How Many Points is Beef on Weight Watchers? A Complete Guide

Beef is a beloved protein source for many following the WW (Weight Watchers) program. However, with the various cuts, cook methods and evolving points systems over the years a common question is – how many points is beef on Weight Watchers? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a breakdown of typical beef point values across the most popular WW plans.

Overview of WW Beef Point Values

In general, leaner cuts of beef like sirloin or eye of round tend to be lower in points while higher fat options like ground beef or ribeye are higher. Here’s a quick look:

• Lean Cuts (sirloin, round): 3 to 5 points per 3 oz cooked
• Ground Beef: 5 to 8 points per 3 oz cooked
• Ribeye: 8 to 10 points per 3 oz cooked
• Brisket: 10 to 12 points per 3 oz cooked

Portion size makes a difference too. A 6 oz sirloin steak would be double the points of a 3 oz portion. Cooking method also impacts points, with pan-frying adding points via oil.

Below we’ll explore beef points in more detail across the most popular WW plans.

Original Points System (1997-2010)

On the classic WW Original Points system, lean beef earned the following values per 3 oz cooked portion:

• Sirloin or round: 3 points
• Ground beef (90% lean): 5 points
• Ground beef (80% lean): 7 points
• Ribeye: 8 points
• Brisket: 10 points

So a 6 oz ribeye steak would be around 16 points on the Original system, Gravies and sauces added additional points,

PointsPlus and ProPoints System (2010-2015)

The PointsPlus system took protein content into account, lowering the points for lean beef:

• Sirloin or round: 4 points
• Ground beef (90% lean): 6 points
• Ground beef (80% lean): 8 points
• Ribeye: 9 points
• Brisket: 11 points

So that 6 oz ribeye came down to around 18 PointsPlus points

SmartPoints System (2015-Present)

On the current SmartPoints system, beef points shift a bit again:

• Sirloin or round: 5 points
• Ground beef (90% lean): 7 points
• Ground beef (80% lean): 9 points
• Ribeye: 10 points
• Brisket: 12 points

The 6 oz ribeye is now 20 SmartPoints. Note these values are for Blue and Purple plans. Green plans may deduct 1-2 points for lean beef cuts.

ZeroPoint Foods (2017-Present)

Some beef options are ZeroPoint foods on WW Freestyle/Blue/Green plans:

• Eye of round
• Sirloin tip
• Top round roast
• Bottom round roast
• Top sirloin

However, portions are still limited for ZeroPoint beef to around 3 oz per day.

Tips for Managing Beef on WW

Here are some tips for working beef into your Weight Watchers plan:

• Stick to lean cuts like sirloin, chuck, round, or loin. Trim visible fat before cooking.
• Limit portions to around 3 oz cooked weight to control points.
• Choose lower fat cooking methods like grilling, broiling, roasting or sautéing. Avoid deep frying.
• Track points via packaging, USDA data or WW app to ensure accuracy. Estimating can lead to under-tracking points.
• Enjoy ZeroPoint beef within recommended portions if on Green or Blue. Don’t go overboard.
• Compare ground beef options and select leaner 90% or higher if points are a concern.
• Beef points can fit into daily budgets. Just balance with non-starchy veggies and zero point foods.

So with smart choices and controlled portions, beef can be worked into a WW weight loss plan. Refer to WW resources for the most accurate points info based on your specific program.

How to Calculate Weight Watchers Points

The Weight Watchers points system has evolved over the years, from the original points system to the more recent Freestyle program. Here are some key things to know about calculating Weight Watchers points:

• Points are calculated based on calories, fat, fiber and protein content. The formulas have changed over time.
• Foods are assigned a point value based on serving size. Larger portions = more points.
• Points can be calculated manually by looking up nutrition info and entering it into calculators.
• Many products like beef display point values on packaging for convenience.
• The WW app and website provide point values for thousands of foods.
• Some foods like fruits and lean proteins have zero points on current plans.
• Activity points earned by exercise can be used to supplement daily points.
• Daily point targets are personalized based on info like weight, height and gender.

Tracking points accurately is important for WW success. Thankfully the app makes on-the-go tracking easy, and many foods now display points on labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beef zero points on Weight Watchers?

No, beef is not a zero point food on WW. Only very lean beef cuts like eye of round are zero points. Most beef cuts have points and need to be tracked.

Why are other lean meats zero points but not beef?

Some lean meats like skinless chicken breast are zero points because they are very low in fat and calories. Fattier beef cuts that are higher in saturated fat don’t qualify. Only the leanest beef cuts can be zero points.

How many points for 4 ounces of ground beef?

4 ounces of 80% lean ground beef is around 9 SmartPoints on the WW system. Leaner 90% ground beef would be around 7 points for 4 ounces cooked. Fattier types like 73% lean can be 10-11 points for 4 ounces.

How many points is a 3 ounce steak?

A 3 ounce steak can range from 4 points for a lean sirloin up to 10 points for a ribeye, depending on fat content. Trimming visible fat before cooking can reduce the points.

What meat is zero points on Weight Watchers?

Skinless chicken or turkey breast, extra lean ground turkey and some very lean beef cuts are zero points. Lean deli meats can be zero points if they fit WW criteria.

What was the original Weight Watchers points system food list?

The original Weight Watchers points system assigned values like 3 points for a lean chicken breast, 5 points for an egg, 8 points for an ounce of cheddar cheese, etc. The list had over 200 items.