The Best Weight Watchers Points Plus Foods List

Weight Watchers has been the leading weight loss program for a long time now. And one of their most popular programs is the PointsPlus system, which focuses on the nutritional quality or point values of foods instead of just their calorie content. 

So, if you are someone who is planning to follow or is already following this point system, having a specific list of the best healthy food choices can make a big difference in achieving your weight loss goals through the Weight Watchers Program. 

With that said, I will give you a list of the top foods to include in your WW PointsPlus diet, why they are beneficial, and how to incorporate them into your meals! 

Understanding the PointsPlus System

The PointsPlus system gives certain foods points value based on their protein, carbohydrate, fat, and fiber content. This new program will give you an idea of how much you need to consume certain food choices, the serving size you need, and the consumption of nutrient-dense foods while allowing flexibility and balance in your diet. 

So no, you do not have to give up on a lot of food and your favorite meals. The goal of this new system is to guide you toward healthier eating habits without feeling deprived – all the while achieving your weight loss goal! 

What to eat on WW Points Plus Diet

I have here a list of some recommended foods that are perfect for the WW programs that are low on smart points (some even zero points!) so you can make healthy choices and live a healthier lifestyle!  

FRUITS

Most fresh fruits are zero points which makes them one of the best choices for snacks and meal additions.

• All fresh, frozen, or canned fruits without added sugar—whether or not it has PointsPlus values per serving
• Fruit canned in its own juice (drained)
• Fruit salad: mixed fruits with no added sugar

Recommended fruits: 

• Apples: Apples are perfect for satiating hunger and being eaten as a sweet treat. Apples are low in calories and high in fiber
• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are nutrient powerhouses, rich in antioxidants and vitamins
• Bananas: Bananas can be a satisfying and filling snack that helps with weight loss so you won’t need to consume a lot of food afterward. Bananas are a great source of potassium and natural sweetness

VEGETABLES 

Like fruits, most vegetables are zero PointsPlus food points. They are packed with essential nutrients and fiber, which is perfect for any diet and overall health.

• Most fresh, frozen, or canned without added sugar or oil—whether or not it has PointsPlus values per serving 

Recommended vegetables: 

• Potatoes: white, red, sweet
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are excellent for their high fiber and vitamin content.
• Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies are rich in vitamins A and C, and add a sweet crunch to salads and stir-fries

LEAN PROTEINS

Proteins are important for muscle growth and maintenance as well as satiating hunger. The PointsPlus system actually prefers lean proteins due to their lower fat content and higher nutritional value.

• Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, veal: lean, trim, all skin removed     
• Dried beans, including canned black, cannellini, kidney, refried, and white     
• Dried peas, including black-eyed peas and split peas
• Eggs: whole, whites, and fat-free substitute 
• Game meats, including buffalo, elk, ostrich, and venison 
• Lentils 
• Meat substitutes, including tofu and most vegetarian burgers 
• Most fish and shellfish: fresh, frozen, and canned     
• Organ meats from beef, lamb, pork, and veal

Non-fat Dairy & Dairy Substitutes

Dairy products provide calcium and protein and can be part of a balanced diet and several delicious recipes! 

• Fat-free cheeses, including fat-free cottage cheese 
• Fat-free milk and beverages made with fat-free milk—such as cappuccino or latte, as long as it’s sugar-free 
• Fat-free plain and light yogurt 
• Fat-free sour cream 
• Unflavored fat-free soy cheese 
• Unflavored soy milk and soy yogurt

WHOLE GRAINS 

Whole grains are essential for providing sustained energy and fiber, which helps in digestion. You can also get lots of amazing Weight Watchers recipes featuring whole grains in them! 

• Brown and wild rice 
• Hot cereals without added sugar, dried fruits, or nuts—such as 100% bran, cream of rice, cream of wheat, grits, or oatmeal 
• Pasta: whole-wheat or other whole-grain varieties 
• Popcorn, as long as it’s air-popped or 94% fat-free microwave-popped 
• Ready-to-eat cereals: whole-grain without added sugar, dried fruits, or nuts, and with 4g fiber or more per serving 
• Whole grains:  barley, buckwheat, bulgur, cornmeal (polenta), whole-wheat couscous, or quinoa

Incorporating PointsPlus Foods into Your Diet

Creating balanced meals and snacks that follow the PointsPlus program can be fun and satisfying! Again, you do not have to give up on your favorite foods. You may sometimes modify them a bit, sure, but hey, it’s better than depriving yourself!  

Witth that in mind, here are some tips to help you incorporate these best PointsPlus foods into your daily routine:

Breakfast Ideas

• Fruit and Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer the Greek yogurt with mixed berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds for a nutrient-packed meal to start your day.
• Oatmeal with Banana and Nuts: Cook oats with water or low-fat milk, top with sliced banana, and a handful of nuts for a filling breakfast.
• Vegetable Omelette: Use egg whites or whole eggs, and fill your tasty omelet with spinach, bell peppers, and onions.

Lunch Ideas

• Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, chickpeas, and a drizzle of olive oil for a satisfying lunch.
• Chicken and Veggie Wrap: Use a whole-grain tortilla, add grilled chicken, leafy greens, and a few slices of avocado.
• Lentil Soup: A hearty and nutritious meal, perfect for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

Dinner Ideas

• Grilled Salmon with Vegetables: Serve grilled salmon with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.
• Stir-Fry: Combine lean protein like chicken or tofu with a variety of colorful vegetables, and serve over brown rice.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of brown rice, black beans, and lean ground turkey.

Snack Ideas

• Apple Slices with Almond Butter: A sweet and satisfying snack that combines fruit with healthy fats.
• Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Cut carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and dip them in hummus for a crunchy snack.
• Mixed Berries: A bowl of mixed berries can satisfy your sweet cravings and provide a dose of antioxidants.

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