Weight Watchers recognizes potatoes as 'ZeroPoints' food - Spudman (2024)

Weight Watchers, now called WW, has given potatoes the coveted “ZeroPoints” classification for one of its weight-loss plans, meaning they don’t require tracking by member dieters.

Weight Watchers recognizes potatoes as 'ZeroPoints' food - Spudman (1)The change was highlighted by registered dietician Sally Kuzemchak in a WebMD blog titled, “Potatoes are making a comeback.” Kuzemchak also noted that the Whole30 diet program returned potatoes to its list of accepted foods.

Of course, as with any vegetable, how potatoes are cooked matters in the eyes of the creators of the aforementioned diet plans. Roasted, baked and boiled are acceptable. French fries and chips don’t get the same classification, however.

“White potatoes are no nutritional slouch, but some other varieties have unique perks,” Kuzemchak wrote. “Red and purple potatoes, for instance, owe their hues to a natural plant compounds called anthocyanins. Those work as antioxidants in the body, guarding cells from the kind of damage that lead to disease. Some research shows that anthocyanins may reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.

“Potatoes in general have another special power: When they’re cooked and cooled (like in potato salad), they become rich in resistant starch, a kind of carbohydrate that can help you feel fuller and boost the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut.”

Top photo: Varieties of potatoes on display at the Colorado Certified Seed Potato Growers Association booth at Potato Expo 2019.


Weight Watchers recognizes potatoes as 'ZeroPoints' food - Spudman (2024)

FAQs

Are potatoes zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Why members love the Purple food plan. "I love the fact that potatoes, whole grain rice and pasta are ZeroPoint foods on Purple. In the past I treated carbs as the enemy and believed you couldn't eat them and lose weight. Because they're ZeroPoint foods, it gave me the confidence to eat and enjoy them again.

What is the best potato to eat on Weight Watchers? ›

But Yukon golds are also suitable for mashed and fries, and their buttery, smooth texture needs less seasoning (i.e., fat and calories) to taste special. Small varieties like fingerlings, new potatoes and round reds hold their shape when cooked and are ideal for salads or roasting.

How many WW points for a baked potato? ›

Load up a baked potato and dig into a hearty, healthy meal. Start with a small baked potato (4 SmartPoints value), then load it up with one of these 0 SmartPoints value toppings, and dig into a hearty, healthy meal.

How many WW points for potatoes? ›

Weight Watchers, now called WW, has given potatoes the coveted “ZeroPoints” classification for one of its weight-loss plans, meaning they don't require tracking by member dieters.

Can you eat too many zero point foods on Weight Watchers? ›

This system helps you choose more nutritious foods, but your body doesn't work off of points, it works off of calories. For example, if you've met your points budget for the day, but still feel hungry you're technically allowed to eat as many zero-point foods as you want.

What is the healthiest potato to eat? ›

The Healthiest Potato is the Red Potato

After taking into account the mineral density, the vitamin density, the macronutrient balance, the sugar-to-fiber ratio, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and the phytochemical profile, red potatoes are the healthiest potato with data from the USDA Food Database.

What is the healthiest potato ever? ›

All potatoes can fit into a healthy diet, but purple potatoes, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes—which are often grouped with potatoes—stand out due to their high amounts of protective plant compounds and essential nutrients.

How many points is a banana on Weight Watchers? ›

A fruit is a ZeroPoint food if it's: Fresh or frozen without added sugars or fat.

Are baked beans zero points on WW? ›

Canned or cooked-from-scratch plain legumes ARE a ZeroPoint food.

How many points is pasta? ›

Pasta primer

A 1-cup serving of cooked, regular pasta has 5 PointsPlus values, and the same amount of whole wheat pasta comes in at 4 PointsPlus values.

How many eggs is zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Are eggs really a ZeroPoint food? Yes, eggs—including the yolk! —are a ZeroPoint food. (As long as they're prepared with a 0 Points® value cooking spray or sauce.)

Is it OK to only eat zero point foods? ›

If you're concerned about overeating, our guidance is to eat zero Points foods until you're satisfied, but not “stuffed” – you don't want to feel like you've just eaten Thanksgiving dinner.

What popcorn is zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

0 point Weight Watchers snack. plain popcorn. Air pop the popcorn kernels, get some butter flavored cooking spray and salt. Spray and salt your popcorn as much as you want.

What vegetables are 0 points on Weight Watchers? ›

All fresh and frozen vegetables and those canned without oil or added sugar are ZeroPoint foods. The following are not ZeroPoint foods: Dried vegetables that are a snack-food type like popcorn. Instant (or powder versions) refried beans, dried chickpeas, dried peas, dried or Peruvian corn, lentil chips, bean chips, etc ...

Can you eat a baked potato on Weight Watchers? ›

Weight Watchers utilizes a point system, assigning different food points based on nutritional values. This system helps participants monitor their intake without strict calorie counting. A medium-sized, plain baked potato has only 5 WW points.

Are bananas zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Whole fruit is a ZeroPoint food, but once it becomes part of a smoothie, the experience of “eating” it changes.

Are eggs zero points on Weight Watchers? ›

Yes! It doesn't matter what you cook your eggs with or in. Eggs are a ZeroPoint foods so they do not have any Points® values—even in a cake recipe. However other ingredients you're adding to your eggs may have Points, so make sure to track them.

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