As promised, here’s a list of some really awesome (and convenient) foods that I’ve found exceptionally conducive to the Weight Watchers plan. I’m on the Flex Plan, by the way - the one where you count points. This to me is easier than counting straight calories, for many reasons, not the least of which, not every calorie is created equal! For example, a food that’s 100 calories, but contains 3 grams of dietary fiber, is much better for you than a food that’s 100 calories, but contains no fiber and 5 grams of fat!
Weight Watchers also has something called the Core Plan, but I profess total ignorance as to how it works, so I’m not going to address it here.
Anyway, on to the munchies!
Oh I do love Triscuits. They are just about the perfect salty snack. They taste great with all kinds of toppings, but are just as delicious plain. These babies have a TON of fiber in them, and are low in fat, so they’re very good. You may look at the nutritional information for them and realize that a serving (which is worth 2 points in the WW system, by the way) is only six crackers (seven, if you’re eating the low-fat variety). “Whoa!” you say, “that’s not enough snacking goodness!” But seriously, try them. Six or seven of these is plenty. They also break easily into little strips - break six of them into three strips each and you’ve got a veritable mountain of salty goodness right there.
On the sweeter side of the snack aisle, these are a new product called Newtons Fruit Crisps, made by the people that brought you Fig Newtons (and Strawberry Newtons, and who knows what else). I don’t like Fig Newtons at all but not to worry - these don’t taste anything like Fig Newtons. They’re so new, I couldn’t find them on Nabisco’s web site, but I did find a rave about them on Hungry Girl’s site (click the picture, and scroll halfway down the page). They come in two flavors which honestly taste about the same to me - that is, AWESOME. Like a crispy little Poptart! Oh my, these are SO good. Definitely not as nutritious as real fruit, but dang, so much like dessert - and only 2 points for a package of two crisps. But thumbs up from me on these.
You say you like your Starbucks latte? You gotta have caffeine and steamed milk and various delicate flavors? Yeah, me too. I’ve been drinking a Grande skim vanilla latte every morning for years - but not anymore. Even with skim milk, one of those is 4.5 points - that’s a lot just for a beverage. Compromise with the “skinny” latte (which has skim milk and sugar-free syrup) and it’s still 2.5 points. That’s better, but I’m honestly not crazy about the taste of the sugar-free syrup (it’s actually sweeter than regular syrup, and has a bit of that diet aftertaste). I never thought I’d actually enjoy one of these General Foods International Coffees, but I’ve found one that I do. Admittedly, it’s not really on the same level as a Starbucks vanilla latte. On the other hand, it’s not bad! It’s cheaper (you can buy a whole tin of the stuff for about what one latte costs at Starbucks), and one serving is only 1 point. That makes me feel better about drinking one (or two!) every day; and I can save my bigger point investments for more substantial treats!
By the way, I have to add that one of the best diet treats in the whole world is a Grande Mocha Light Frappucino from Starbucks. It’s only 3 points and it tastes like a chocolate milkshake. Caramel Light is awesome too!
One way I survive lunch every day is to bring a frozen meal of some type. It’s easier for me than making lunch (although I do make my lunch sometimes too) and is much safer than going out. I’ve tried just about every type of “healthy” frozen entrees out there, and I can definitely say that until recently, my preferences were for Lean Cuisine and Smart Ones. Then I tried South Beach Living. Wow! These are some of the best-tasting entrees I’ve ever had! Especially the adorable little wrap kits (available in the refrigerated - not frozen - section), which are like Lunchables for adults - they come with a little cup of Jello! How cute is that? Plus the whole thing adds up to just 5 points. The frozen meals are good too. Just today I had a four-cheese pizza which was pretty damn tasty for only 6 measly points. I still like the Lean Cuisine pizzas just a little bit better, but they usually have 7 points. I’ve also enjoyed the South Beach cereal bars, snack bars, etc. I think Kraft is really onto something with this brand.
Finally, you may have noticed that there are quite a few Weight Watchers-branded foods available at the supermarket now too. From bagels to yogurt, they have a little bit of everything. I particularly enjoy some of their cheese offerings. They have some great cheese snacks, like little bars of cheddar and full-size string cheese, which are only 1 point each (these are also really convenient to use in recipes, sandwiches, etc.). They also have little 1-point cups of cream cheese, which I bring with me when I bring one of their bagels to work for breakfast. Bagel = 2 points, cheese = 1, that’s a pretty satisfying 3 points.
There are tons of other foods I could talk about (Skinny Cow ice cream bars, mini Luna bars, Kashi Good Friends cereal) plus all of the great tips on Hungry Girl (like using crushed Fiber One cereal as a breading), but I’m starting to get hungry! ![]()