Weight Watchers is well-known for its points system, which allows participants to easily track their calorie intake. The program assigns each food a points value based on calories, fat and fiber.
Point Values
In the Weight Watchers system, one point equals 50 calories. However, the amount of fat and fiber can affect the value of the point. For instance, a slice of bread that has 120 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber would register as 2 points. A good rule of thumb is to add 1 point for every 50 calories and every 12 grams of fat and subtract 1 point for every 5 grams of fiber.
Staying on Course
The points system is designed as a simple way for participants to keep track of what they eat. Each person is given a points "budget" based on his or her weight. A 220-pound woman has a budget range of 24 to 29 points, while someone weighing in at 160 pounds is allowed 18 to 23 points per day.
Calculation Tools
Weight Watchers offers its own point calculator, allowing users to find a food's points value. An online calculator also exists for users to punch in the necessary data. If you don't have the program's official calculator, you can still easily determine poinst value by using the rule of thumb suggested above.
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