Mia Patel
Weight Watchers, now known as WW, has a points-based system to help people lose weight. While zero usually means nothing, at WeightWatchers, ZeroPoint foods are everything. Chicken and turkey are lean meats that are considered ZeroPoint foods, as long as they are skinless and not pre-marinated or smoked. However, chicken thighs and wings are not considered ZeroPoint foods because they contain higher amounts of fat.
Characteristics and Values Table for Chicken and Turkey on Weight Watchers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skinless chicken breast | Zero Points |
| Turkey breast | Zero Points |
| Chicken tenderloins | Zero Points |
| Chicken thighs | Not Zero Points |
| Chicken wings | Not Zero Points |
| Ground turkey | Must be labelled "extra lean" or 98% fat-free |
| Deli turkey | Not Zero Points |
| Pre-marinated chicken or turkey breast | Zero Points |
| Smoked chicken or turkey breast | Zero Points |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken tenderloins are a ZeroPoint food
ZeroPoint foods are everything on Weight Watchers. While "zero" usually means "nothing", this is not the case with the Weight Watchers programme. Most skinless cuts of chicken and turkey are ZeroPoint foods. This includes chicken tenderloins, skinless chicken breast, and boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Processed, unspecified products such as "deli turkey" are not ZeroPoint foods because they often contain sugar or dark meat. Pre-marinated chicken or turkey breast and smoked chicken or turkey breast are also not ZeroPoint foods.
Chicken thighs, for example, will have a Points value because this dark meat contains a higher amount of fat than the tenderloin or breast. However, this does not mean that they cannot be eaten as part of a Weight Watchers diet. There is still room for this delicious cut in your Points Budget.
It is important to note that members living with diabetes will have different ZeroPoint foods, including non-starchy veggies, eggs, fish & shellfish, chicken & turkey breast, tofu & tempeh, and beans, peas, & lentils.
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Chicken thighs have a Points value
Most skinless cuts of chicken and turkey are ZeroPoint foods on Weight Watchers. This means that they have no Points value and can be eaten freely. However, chicken thighs are considered dark meat and contain a higher amount of fat than chicken tenderloins or breasts, so they do have a Points value.
ZeroPoint foods are an essential part of the Weight Watchers program, and members are encouraged to incorporate them into their diets. While chicken thighs have a Points value, they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet while following the Weight Watchers plan. It is important to remember that no single food is off-limits, and including a variety of lean meats, non-starchy vegetables, and other nutritious options is key to a healthy pattern of eating.
Chicken tenderloins, which are the leanest part of the chicken breast, are a ZeroPoint food. Other ZeroPoint cuts in the poultry category include skinless chicken breasts and turkey breasts, as long as they are not pre-marinated or smoked. Processed, unspecified products such as "deli turkey" are often excluded from ZeroPoint foods due to their sugar content or inclusion of dark meat.
While chicken thighs have a Points value, they can still be included in your diet while following Weight Watchers. It is all about balance and making sure they fit within your Points Budget. A reliable meat thermometer can help ensure that chicken thighs, and other lean meats, are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 75°C.
In summary, while chicken thighs have a Points value on Weight Watchers, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. ZeroPoint foods, such as skinless chicken breasts and turkey breasts, can be consumed freely, but it is important to include a variety of nutritious options from all food groups for a well-rounded approach to healthy eating.
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Ground turkey must meet certain requirements to be ZeroPoint
Ground turkey must meet certain requirements to be classified as a ZeroPoint food on Weight Watchers.
Firstly, if the ground turkey is not labelled as breast meat, it must be labelled as "extra lean" to qualify as ZeroPoint. This means that it should be at least 98% fat-free, or in other words, contain a maximum of 2% fat. This is an important distinction, as dark meat—which has a higher fat content than breast meat—is not considered a ZeroPoint food.
Secondly, ground turkey that is highly processed and unspecified, such as "deli turkey", is typically not considered ZeroPoint. This is because processed turkey meat often contains added sugar, which is not a ZeroPoint ingredient. Therefore, when choosing ground turkey as a ZeroPoint food, it is important to select options that are minimally processed and clearly labelled as either breast meat or extra lean.
