And a grilled cheese sandwich is one of my favorite comfort foods. But when I started Weight Watchers (and lost 75 pounds so far), I stopped eating them as often.
Then I learned I could indulge especially if I added some extra protein. Protein, in my experience, helps me feel fuller for longer and less likely to snack. Enter the Turkey & Bacon Grilled Sandwich.
I have a whole post with even more tasty Weight Watchers turkey recipes that you should bookmark
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-calorie alternative to regular pork bacon. But is it lower in points on the Weight Watchers program? Let’s take a look at how many Weight Watchers points turkey bacon contains.
An Overview of Weight Watchers Points
The Weight Watchers program assigns every food and beverage a SmartPoints value based on its calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein content. Members are given a daily and weekly SmartPoints budget to spend however they would like. The program has three different plans:
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Green Plan This plan provides the highest daily SmartPoints budget at 30 points per day
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Blue Plan: The Blue Plan offers a moderate 23 SmartPoints per day.
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Purple Plan The Purple Plan is the lowest in points at just 16 SmartPoints daily
No foods are off limits on Weight Watchers as long as they fit into your daily or weekly SmartPoints budget. The program encourages eating minimally processed foods that are higher in protein and fiber since these foods keep you satisfied longer.
Comparing Regular Bacon and Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon has fewer calories and fat compared to regular pork bacon. Per slice:
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Pork bacon averages 43 calories and 3.5g fat
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Turkey bacon averages 25 calories and 1.5g fat
Turkey bacon is significantly leaner than regular bacon. However, both types of bacon are high in sodium. Pork bacon contains about 190mg sodium per slice while turkey bacon has around 230mg sodium.
Weight Watchers Points for Turkey Bacon
On all three Weight Watchers plans, a typical slice of turkey bacon costs:
1 SmartPoint
This point value is for a slice that’s around 25 calories and 1.5g fat. The specific brand of turkey bacon can alter the point value slightly.
For comparison, regular sliced pork bacon costs about 2 SmartPoints per slice on Weight Watchers.
Tips for Enjoying Turkey Bacon on Weight Watchers
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Stick to just 1-2 slices as part of a breakfast or sandwich. Turkey bacon can quickly add up in points if you overindulge.
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Opt for turkey bacon made without added sugar or maple flavoring to get the leanest option.
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Round out your meal with veggies and fruits which are zero points on the program.
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Avoid cooking methods that add a lot of extra fat, like frying in oil. Opt for baking, grilling, or pan-frying instead.
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Be mindful of other high-point breakfast items. For example, pairing turkey bacon with cheese, biscuits or pancakes can use up your daily budget quickly.
The Bottom Line
Turkey bacon can be a smart swap to enjoy the flavor of bacon for fewer points on Weight Watchers. Stick to a slice or two at 1 SmartPoint each to keep your breakfast or sandwich within your daily budget. Combine it with zero-point foods like eggs, vegetables and fruits for a well-rounded lower-point meal.
Turkey & Bacon Grilled Sandwich Ingredients
2 slices of reduced-calorie bread
3 ounces deli-sliced turkey
3 center-cut bacon slices, cooked crisp
2 slices of fresh tomato
1/4 cup of baby spinach
1/4 cup of mozzarella fat-free shredded cheese
1 tbsp of fat-free 1000 island dressing
Turkey & Bacon Grilled Sandwich Directions
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Spread the 1000 island dressing on the other side of one of the slices of bread.
Layer the turkey, bacon, spinach, cheese, and tomato between the two slices of bread.
Place on an indoor grill/panini press and cook until nice and toasty.
On Weight Watchers, I get 23 points a day. I try to dole those out pretty consistent. Skip breakfast, don’t snack, enjoy a 10 point lunch and a 13 point dinner. That seems to be working for me.
Everyone is different though and it might take some time to see what works for you. I juggled through a bunch of different ideas to find my perfect combination.
It might take some time for you to find the perfect combo but keep at it. You’ll find the way that works for you. I know you can do it.
Remember this is a journey and not a destination. I love that reminder. There is no deadline for me to be at a certain weight by a certain time.
How to Calculate Weight Watchers Points
What food has the most Weight Watchers food points?
What food item has the most Weight Watchers food points on the list? The Cheesecake Factory Bruleed French Toast with bacon weighs an impressive 107 points! Contains 2,490 calories with 173 grams of fat and 100 grams of sugar, and this may be the grandfather of all restaurant foods.
Which Weight Watchers plan has the lowest SmartPoints budget?
Purple has the lowest SmartPoints budget and biggest ZeroPoint foods (+300 fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains). Should I eat all my points on Weight Watchers? You should not eat all your points on the WW plan when you have leftover points.
Does Weight Watchers offer food points?
Weight Watchers offers various types of plans, such as food points, which allow you to manage how many points you need per day and week. The WW plan can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and needs. This article will share the Weight Watchers food points list for those who are currently participating in the program. IMPORTANT TO KNOW!
How many points does Weight Watchers have?
The minimum weight watchers points allowance is 23 points, which will be changed depending on age, sex, height, and weight. How are Weight Watchers points calculated? Different food and drinks show different focus esteem. SmartPoints is computed using calories, sugar, saturated fat, and protein.
What foods are on Weight Watchers SmartPoints?
They’ll feel confident knowing that they can enjoy their favorite “treats” without going overboard on their points limits! In general, the Weight Watchers SmartPoints food list includes almond milk (1SP), avocado (2SP), beef ground (4SP), oats, and other items.
Can you buy turkey breast on Weight Watchers?
If you don’t want the hassle of baking up an entire turkey you can usually find frozen or fresh turkey breast as well. I know we generally buy breast only because there’s only two of us here, plus it cooks up a lot faster. Use this list to find Weight Watchers Turkey Recipes that your family will love.