About the oils.........

[backontrack05]

Hi everyone- I am just getting started on WW again, after being successful with it in the past. My question is I have a hard time getting the 2tbsp. of oil in everyday, do you think this is going to hinder my weight loss alot? Please Help!!:confused:

[Frisky]

It's teaspoons, not tablespoons. You can put a teaspoon in yogurt and won't notice it. It blends well in soups, beans, drizzled on steamed veggies or salad.

It can cause some problems you don't want like slow to no weight loss, hair falling out, dry skin, and other things.

On Flex it'll cost you 2 points a day. On Core you don't count the first 2 teaspoons.

There's a great thread at the WW board about oils today, click the link below and take a gander:

WW Board on Oils (http://www.weightwatchers.com/community/mbd/post.aspx?page_size=25&rownum=43&threadpage_no=2&sincedate=2%2f4%2f2005+12%3a00%3a00+AM&board_name=Weekly+POINTS(R)+Allowance+Tip+Exchange&thread_id=53281200&board_id=320&forum_name=Message+Boards&forum_id=1&category_name=The+Lobby&thread_name=Afraid+to+use+oil...please+help&mod_no=&daterange=2days&viewchange=OPENDATEDESC)

[donnashops]

I too have a hard time getting my oils in so I add them to my salad dressing or and this sounds weird but it really is good I add my olive oil to my 94% popcorn and it really makes it taste good.. actually tricks you into thinking you are eating butter popcorn..

[backontrack05]

Thanks frisky! I thought two tablespoons sounded like a lot! I guess I should have been reading a little more careful. Today was my 2nd WI and I stayed exactly the same, so I will definitely try harder this week to get oils into my daily meals. Thank you!

[not300]

Hey Donna! Great idea! I'm going to try that!

[hugbarbara]

I have a question....I would have no trouble with the 2 tsp of oil but how does that figure in with other fats? How do I account for the tablespoon of light mayo I use on my tuna? How do I account for the light bv dressing I use on my salads. I have been making sure I stay within my 20% daily intake of fats, now I'm confused! :help: I do WW Flex Points at home so I am ignorant on some information.

[Frisky]

The oils are what I consider "daily musts", not an option. The other fat servings you're using are simply that, fats, count points for them. On flex you count points for the 2 teaspoons. If you're on Core, count points for those items that are non-Core and the first 2 teaspoons of the 5 designated oils aren't counted. The five oils are: olive, canola, safflower, sunflower, and flax oil.

With WW, they don't deal with percentages of fat per day or percentages of carbs, or protein, it's laid out to follow quite easily by spreading out your points to cover the suggested food groups.

Here's the info from the Flex plan Points Pie, notice the points to be used on fats. It's changed with TurnAround where either Flex or Core is to consume the 2 teaspoons of oil daily. See your Week 1 book, it's mentioned more than once, it's also printed on the Quick Track thing you get each week.

"You know your POINTS® Target - check out the POINTSpies to decide how best to use those POINTS to get a healthy balance of different types of foods based on your current weight. Whether you prefer a balanced diet or one that's higher in protein or carbohydrates - even if you're a vegetarian - there's a POINTSpie for you."

The balanced POINTSpie shows how to divvy up your POINTS for the recommended mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to achieve a healthy dietary balance. It's best for people who feel satisfied whether they eat protein-rich foods (like meats, eggs, fish) or carbohydrate-rich foods (like cereal, pasta or bread).

Balanced:
Fruits/Veggies = 0-3 pts
Added Sugar, Fats and Alcohol = 2-3 pts
Milk and Milk Products = 4-6 pts
Grain Based Food = 8-9 pts
Protein Rich Food = 6-7 pts

Higher Protein:
Some people find that eating more protein-rich foods gives them a greater feeling of satisfaction. If you find a breakfast of eggs keeps you satisfied longer than cereal with milk and fruit, you might prefer a higher ratio of protein in how you divide up your POINTS. This is not a high-protein diet; it just changes the allocation of POINTS to allow for more protein-rich foods and fewer carbohydrate POINTS.

