Weight Watchers is a popular weight loss program, with millions of members worldwide. Part of its popularity is its points system, which allows members to count a small number of daily points instead of thousands of daily calories. However, Weight Watchers points for vegetables can be a bit confusing.
How Points are Calculated
Under the Weight Watchers Momentum plan, the points assigned to a specific food, be it broccoli or a baguette, are based on how many calories, grams of fiber and grams of fat the food has. Vegetables, which are full of fiber, and tend to be low in fat -- which makes them great foods for dieters, according to MayoClinic.com -- have low point values.
Zero Point Vegetables
Most vegetables have no points on the Weight Watchers program, meaning you can eat them until you feel satisfied, not stuffed; remember that portion control is an essential part of healthy weight loss. Zero-point vegetables include green beans, radishes, onions and peppers. These points values are for plain vegetables. If you add butter or oil, you'll need to account for that.
Vegetables with Points
Not all vegetables are zero-point foods. Starchy vegetables, as well as those higher in sugar, have a points value, though it is not very high. For example, carrots are high in sugar, so a cup of baby carrots is 1 point. Potatoes are high in starch; a cup of plain potatoes, not counting any butter or sour cream, is also 1 point. If you need help figuring out points, you can sign up for Weight Watchers eTools. There are also unofficial guides and calculators available online.
Considerations
Be careful when following the Weight Watchers plan. It may be tempting to load up on the vegetables and ignore higher point foods, but don't give in to that temptation. Your body needs balanced nutrition from whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits in order to thrive. Also, don't be discouraged if Weight Watchers isn't a good fit for you; the best weight loss program, reports Harvard School of Public Health, is the one you'll stick to.
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