Let’s be real, the reason Weight Watchers is a successful plan for yours truly is that I’m able to eat what I what, when I want, no questions asked.
Cocktails, fast food and treats are all in my plan, and I’m here for it.
Of course, with that said, I do have to make smart choices but if I want a glass of wine at the end of the day, you best believe that I can and will pour it.
I’ve learned that I’m willing to make a few simple swaps to shave off a few points here and there throughout the day to create room in my daily points for that glass – and that I can do it while still snacking and hitting the drive thru.
Behold, my fave easy Freestyle swaps:
Pringles v Ritz Crisp and Thin Sea Salt
I honestly think the Ritz Crisps are amazing. Kinda like a chip, not really anything like a cracker, they hit the craving spot for me when I want something salty and crunchy (so, always).
You can eat 16 of the Ritz Crisp for 3 Freestyle Points compared to 16 Pringles at 5 points (those 2 points get you halfway to a glass of wine!). P.S. Crunch up the Ritz and top chili with them, I promise, it’s delicious.
Chick-fil-A Original Sandwich v Chick-fil-A Nuggets (8 count)
I’m never going to live a life that doesn’t include Chick-fil-A so knowing my point values are crucial when I hit the drive thru. Ditching the buttered bun of the sandwich for an 8 count pack of nuggets will save you 6 whole points.
The classic sandwich clocks in at 12 points while the 8 count nuggets will cost you 6. My personal go to order is an 8 count nugget combo with a side salad, no dressing (I use my own, listed below) and a large Diet Dr. Pepper.
Kraft Classic Ranch v Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Classic Ranch
And now that I’ve mentioned dressing, let’s talk about Ranch.
Holy crap, ranch dressing will murder your point total for the day. One packet/serving/2 ounces of Chick-fil-A ranch is 10 points. Yikes. I do love dressings and finding a good light ranch is basically impossible, or so I thought.
Good news, I’ve tried them all and have found the one worth toting in your purse, if you’re that kind of girl (I am). Compared to 4 points for 2 tablespoons of Kraft Ranch, the Bolthouse Yogurt Ranch is a steal at 2 points for 2 tablespoons. Carry that baby with you, you know you want to.
Provolone Cheese v Mini Babybel Light
Truth: I prefer the taste of the Light Babybel cheese to the regular flavor of Babybel, so that’s a win from the start.
Traditional cheese slices like Provolone will run you 2 points per slice while a Mini Babybel Light will only tap 1 point per round of your point total.
Honey Mustard v Dijon Mustard
Mustard of any kind is your friend on Weight Watchers.
Clocking in at 0 points, yellow mustard, dijon, deli, spicy and all mustard varieties except Honey Mustard should be your go to. Honey Mustard will cost you 2 points for 1 tablespoon, so ditch it from your dip selection ASAP.
Sara Lee Soft and Smooth Bread v Sara Lee Delightful Bread
Light bread is another tricky pantry staple to find – but the Sara Lee Delightful line is honestly really delicious.
To me, it tastes no different than regular wheat bread but will save you major points. Traditional bread like the Soft and Smooth will run you 4 points for 2 slices while the Delightful breads will only cost you 2 points for 2 slices. Get on that.
Another go-to secret of mine is to avoid cooking in sauces like basting chicken in BBQ sauce (which can be high in points if high in sugar), but hit that spice rack instead.
We love the Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning on grilled chicken and 21 Seasoning Salute on pork.
Want more Weight Watchers Tips? Check out my 7 Tips To Survive Your First Months of Weight Watchers
Dig in, friends, and report back with your fave swaps below!
thank you for telling me about the Sara Lee Delightful 45cal bread. I can only find it at my local target and when I went on Tuesday and they were out I was devastated. But luckily, Nature's Own has a wheat bread that it's 40 cals per slice and still only 2 pts for 2. snatched that up. so if you can't find the Sara Lee…keep an eye out for the Nature's Own. ๐