It is worth noting that the requirements for ZeroPoint foods may vary slightly depending on the region, as Weight Watchers programs can differ slightly between countries. For example, in Australia, members with diabetes have chicken and turkey, including skinless lean meats, on their ZeroPoint food list, while in other countries, only skinless chicken breast and turkey breast were previously considered ZeroPoint foods. However, recent updates to the Weight Watchers program have expanded the lean meat options available as ZeroPoint foods, now including boneless skinless chicken thighs.
In summary, when selecting ground turkey as a ZeroPoint food on Weight Watchers, it is essential to look for options that are labelled as either breast meat or extra lean, while avoiding highly processed varieties that may contain added sugar. By choosing ground turkey that meets these requirements, individuals can align their food choices with the Weight Watchers program guidelines.
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Deli turkey is not a ZeroPoint food
Most skinless cuts of meat in the poultry category are ZeroPoints. This includes chicken tenderloins, which are the leanest part of the chicken breast, and chicken and turkey breast more generally. However, processed, unspecified products such as "deli turkey" are not ZeroPoint foods. This is because they often contain sugar or dark meat, which are not ZeroPoint foods.
Ground turkey must be labelled "extra lean" or be at least 98% fat-free (2% fat) to be considered a ZeroPoint food. Deli turkey is not usually labelled in this way and so is not a ZeroPoint food.
That said, some Weight Watchers participants have found that certain brands of turkey deli meat are 0 points, such as Hillshire Farms. However, other brands may have a points value of 1 for 2 oz.
If you are living with diabetes, you will have non-starchy veggies, eggs, fish & shellfish, chicken & turkey, skinless lean meats, tofu & tempeh, and beans, peas, & lentils on your ZeroPoint food list.
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ZeroPoint foods can be cooked with sauces that have a Points value of 0
Weight Watchers has assigned zero points to several foods, including skinless chicken breasts, chicken tenderloins, and turkey breasts. These cuts of meat are considered lean and are therefore part of the ZeroPoint food list. However, chicken thighs, wings, and dark meat turkey contain a higher amount of fat and are not included in the ZeroPoint category.
While ZeroPoint foods typically indicate zero value or significance, WeightWatchers® takes a different approach. ZeroPoint foods are an essential part of the Weight Watchers program, offering flexibility and a range of nutritious options. The program emphasizes that most skinless cuts of poultry are ZeroPoint foods, providing a clear guideline for members.
It's important to note that ground turkey must meet specific criteria to be considered a ZeroPoint food. If it is not labelled as breast meat, ground turkey must be labelled as "extra lean" or have a fat content of 2% or less to qualify. Processed turkey products, such as deli turkey, often contain sugar or dark meat, which are not ZeroPoint foods. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully read labels and understand the specific requirements for ZeroPoint foods.
The Weight Watchers program offers flexibility in cooking ZeroPoint foods. You can cook or smoke ZeroPoint poultry with sauces that have a Points value of 0, and they will retain their ZeroPoint status. This means you can enhance the flavour and taste of your chicken or turkey dishes without affecting your Points budget. It's a great way to make your meals more enjoyable while staying on track with your Weight Watchers plan.
Additionally, members living with diabetes have an expanded ZeroPoint food list, which includes non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish and shellfish, chicken and turkey breast, tofu and tempeh, and beans, peas, and lentils. This specialized list takes into account the combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibre to minimize the impact on blood sugar levels. Weight Watchers considers the unique needs of its members, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable and healthy path to their weight management goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most skinless cuts of chicken and turkey are zero points on Weight Watchers.
Yes, chicken thighs and wings are not zero points because they contain a higher amount of fat than the breast or tenderloin. Processed products such as "deli turkey" are also not zero points as they often contain sugar or dark meat.
If ground turkey is not labelled as breast meat, it must be labelled "extra lean" or be at least 98% fat-free (2% fat) to be considered a zero-point food.
Yes, other zero-point foods include non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish and shellfish, tofu and tempeh, and beans, peas, and lentils.
