Noah Vinter
Weight Watchers is one of the most popular weight loss programs, with over 4.5 million members worldwide. The program is flexible and does not expressly forbid the consumption of alcohol. However, alcoholic beverages are high in calories and offer little nutritional value, so they cost a lot of points. The number of points in an alcoholic drink depends on its weight, alcohol percentage, and nutritional value. A standard glass of wine or beer is usually around 4 to 6 points, while liquor is typically 3 points per 1.5 ounces. Light beers and wines tend to have fewer points, and non-alcoholic versions of drinks are also available, which significantly lowers the points.
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What You'll Learn
- Vodka is 3 points for 1.5 fl. oz, but SkinnyGirl Vodka is 1 point
- Light beers are 3 points, while full-flavour beers are 5 to 7 points
- Wines are 4-6 points for a 5 fl. oz glass, but dessert wines are 9+ points
- Liquor on the rocks is a low-point option, saving you points on mixers
- Cocktails can be low-point if you mix liquor with zero-point mixers like flavoured sparkling water
Vodka is 3 points for 1.5 fl. oz, but SkinnyGirl Vodka is 1 point
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, Weight Watchers assigns points based on the total nutritional value, taking into account not just calories but also protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Alcoholic drinks are considered "empty calories" due to their lack of nutritional value, and a single drink can consume 10-15% of your daily points allowance.
Vodka, a clear liquor, is typically 3 points for 1.5 fl. oz, placing it in the category of light alcoholic drinks when consumed in small amounts. However, SkinnyGirl Vodka is an exception, with only 1 point. This significant difference in points value is worth noting for those watching their weight.
The points system encourages mindful drinking and responsible consumption, especially when considering the mixers used. Zero-calorie mixers like Crystal Light or flavoured sparkling water can help keep the points low. Additionally, drinking straight liquor, while not for everyone, can save points that would be consumed by sugary mixers.
It's important to remember that the key to drinking alcohol while on Weight Watchers is moderation. Alcohol can be a part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation, and the variety of drinks chosen is also essential. Different types of alcohol offer varying health benefits and risks, so balancing your choices is crucial.
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Light beers are 3 points, while full-flavour beers are 5 to 7 points
If you're on a weight loss journey, it doesn't mean you have to give up the occasional alcoholic drink. Weight Watchers is one of the least restrictive dieting and wellness programs, and it does not expressly forbid the consumption of alcohol. However, you will have to pay for those drinks with your points.
Light beers are typically a good choice, with most brands offering light beers at around 3 points for a 12-ounce serving. Popular varieties such as Corona Light, Miller Light, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Sam Adams Light are all 3 points. Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, and Dos Equis will cost you 4 points.
If you're craving a full-flavour beer, be aware that these will cost you more points, typically ranging from 5 to 7 points. If you're set on having a full-flavour beer, a good way to save points is to start with a light beer and then switch to a full-flavour one.
It's important to remember that the types of alcohol you drink are more important than the number of glasses. So, make good choices, track your points, and enjoy your drinks in moderation.
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Wines are 4-6 points for a 5 fl. oz glass, but dessert wines are 9+ points
If you're on Weight Watchers, you don't have to give up the occasional alcoholic drink. It's all about moderation and making good choices. Wines are generally 4-6 points for a 5 fl. oz glass, but dessert wines are 9+ points.
A standard glass (175ml) of champagne, prosecco, or rosé is 5 WW points. Most red and white wines are 4 WW points per glass. A small glass (50ml) of port or sherry will run 3 and 2 WW points, respectively.
It's important to note that it's easy to overpour a glass of wine, so be mindful of your serving sizes. Weight Watchers even offers portion control wine glasses with subtle etchings to help you pour the proper serving size easily.
When it comes to other types of alcohol, straight liquor is a low-point option. Nearly all liquors (rum, vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, etc.) are 3 SmartPoints for a 1.5 oz serving. You can mix these with zero-point mixers like flavoured sparkling water, club soda, diet soda, diet tonic, or diet drinks to create your own point-friendly cocktails.
Light beers are also a good choice, with most brands offering around 3 points for a 12-ounce serving.
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Liquor on the rocks is a low-point option, saving you points on mixers
If you're looking for a low-point alcoholic drink, liquor on the rocks is a great option. This is because the points in alcoholic beverages often come from the mixers, which can be sugary and calorie-laden. By drinking your liquor straight, you can save yourself some points.
Most liquors, including rum, vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey, are around three points for a 1.5-ounce serving. So, if you're looking to indulge in a drink while sticking to your Weight Watchers plan, liquor on the rocks is a good choice.
However, it's important to note that drinking liquor straight may not be for everyone. It can be a potent and intense experience, especially if you're not used to it. In that case, you can create your own point-friendly cocktails by mixing your favorite liquor with zero-point mixers like flavored sparkling water, club soda, diet soda, diet tonic, or diet drinks. That way, you can still enjoy a cocktail without consuming too many points.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the type of alcohol you drink is more important than the number of glasses. So, if you're looking to save points, it's better to choose a drink that is inherently low in points, like liquor on the rocks, rather than drinking multiple servings of a higher-point option. This way, you can enjoy your drink while staying on track with your weight loss goals.
Finally, remember that moderation is key. Alcoholic beverages can be a part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation, but regular high consumption can have negative effects on your health and weight loss journey. So, be mindful of your portions and track your drinks to ensure you're making the most of your Weight Watchers plan.
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Cocktails can be low-point if you mix liquor with zero-point mixers like flavoured sparkling water
While Weight Watchers does not expressly forbid the consumption of alcohol, it is important to remember that alcoholic drinks are typically high in calories and low in nutritional value. This means that a single drink can eat up 10-15% of your daily points allowance.
However, if you're looking to relax with a cocktail without halting your weight loss progress, there are ways to make low-point drinks. Cocktails can be low-point if you mix liquor with zero-point mixers like flavoured sparkling water. Vodka is a great option for cocktails as it's easy to mix without overwhelming other flavours. You can also add ice, diet soda, or seltzer to your drink to make it last longer without adding extra points.
Liquor on the rocks is another low-point option, although it's not for everyone. Drinking liquor straight means you'll take longer to finish your drink, which can save you points in the long run. If you prefer mixed drinks, it's best to stick to single-liquor cocktails to minimize points and choose mixers that are low in calories and sugar.
If you're not a fan of cocktails, light beer is a good fallback option, with most brands offering light beers at around three points for a 12-ounce serving. When it comes to wine, a standard glass of champagne, prosecco, or rosé is five points, while most red and white wines are four points.
Remember, the key is moderation. It's entirely possible to drink alcohol occasionally and still lose weight on Weight Watchers, but it's important to track your drinks and make sure you have lots of healthy habits in place.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard glass of wine is usually around 4 or 5 points. However, a sweet dessert wine is much higher at nine or more points.
Light beers are typically 3 points. Full-flavor beers will cost you 5 to 7 points.
It depends on the cocktail. A whiskey and diet soda may only run you three SmartPoints, but with the sweetness of the mixer, you may drink more servings in one night.
Most liquors are 3 points for 1.5 ounces.
You can reduce the number of points in your drink by choosing low- or no-points add-ins like club soda, tonic water, seltzer, or sparkling water.
