While applying the principles of the Weight Watchers weight-loss program to everyday life, you’re bound to run into unexpected situations that cause you to miss a meal. In these situations, you’re sure to be extra hungry when it’s time for the next meal. Perhaps you missed breakfast and can’t wait until lunchtime, which would make brunch an appealing possibility. Brunching while on Weight Watchers doesn’t mean you can’t stay on program while spending those extra points you missed at breakfast.
Steakhouse Brunch
Brunch can conjure thoughts of restaurant dining, which is perfectly acceptable while on Weight Watchers. A leisurely meal during the late morning hours can consist of a variety of options, each keeping you within the limits of your daily point allotment. For example, a trip to the local steakhouse can include a 4-oz. cut of regular steak, a baked potato with sour cream and chives and a side of steamed vegetables and only cost you about 13 points. Depending on how many points per day you’re allowed, you might even be able to throw in a slice of chocolate cake, bringing your brunch’s total to 20 points. Chicken is another option when attending one of these types of dining establishments and, substituted for the steak, will bring your point total down to the neighborhood of 10 points. When possible, be sure to make selections of lean and skinless meats.
At-Home Brunch
Another common brunch situation occurs while at home on a lazy morning that perhaps didn’t see you get out of bed until after the time you normally rise. A brunch that consists of a three-egg ham and cheese omelet, made from egg whites, and hash browns will cost you about 20 points. Since Weight Watchers introduced its PointsPlus program in late 2010, fruits and vegetables are assigned a point value of zero, making them an ideal addition to this lazy-morning brunch at home. Brunches centered on whole grain choices, such as oatmeal and bagels, are another option that will call for about five points per serving of these high-fiber foods.
Fast-Food Brunch
Maybe your brunching situation calls for a quick trip through to the pick-up window at the local fast food restaurant. No need to panic; you can make choices here that will also keep you on the Weight Watchers program. If the restaurant serves its breakfast menu all day, a brunch that consists of a fried egg with a slice of ham and cheese on an English muffin and an order of low-fat yogurt with sliced strawberries will run about 10 points. Hold the cheese and your meal drops to about seven points. Mix and match a lunch item with a breakfast item, such as a grilled chicken sandwich without mayo, a bran muffin and a small orange juice, and you’re looking at a 12-point brunch.
Italian Brunch
Maybe Italian cuisine is your idea of a good brunch menu. This type of food can also provide you with an opportunity to enjoy the brunching experience while remaining on the Weight Watchers diet. While a typical slice of a medium pepperoni pizza is loaded with high-fat ingredients, such as cheese and pepperoni, it also comes with high-fiber sauce, which keeps the point value to a respectable nine points or so. Make healthier topping selections, such as spinach, olives and grilled chicken, and the point value drops to an even more respectable four points per slice. If pasta is your preference, then pasta could be the ideal dish for you to stay on program. A typical serving of spaghetti with meat and marinara sauce will run you about less than 10 points, depending on the type of meat used. Add a salad with fat-free dressing and a couple of breadsticks without butter, and you’re looking at a brunch that will consume less than 15 points. As with any of these suggestions, adding vegetables and fruits to your meal will increase your level of satisfaction without increasing the amount of points.
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