Many studies indicate that some flexible diets, such as the French point system, achieve effective weight loss results.
What is the French points system?
The French Points System, or known internationally as the Weight Watchers Points System, is a famous diet that relies on giving each type of food a certain number of points according to its calorie, fat, and fiber content, which allows you to eat food during the day that does not exceed the number of points allowed per day, according to your weight, height, age, and level of activity.
Benefits of the French points system?
The French points diet is one of the flexible diets that has gained great acclaim among those who want to lose weight, as its effectiveness lies in balance without deprivation, which makes it a sustainable option in the long term. The benefits of the French points system are as follows:
- Flexibility of food choice: It allows freedom in choosing foods, even sweets or fast food, but on the condition that points are calculated and the permissible daily limit is not exceeded, which reduces the feeling of deprivation and facilitates adherence to the system.
- Eat healthy foods: Most fruits and vegetables are worth zero points, which encourages eating them often during the French Points Diet, and thus contributes to improving digestion and increasing fiber intake.
- Achieving nutritional balance: The system does not depend on one type of nutritional element, such as keto, which focuses on fats. Rather, it allows eating all food groups, but in moderate proportions.
- Changing eating habits: The system helps in developing the habit of thinking before eating and choosing healthy alternatives, leading to long-term changes in lifestyle.
- Suitable for different categories: It can be applied to all ages, and is even suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women by adjusting the points. It is also suitable for people who do not prefer severe diets.
- Reduce weight regain: Since it does not depend on deprivation, it helps in balancing food, which contributes to maintaining weight after the diet ends.
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How to calculate points in the French points diet
As we mentioned, the French points system depends on specifying a specific number of daily points that are permitted to be eaten. Accordingly, these points are calculated according to several factors related to the individual. A specific value of points has also been allocated to each type of food based on its components, which helps in controlling the amount of food without deprivation.
First: How to calculate points for a person
To calculate the number of daily points in the French points diet for people;
Illustrative example:
30-year-old female, weighs 70 kg, height 165 cm, is lightly active, aims to lose weight;
How to calculate points on foods
Food points in the French points diet depend on the basic components, the most prominent of which are calories, fat, and the percentage of fiber, as the higher the percentage of fat and calories, the higher the points, and the more fiber, the lower the points. To facilitate adherence to the diet;
- Apple = 0 points.
- Boiled egg = 2 points.
- Slice of white bread = 3 points.
- Grilled chicken breast = 4 points.
- A piece of chocolate = 5–7 points.
Therefore, it is preferable to rely on natural, low-point foods.
Correct points calculation table
The correct points calculation table in the French points diet depends on collecting a number of values associated with the person’s data.
| The worker | Points |
| الجنس | Female = 7 points
Male = 15 points |
| العمر | 12 to 20 years = 5 points
21 to 35 = 4 points 36 to 50 = 3 points More than 50 = 2 points |
| the weight | Every 10 kg = 1 point
For example: 70 kg = 7 points |
| height | Taller than 160 cm = 2 points
Less = 1 point |
| Physical activity | Inactive = 0
Light activity = 1 Average = 2 High = 3 points |
| The goal of the system | Fixed weight = 4 points
Lose weight = 0 points |
You may find it difficult to calculate points accurately, but do not worry about it, as we work at the Obesity Treatment Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to deal with all international diets, and therefore our medical team has great experience in helping you calculate points according to your personal and health data, which ensures that you lose weight without deprivation and maintain it after the end of the diet. We accompany you on your weight loss journey step by step.
Book your consultation now at Obesity treatment center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Foods prohibited in the points diet
According to the French points system, there are no foods that are strictly prohibited;
Accordingly;
- Fried foods such as potatoes and samosas.
- Ready-made baked goods such as donuts and pies.
- Processed meats such as luncheon meat and sausages.
- Soft drinks and sweetened juices.
- Processed chocolates and sweets.
- Full-fat cheese and fatty sauces.
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The most important tips for following the French points system
To ensure your success in following the French points diet,
- Calculate your points accurately using the points table;
- Choose satiating, low-point foods such as vegetables, fruits, proteins, and oats;
- Plan your meals in advance or make sure to write down a daily bullet point plan, which will help you stick to it and avoid unhealthy fast choices.
- Do not neglect to drink water and eat enough water daily;
- Do physical activity regularly, even if it is as simple as walking, as it increases the burning rate and helps you stick to the regimen.
- Avoid wasting points on sugars and fats. There is nothing wrong with a little of it from time to time, but do not let it consume most of your daily points.
- Be realistic and patient as healthy weight loss takes time, so do not expect very quick results in a short time.
- Track your progress weekly by measuring weight or taking notes, which helps you track progress and motivate yourself without getting hung up on numbers every day.
- Do not neglect good sleep because lack of sleep affects hunger and satiety hormones, and may weaken your commitment to the regime, so ensure regular and sufficient sleep.
- Use the medical team at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to follow up on your health condition, starting with calculating points and reaching an ideal weight and better health.
Frequently asked questions about the French points system
Is the points system slim?
Yes, the points system helps you lose weight, provided that you adhere to the number of daily points and do not exceed them.
How many points are in 8 tablespoons of white rice?
The number of points in 8 tablespoons of cooked white rice depends on the cooking method and the size of the spoon, but it is approximately 6 to 7 points.
How many points are in a 40 gram cookie?
A 40-gram cookie contains about 6 to 8 points, which varies depending on its ingredients, such as the addition of chocolate or nuts.
Dates how many points?
One date contains about 1 point, so 3 dates = approximately 3 points.
Start your healthy journey now and give your body a chance to balance without deprivation, as the French points system is not just a diet;
المصادر:
The French Points Diet: A Balanced and Healthy Path to Slimming – turkblogs
What are Weight Watchers points and how do they help you lose weight? – today