Higher Protein:
Fruits/Veggies = 0-1 pts
Added Sugar, Fats and Alcohol = 2-4 pts
Milk and Milk Products = 4-6 pts
Grain Based Food = 5-6 pts
Protein Rich Food = 9-11 pts

Higher Carbohydrate:
If nothing satisfies you like pasta and bread, the higher-carbohydrate POINTSpie might work well for you. It allocates more POINTS for carbohydrate-rich foods. For the best success, focus on complex carbs like whole grains.

Higher Carbohydrate:
Fruits/Veggies = 1-3 pts
Added Sugar, Fats and Alcohol = 1-2 pts
Milk and Milk Products = 4-6 pts
Grain Based Food = 9-10 pts
Protein Rich Food = 5-7 pts

[hugbarbara]

THANK YOU, Frisky! That was much needed information! Now if I can just figure out how to cut and paste this to my Word docs. :( Yea, I know I am a pain!:angel

Thanks again!

[hugbarbara]

Neeevvveeer mind...I figured out how to print it! That's better yet!

[PugLove]

I am just now starting to incorporate oils, but I have a question. When did this come about? I am doing the flex plan on my own, but never remember ANYTHING about required oils when I was an official WW member (back in '02). Is this something new? Thanks!

[Frisky]

The required oil for either plan came to be with the "TurnAround Program". Started last August when it was rolled out.

They've always recommended you incorporate fats, at least 2 to 3 points each day but they never stipulated it come from 5 oils only. That's not to say you can't eat more fat servings because you certainly can. That 2 teaspoons is the minimum and what I consider "designated oil".

Cutting and pasting is easy. Highlight the text you want to save, hold down the Ctrl button, strike the letter Cee, go mouse click where you want to paste it, hold down Ctrl, strike the letter V. Or use the words found under Edit at the top of your browser.

[PugLove]

Gotcha - thanks!

[newme7]

I am really glad I read this. Thanks for all the info. I had been counting my 2 oils as whatever fats I eat throughout the day.

Does anyone who eats the 2 teaspoons notice a big difference? I have been losing slowly do you think that may be why?

[Frisky]

Each of us is different. Try an experiment with your body and see what happens. Make a commitment to eat the 2 teaspoons daily for two weeks and see what your body does. It'll keep doing what it is or you'll be pleased with better losses, better skin, less cravings, more easily controlled appetite, and healthier nails and hair. It's worth a two week trial isn't it?

[newme7]

I will try....

[hugbarbara]

Cutting and pasting is easy. Highlight the text you want to save, hold down the Ctrl button, strike the letter Cee, go mouse click where you want to paste it, hold down Ctrl, strike the letter V. Or use the words found under Edit at the top of your browser.
Frisky,

You are so smart! Thanks! It worked! :buddysmoo

[Frisky]

Whew! Glad that worked for you. I keep forgetting we might have Mac users and I only do Windows starting with 95 and working up to XP Pro. I'm kind of weak with DOS but can find the commands when needed.

Glad that worked for you. If it's an entire doc you want to copy, Ctrl + A will "select all" or use the words found in the browser or other app you're using. I dare say copy and paste is the thing I use most often especially posting hyperlinks, saving tidbits of info, and knarfing off recipes to add to MasterCook.

:bcbsalute

[Jurnee]

I get 1 tsp. a day from the Omega 3 oil supplement I take and the other in the form of a multiple essential oil pill (flax seed, sunflower, sesame etc.). The Omega 3 class of oils are critical for good health and the body cannot make them on its own. Your cell membranes are constructed using Omega 3 (polyunsaturated) oils and if you don't get them your bosy will use saturated fat to construct cell membranes. This is NOT good as it has a negative effect on the heart.

