update accordingly.
How much support do WW coaches provide?
On premium plans, WW coaches are available for unlimited 1-on-1 messaging for personalized advice, motivation and accountability whenever members need extra support.
What happens after I reach my WW goal weight?
Once you hit your target weight, WW transitions to teaching you long-term habit maintenance so you can sustain your achievements through their various post-goal programs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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