Weight Watchers Points: Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken

Lean Cuisine is a convenient option for those who appreciate a quick meal, but how does it fit into a Weight Watchers diet plan? Weight Watchers, or WW, is a well-studied weight-loss program that has proven effective for many people. Lean Cuisine meals vary in their WW point values, with some being as low as 5 or 6 points, while others can be as high as 12 points. Sesame Chicken, a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, is available as Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken, which is 12 points for the meal. However, it's important to note that this option may be high in sodium. For those seeking lower point alternatives, there are several Lean Cuisine bowls with chicken and vegetables that range from 6 to 12 points. Additionally, there are recipes for healthier versions of Sesame Chicken that can be made at home in about 20 minutes, offering a flexible way to enjoy this dish while managing your WW points.

Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken is 12 points

While Lean Cuisine meals are generally low in calories, they are not always the best option for those on the Weight Watchers plan, as many of the meals are greater than 8 points. Sesame Chicken is one of the higher-point options, with 12 points per meal.

For comparison, Lean Cuisine Shrimp Scampi is 11 points, Lean Cuisine Spaghetti with Meatballs is 8 points, and Lean Cuisine Steak Portabella is only 5 points.

For those on the Weight Watchers plan, it is important to be mindful of sodium content, as many Lean Cuisine meals are high in sodium. Additionally, it is recommended to include fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, as well as nutritious grains, and meals that are prepared at home.

There are some good options within the Lean Cuisine range for those on Weight Watchers, and it is up to each individual to decide what works for them and their plan. It is always a good idea to check the nutritional information and Weight Watchers points before choosing a meal.

For those who enjoy cooking, there is also the option to make a healthier version of Sesame Chicken at home, which can be just as delicious as ordering from a restaurant. This recipe uses lean ground chicken and a lightened-up sesame sauce, and it only takes 20 minutes to prepare.

Lean Cuisine alternatives with fewer points

Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken is 12 points per meal. While Lean Cuisine offers low-calorie meals, they are not always suitable for Weight Watchers members. The meals are often high in sodium and rarely fall below 8 points.

There are, however, some alternatives with fewer points. For example, Lean Cuisine Steak Portabella is 5 points, and Lean Cuisine Spaghetti with Meatballs is 8 points. The Lean Cuisine Cauli' Bowls range is also a good option, with the Fettucini with Meat Sauce and the Garlic Parmesan Alfredo with Broccoli both 6 points per meal.

If you are looking for lower-point alternatives, you could try Weight Watchers Smart Ones Chicken Ranchero Smart Mini Wraps, which are 7 points. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also recommended to supplement Lean Cuisine meals, and fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes are considered to have no points.

It is worth noting that Lean Cuisine meals are often criticized for their low calorie count and use of chemical flavoring and additives. They may not be filling enough, and it is recommended to pair them with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables or a side salad.

Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken ingredients

Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken is a frozen meal that contains cooked pasta, breaded white meat chicken chunks, green beans, bell peppers, and sesame seeds in a plum sauce. The sauce is made with sugar, plum puree, corn starch, salt, vinegar, ginger, dried red pepper, and garlic. The meal also includes sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, modified food starch, rice wine vinegar, dried soy sauce, salt, and spices.

The ingredients list indicates that the product contains wheat, sesame, and soy. The chicken is described as "white meat chicken," and the pasta is made with semolina wheat flour. The breading on the chicken includes wheat flour, modified wheat starch, rice flour, and other ingredients. The plum sauce and dried garlic each make up 2% or less of the total ingredients.

The meal contains multiple sources of wheat and wheat flour, which are used in the pasta, chicken breading, and soy sauce. Sesame seeds and sesame oil are also included, adding flavor and texture to the dish. The sauce is primarily made from plum puree, sugar, and spices, with vinegar and soy sauce adding a tangy and savory note.

The green beans and bell peppers contribute color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. The chicken is described as "fully cooked" and "white meat," indicating that it is likely chicken breast meat, which is known for its lean qualities. The breading on the chicken adds a crispy texture and flavor to the dish, with spices and seasonings enhancing the overall taste.

Overall, the ingredients in Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken create a flavorful and convenient meal option for those seeking a quick and easy meal. The dish combines cooked pasta, chicken, vegetables, and an assortment of sauces and spices to create a balanced and tasty dining experience.

Weight Watchers Smart Points system

Lean Cuisine meals are convenient and tasty, but they are not all suitable for the Weight Watchers diet. The Sesame Chicken meal, for example, is 12 points, according to one source, while another lists it as 11 points. The Weight Watchers Smart Points system is designed to encourage healthier eating, so meals with high sugar or saturated fat content will be higher in Smart Points.

The Smart Points system is based on calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein content. The more calories, saturated fat, and sugar a food contains, the higher its Smart Points value will be. Conversely, foods with higher protein content will have lower Smart Points values. This is because studies have shown the benefits of eating less sugar and saturated fat and more protein, for weight loss and other health reasons.

The Weight Watchers program offers a personalized Smart Points budget, based on age, height, weight, and sex. This is to ensure that members reach their weight-loss goals. The budget includes a daily Smart Points allowance, with some extra weekly Smart Points for flexibility.

ZeroPoint foods are specifically chosen by Weight Watchers' nutrition team as they form the foundation of a healthy eating pattern. These foods are included in every plan, alongside SmartPoints foods, to match different eating styles. The plans with the largest SmartPoints budget have the fewest ZeroPoint foods, and vice versa.

Weight Watchers has introduced an app to help members track their Smart Points and follow their customized weight-loss plans. The app includes a recipe builder, which allows members to calculate the Smart Points values of their recipes.

Weight Watchers recommended foods

Lean Cuisine meals are convenient options for those on the Weight Watchers program. However, it's important to note that while they offer fairly low-calorie meals, they may not be the best choice due to their high sodium content. Some Lean Cuisine meals that fall within the Weight Watchers points system include:

• Lean Cuisine Sesame Chicken (12 points)
• Lean Cuisine Shrimp Scampi (11 points)
• Lean Cuisine Savory Sesame Chicken and Vegetables (11 points)
• Lean Cuisine Steak Portabella (5 points)
• Lean Cuisine Garlic Parmesan Alfredo with Broccoli (6 points)
• Lean Cuisine American Heart Association Certified Butternut Squash Ravioli (9 points)

Weight Watchers also recommends incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, nutritious grains, and homemade meals into your diet. Their ZeroPoint Foods (ZPFs) are a cornerstone of healthy, balanced eating. These foods are rich in protein and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer. Examples of ZPFs include:

• Skinless chicken thighs
• Yams
• Fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, etc.)
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Dairy
• Popcorn
• Yogurt

Frequently asked questions