Sophie Bennett
Weight Watchers has designated skinless chicken and turkey as zero-point foods, meaning they can be consumed without counting towards one's daily point budget. This classification is based on these meats being lean and low in saturated fats, as well as considering their combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibre, which are less likely to impact blood sugar levels. However, processed poultry products like deli turkey or pre-marinated chicken often contain sugar or dark meat, which are not zero-point foods.
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What You'll Learn
- Lean meats, like chicken tenderloins, are zero points
- ZeroPoint foods can be cooked with sauces that have a points value of 0
- Chicken wings are the only part of the chicken that is not zero points
- Deli turkey is not zero points as it often contains sugar
- Diabetics can eat chicken and turkey as part of their ZeroPoint food list
Lean meats, like chicken tenderloins, are zero points
Lean meats, such as chicken tenderloins, are zero-point foods on Weight Watchers because they are the leanest part of the chicken breast. Chicken tenderloins are considered lean meats because they contain less fat than other cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs.
ZeroPoint foods are foods that are considered to be healthy and filling, and do not need to be tracked as part of your daily Points Budget. This does not mean that zero-point foods are "nothing", but rather that they are an essential part of a healthy diet.
Most skinless cuts of chicken and turkey are zero-point foods. This includes chicken tenderloins, chicken breasts, and boneless chicken thighs. However, chicken wings are not considered zero-point foods. In addition, ground turkey must be labelled as "extra lean" or be at least 98% fat-free to be considered a zero-point food.
It is important to note that processed, unspecified products such as "deli turkey" are often not considered zero-point foods because they contain sugar or dark meat, which are not zero-point ingredients.
For members living with diabetes, lean meats such as chicken tenderloins are included on their ZeroPoint food list, along with non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish, and shellfish. These categories were carefully selected to consider the combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibre, and are less likely to impact blood sugar levels.
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ZeroPoint foods can be cooked with sauces that have a points value of 0
ZeroPoint foods are an essential part of the Weight Watchers program, as they form the foundation of healthy eating and help you stay full longer. These foods are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and you can eat as much of them as you like without having to weigh, measure, or track them.
Chicken and turkey are ZeroPoint foods, but only if they are skinless. This is because the skin contains a higher amount of fat than the rest of the bird. In addition, ground turkey must be labelled "extra lean" or be at least 98% fat-free to qualify as a ZeroPoint food. Processed turkey products, such as deli meat, are also not considered ZeroPoint foods because they often contain sugar.
You can cook ZeroPoint chicken and turkey with sauces that have a points value of 0, and they will still be considered ZeroPoint foods. This is because the sauces are typically low-calorie condiments that do not add significant calories or nutrients to the dish.
It is important to note that while ZeroPoint foods are nutritious and can be eaten freely, they still contain calories. So, it is important to eat responsibly and be mindful of reasonable portion sizes. Weight Watchers recommends eating until you are no longer hungry, rather than stuffing yourself until you feel uncomfortable.
For members living with diabetes, there is a separate ZeroPoint food list that features over 200 foods. These foods are chosen based on their impact on blood sugar levels, with non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish, shellfish, skinless lean meats, tofu, and tempeh being some examples.
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Chicken wings are the only part of the chicken that is not zero points
Most skinless cuts of chicken and turkey are zero points on Weight Watchers. This is because they are lean meats that are high in protein and low in saturated fats. However, chicken wings are the only part of the chicken that is not zero points. This is because they are considered dark meat and contain a higher amount of fat than other parts of the chicken.
Chicken tenderloins, for example, are the leanest part of the chicken breast and are therefore considered a ZeroPoint food. Similarly, skinless chicken thighs, while having a Points value due to their higher fat content, can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy pattern of eating and tracked within one's Points Budget.
Processed, unspecified products such as "deli turkey" are also not ZeroPoint foods as they often contain sugar or dark meat. Pre-marinated chicken or turkey breasts, as well as smoked chicken or turkey breast, fall under this category as well.
It is important to note that members living with diabetes may have different ZeroPoint food lists that take into account their specific dietary needs. These lists typically include non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish and shellfish, skinless lean meats, tofu, tempeh, and beans, peas, and lentils.
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Deli turkey is not zero points as it often contains sugar
Deli turkey is not zero points on Weight Watchers because it often contains sugar, which is not a ZeroPoint food. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that can impact blood sugar levels and is not considered a ZeroPoint food by WeightWatchers.
WeightWatchers categorizes most skinless cuts of chicken and turkey as ZeroPoint foods. However, processed and unspecified products like deli turkey are often excluded from this category due to their sugar content. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that can influence blood sugar levels, and WeightWatchers considers the combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibres when categorizing foods.
Deli turkey, as a processed meat product, may also contain other ingredients besides turkey and sugar, such as preservatives, flavour enhancers, or fillers. These additional ingredients can vary depending on the brand and style of deli turkey. Some brands, like Hillshire Farms, may offer lower-point options by reducing the sugar content or using alternative ingredients.
It's important to note that the WeightWatchers program provides flexibility and a Points Budget to accommodate different food choices. While deli turkey may not be a ZeroPoint food, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when tracked within the Points Budget. Individuals can also refer to the WeightWatchers website or consult with a WeightWatchers coach for specific guidance and recommendations.
Additionally, WeightWatchers emphasizes that ZeroPoint foods are not "zero" in value or importance. Instead, they form the foundation of a healthy eating pattern, providing essential nutrients and flexibility within the program.
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Diabetics can eat chicken and turkey as part of their ZeroPoint food list
People with diabetes do not usually need to give up eating meat, but they should be mindful of the types and amounts of meat they consume. According to Weight Watchers, chicken and turkey are ZeroPoint foods for people with diabetes. This includes skinless cuts of chicken and turkey, as well as chicken tenderloins, which are the leanest part of the chicken breast.
The ZeroPoint food list for people with diabetes includes non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish and shellfish, skinless lean meats, tofu and tempeh, and beans, peas, and lentils. These foods were selected to provide a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibre, while also being less likely to impact blood sugar levels.
Chicken and turkey are considered lean meats, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) listing skinless chicken and turkey breast as very lean. Lean meat typically has 3 grams of fat and 55 calories per ounce. However, dark meat, such as chicken thighs, contains more fat and will have a Points value.
While chicken and turkey are generally healthy choices for people with diabetes, it is important to note that ground turkey, ground chicken, and fried chicken are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories, which can negatively impact diabetes management. Therefore, it is recommended to consume skinless chicken breast and turkey breast in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, studies have found a link between higher meat consumption, especially red and processed meat, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. As a result, it is recommended to replace some meats and poultry with fish and plant-based protein sources. Overall, choosing leaner cuts of meat, such as skinless chicken and turkey, can be a healthy option for people with diabetes when consumed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Skinless chicken breast and boneless skinless chicken thighs are zero points on Weight Watchers because they are lean meats. Chicken tenderloins are also zero points as they are the leanest part of the chicken breast.
Turkey breast and extra-lean ground turkey are zero points on Weight Watchers. This is because they are lean meats with the ground turkey being at least 98% fat-free.
Yes, chicken wings and dark meat chicken/turkey are not zero points. Processed turkey products such as deli turkey, turkey bacon, and turkey sausage are also not zero points.
Yes, other zero-point foods include non-starchy vegetables, eggs, fish and shellfish, tofu and tempeh, and beans, peas, and lentils.