List of benefits:

Beneficial for protecting against heart and vessel disease, and for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Natural blood thinners, reducing the "stickiness" of blood cells (called platelet aggregation), which can lead to such complications as blood clots and stroke.
Lowers blood pressure.
The body converts them into natural anti-inflammatory substances called prostoglandins and leukotrienes, compounds that help decrease inflammation and pain.
Your brain is a fatty organ and these oils help against depression. Omega-3s help regulate mental health problems because they enhance the ability of brain-cell receptors to comprehend mood-related signals from other neurons in the brain. In other words, the omega-3s are believed to help keep the brain's entire traffic pattern of thoughts, reactions, and reflexes running smoothly and efficiently.
Hope that's enough evidence to make sure you get those Omega 3 oils :D

[SharonInWI]

Lots of good information here. Our body needs oils to make hormones. Hormones regulate our body and our metabolism. Skipping the oils would be like running a car without oil....not good. As mentioned, oils keep our skin, hair, nails healthly and also keep us feeling more satisfied. So many of our foods are fat free, and too much fat free products can be detrimental to our health.

[KentuckyRose]

One way I have fallen in love with using oil is this

1 tsp of Olive Oil mixed with 2 tsp paremsan/romano cheese (or any cheese that is one point per 2 tsp) and fresh ground pepper... mix that really good and then spread on a slice of .5 pt bread... roll it up jelly roll fashion and then use the edge of the bread to "sop" any remaining oil in the bowl... ENJOY!!!

more ways:

I have become addicted to olive oil on baked potatoes!!!! it gives it a cheesy flavor that you would just not believe!! YUM Just omit the butter and add the oil like you would before the salt and pepper! stir up and sometimes I add sour cream (count the extra points!)

I found a nice French Baguette in the deli at wal-mart that is only 2 pts per 4 inches of bread......(2 oz) You bake it at 400 degrees for 15 mins mmmm fresh baked bread!!!! I then open my slice up and instead of buttering it I use a tsp olive oil!!! OMG if you have the extra points try a tad bit of that parmesan/romano cheese on the bread!!! OH OH OH or some garlic powder!!! This is EXCELLENT with spaghetti!!!!
I am definately learnin to love my good oils!!!

[Hoosier Daddy]

What are the drawbacks of NOT getting two oils a day?
I really have a hard time with this. Having to eat oils just doesn't sound like eating healthy to me. Can someone please explain how this is going to help me lose weight?

:confused:

[plcm111195]

We need some fats in our diets and WW would like us to make sure they are healthy fats. Fats work in maintaining skin and hair, in storing and transporting fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and protecting cell walls.
You can also feel more satsified with your foods with a good balance of carb/fat/protein.
WW is only suggesting 2 tsp a day which is about 80-90 calories and 8-9 g of fat. If you go too low on fat it can impact your health.

Many of the oils they suggest also have other health benefits like omega 3s.
Some people will count foods with high healthy fats, like natural nut butters and avocados and salmon. Just make sure you are getting enough to keep your body working properly and steer away from saturated fats.

[marie925]

i am definitely not one that focuses on getting those oils!!! i know that needs to change, and i am so happy this thread was brought back!!

i did what kentucky rose suggested to do... made an olive oil "spread" by adding 2 tsp parmesan cheese and a little pepper to the 2 tsp oil... put it on one slice .5 point bread.... and it was sooooo good!!! i have done that before at italian restaurants because usually they have the oil sitting right on the table..... but, it is really good!!

thanks for that!!!!! i think i am going to go get my oils in right now.... mmmmm, yummy...... and it does satisfy a snack craving!!!

[TranquilOne]

Well, back to the supplements? I take an Omega 3 supplement daily and it has 1g of fat. I have been subtracting that point from my WPA or daily AP. Can that be considered as the 1 tsp of the requirement instead of subtracting from points?

[plcm111195]

If it only has 1 g of fat it's no where near a tsp. One teaspoon of oil has about 5g of fat and I doubt it's anywhere near a point unless you are taking 5 of them a day then you might want to count a point, but I don't know if WW would consider that a "healthy oil" I've heard leaders say yes and no.

