So, I've joined Weight Watchers...

(I'm not overweight - but I'm at the heavy end of my healthy weight range, rather than the other end where I was two years ago. I'd prefer to move back in the other direction.)

I've installed their "points tracker" app on my phone, and am dutifully entering food into it.


And here's the thing: I'm an inveterate snacker, but defiantly so. You give me a diet program that bans me from eating BAD CHOCOLATE THAT'S BAD FOR YOU, and a tiny rebellious part of me will narrow its eyes and mutter "Just watch me".

But WW? They are fine with me eating chocolate. Just fine! Eating chocolate, custard, or pigeons are all perfectly okay as far as WW are concerned. No probs.

So, I open up my points tracker, and enter "I am going to eat chocolate".
And it says "Okay! Great idea! How many squares?"
Hmm. Well, I don't have to eat that much really...
"Four squares," I say, expecting it to scold me.
It doesn't scold me. It nods enthusiastically, and reminds me that this will cost me 3 points.
...which is quite a few points, if you think about it. My breakfast cost 3 points.
I think about this for a second, and then say "Um... how about three squares of chocolate?"
"Sure!" says points tracker. "That'll be 2 points."
Woo! 2 points instead of 3! Score!
And points tracker and I grin at each other, and I waltz off to eat my chocolate...


The thing is, a diet that takes responsibility for telling me off is never going to work. One which calmly sits back, smiles, and makes me take responsibility... well, actually that's kinda mean. But very effective.