How to use simple swaps to save Points

Weekly technique

By Weight Watchers

Last updated 11 October 2022

Think about the recipes you love or those you’re planning to whip up this week. What if you could make some of their Points® just— poof!—disappear? This handy guide makes that magic happen.

Try this!

If a recipe calls for Coconut oil or butter Try Olive or canola oil Points saved: Up to 4 per tbsp If a recipe calls for Full-fat milk or cheese Try Fat-free or reduced-fat Points saved: Up to 4 per serving If a recipe calls for Sugar Try Granulated stevia, grated apples, or mashed bananas* Points saved: Up to 4 per tbsp If a recipe calls for Oil (in baked goods) Try Unsweetened applesauce* Points saved: Up to 5 per tbsp If a recipe calls for Heavy cream or sour cream Try Canned pumpkin or fat-free Greek yogurt* Points saved: Up to 11 per ¼ cup If a recipe calls for Peanut butter Try Powdered PB Points saved: 5 per 2 tbsp *Replace all or some. How to save even more Points Cut down on oil or other fats: • Grill, broil, or steam food instead of frying and sautéing. • Brush oil directly onto food, or use a cooking spray or oil spritzer. • Use reduced-salt stock to prevent stir-fry veggies from sticking. Stretch a serving or amount: • Chop nuts and chocolate into smaller pieces. • Opt for grated cheese instead of sliced or cubed. • Look for brands with less fat or no added sugar, and use the WW app to compare.

Let’s dive a little deeper...

Let’s make one thing clear: You should 100% feel OK making and enjoying any recipe as it is, whether it’s Grandma’s famous pasta, a go-to weeknight meal, or from-scratch brownies. This journey isn’t about turning every favourite into a lower-Points knockoff. Your Budget allows for maximum flexibility in what you prepare and eat.

But that’s also why Points-saving swaps and tweaks are so helpful. There may be times you want that extra freedom to eat your usual favourites or something special and still stay on track. You might even prefer the healthier version or find that healthy swaps become the norm. (Fun fact: Almost 87% of those on the WW Success Registry report frequently choosing low-Points foods.*)

Planning ahead to fit the foods you love and want to eat into your life—either through lower-Points cooking and baking or budgeting for the higher-Points versions—makes this journey more livable and puts you in a better position for success.

*The WW Success Registry is a research study composed of WeightWatchers®members who lost at least 20 pounds and maintained it for one year. Sound like you? Share your success and join today.

Week four of our monthly theme, plan for how you eat