[Momma Bird]

Last week, I got off plan from using my oils. Thanks for the reminder. It really is worth using 2 points for oils. I'm going to have some olive oil on my veggies with lunch. (Olive oil with parmesan cheese just sounds wonderful! I haven't had parmesan since I started WW)

[Naonah]

Love the oil and parmesan on baguette...try this version: cut your bread lengthwise, spread or spray the oil on along with the parmesan, garlic powder, pepper and then bake the whole until crispy! :exercise: The smell alone can make you salivate! Wow, reminds me of my childhood...my mom used to make it all the time!

As for the goodness of oils, don't forget that it helps bowel movements too : )

[vixter]

Well....girls...I tried to cut and paste Frisky's list and I still cant figure it out...guess I'll never learn how to use this computer....lol
Vicki

[daberlen80]

Okay, I read this thread earlier in the week and said "yeah, I know that flax oil is good. I'll go buy some of the flax oil pills." I did that today, remembered that it was supposed to be 2 tsp/points a day, and looked at the ingredient list. I got a dietary supplement that says it's "made with 1000mg organic flax oil, 10 calories all from fat, 1g total fat" Directions say to take 1 pill 3 times daily.

Is this what I should be taking to satisfy the oil requirement, or did I mess up and now I have 200 softgels (well, 199 actually since I took one on the way home) that I shouldn't be taking? Can I take 3 of them (I probably shouldn't take more than the maximum dosage, right?) and then another tsp of a different oil, like olive oil?

I would really appreciate imput on the more experienced members. Thanks!

[plcm111195]

You would have to take 4 to 5 a day to equal 1 tsp of oil. 1 tsp of flax oil has 40 calories and 4.5 g of fat.

[ejbailey729]

My WW leader said that the pills don't count for your oil requirement...are we in a greement with this? I put 2 tsps of Olive Oil in my oatmeal in the morning (or afternoon). Never even notice it, but I am definitely going to have to try the parmesan dipping thing and the toasted bread. Thanks for the great ideas.

[WeighToGo]

Remember the Week 8 booklet has some good information about fats.

One of the important purposes of fats is to be able to get the nutritional benefits from fat soluble vitamins. If you eat a salad or vegetables without any fat in the meal, your body can't use the vitamins you've just eaten. All those years of salads with FF salad dressings were wasting lots of nutrients.

[ashlee]

I don't think I replied to this thread and haven't time to look right now, or read everything.

However, I think my body was telling me I wasn't getting enough oil in this summer, especially. Haven't been cooking as much using the frying pan, etc.

My hair has been drier than usual.

This is rather gross, but: I was cutting my big toenail and the whole one side of the nail lifted right up. I cut it shorter and a piece of the nail came off eventually, but now it's just fine. Didn't look like any infection or anything either.

I'm making an effort to get those oils in now.

Ashlee :walking: (some)

[kissncook]

This might sound a little strange but I shared this with my WW group and some of them loved it. I make the weight watcher toast, drizzle 1 tsp Of light tasting olive oil on each slice of toast and then add sf jam, blackberry fruit spread is the best or a slice of cheese and tomato. The oil makes it taste so good almost like butter! And when I started that every day a couple weeks ago, I lost 3.6 pounds. And this week was good too. And then you don't have to worry about it the rest of the day! I have made a balsamic vinegar dressing, just with the vinegar, dilute with some water so it is not to strong and add splenda to sweeten. I put that on my salad in the evening and add the oil to that. It is really good.

[BurlingtonCTMan]

Hi Everyone :)

Great and informative posts!

I try to cook with extra virgin olive oil (when cooking) and get 1 tsp from that. I have recently started to incorporate FlaxSeed (organic whole) into my daily diet and find them crunchy! 1 Tbsp is 1 Point!

The post regarding the Balanced Flex plan was most helpful. I am working out and used to be a power lifter (in another life) and always found a high protein diet to be the most satisfying.

I get the majority of my daily protein from Soy (not a vegan/vegetarian) as I find it stores well (freezer) and cooks quickly (microwave).

Thanks again for the great posts. I just started this week, but will be having my first weigh-in on Friday.

[Caillagh]

What about dipping bread into Balsamic and EVOO? Yum. Sounds good to me.

[OHStar]

I'm glad I came across this thread...my face has been sooo dry...worse than other winters...and I've been wondering if it had to do with my weight loss...so I'm going to give it a two weeks' trial and see! (I'm hoping you all are right and it makes a big difference!)

[Caillagh]

Oh Lord! After reading this thread yesterday I said, "Yum I will have oil and Balsamic with some bread." After eating that I was soooo ill, my stomach was churning all evening. So, needless to say, today I haven't done the oil thing...yet.

[loana0320]

like if we do olive oil.. can we do both tsp of olive oils a day? or does it have to be two diff oils?

ETA: I just ate two serv's of my left over casserole.. and I added a teaspoon of olive oil to each bowl.. so got my two servs of oil and still missing one right.. also each serv of oil does that count as 1 point?

[Sheri~C]

I started using flax oil and evening primrose oil in capsule form and WW has advised me that these do not count as the daily oil intake.

I have figured out the amount of oil in the caps and do deduct that from my weekly points.

I have been using these oils along with a hot water and lemon juice before breakfast in the morning and have maintained a steady loss of 3+ pounds per week.

I also believe that butter in small amounts is not bad for us and use it sparingly instead of margarine and get the benefits from that oil source as well. This is why I choose Butter:

http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/31/butter.htm

[Caillagh]

I also believe that butter in small amounts is not bad for us and use it sparingly instead of margarine and get the benefits from that oil source as well. This is why I choose Butter:

http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/31/butter.htm
Wow. Thanks for the info!

[LoriWorkinIt]

Wow - all these wonderful oil ideas... ::going in search of some yummy crusty bread:: (yeah, the scale is out on the counter!) and gonna do some dippin' and get my oils in. WHEN I was being good about the oils, it was just olive oil with wine vinegar on a salad with salt & pepper - good to have variations...

Lori
242/230/225/199/145

[LoriWorkinIt]

Oh, my...my - can I ever add oils to my day - that was WONDERFUL! 2 tsp olive oil a little ground pepper, spec of salt - and an ever so fine shaving of locatelli cheese (couple a passes scraping with a serrated edge of a butter knife) with one oz. of crusty Italian bread - mmmmmmmmm - finger lickin' good...

Lori
242/230/225/199/145

[Sheri~C]

I was wondering if you are aware that to get the full benefits of Olive oil you need to make sure you are buying oil in a container that is NOT clear as light and heat alter the chemical makeup of the oil and light destroys the nutrients in it.

You are better off to use Canola oil for cooking and Olive oil in salads and non heated recipes to ensure you get the full benefits of it.

but don't take my word for it look here:

http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/olive-oil.htm

[loana0320]

Thanks!
Yes terday I had my three servings of oil... two in a casserole and one in my salad dressing for my salad.. today I have not had any serving sooo far... not sure where I wills neak it in yet LOL... have to do three servings of it tonight :ugh:

[LoriWorkinIt]

The olive oil I'm using is in a dark green bottle - so that's okay, right? So long as it's not clear..?

Lori
242/230/225/199/145

[OHStar]

On Tuesday I said that I would give the oil a 2-week trial run. I am sold! I've been sneaking it into my oatmeal, and even cereal with milk (I know sounds gross, but really don't notice it)! I think that the breads/oils/Parmesan sound wonderful, but I don't need another new thing to obsess over LOL!! But, after only three days, I've definitely noticed that it has stepped up my *regularity*; and I've never been that regular! So thanks for that, and here's hoping that my skin, nails and hair take notice, too! (And I was always of the opinion as HoosierDaddy...what a waste, would rather eat those 2 pts.!)

[airforcewife]

I take 2 flax seed oil capulets a day. If I understood my leader correctly, this doesn't add any points. I have noticed a curb in my appetite as well! My Dr also suggested taking an omega-3 supplement...it's good for our womanly sysyem!

[loana0320]

where do they sell the capsules? like GNC?

TIA!

[airforcewife]

I get them at the grocery store, I know they sell them at places like Walgreens as well. Good luck!

[loana0320]

Thanks, will def look this up!