Have I mentioned that I think Weight Watchers should give me a Lifetime Membership for the simple fact that I have joined no less than 20 times? The struggle is real, friends. I remember the last time I joined the leader for the meetings I attended would give her “testimony” to the new folks by stating she had lost 80lbs — the same 20lbs over again 4 times. I scoffed at what a novice she was. If we’re counting weight loss like that, I could probably brag about losing about 300lbs during my tenure at Weight Watchers!
All joking aside (sort of), I’m not currently attending Weight Watchers meetings, but I’ve been thinking about it ever since I heard of the new Weight Watchers Freestyle Plan, where there are now over 200 foods that are zero points, and they aren’t all fruits and vegetables! This is exciting news in particular for those who eat a Paleo diet because many of the new foods recently added to the list are Paleo friendly proteins (chicken, turkey, eggs, seafood). The Weight Watchers Freestyle plan also includes beans, lentils, corn, peas, tofu, and nonfat yogurt as zero point foods, but those foods are not considered Paleo.
I’ve always appreciated that Weight Watchers is constantly keeping up with the latest science about food and is willing to change things up when necessary. I see these new changes as a boost for the Paleo lifestyle — those of us who have tried it understand that you can eat clean foods and lose weight without counting calories (or points). For people like me who enjoy a little pat on the back, accountability meetings, or a reward system and eat a Paleo diet, the new Weight Watchers Freestyle program may just be perfection, with careful consideration for food choices.
While I’m deciding if I want to venture back into the world of weekly meetings (or perhaps just doing the Freestyle Plan at home), I’ve been researching and looking around for some recipes that are both low or zero points within the new guidelines of the Freestyle Program and Paleo. There aren’t a lot of recipes published that say, “hey — this one is great for Paleo and Freestyle” so I’m having to look at each recipe and make a determination on a case-by-case basis. For this particular list, I’m only sharing dishes that are Paleo and 3 SmartPoints or less. I may come back later and add more, but for now, here’s what I have been able to find.
Paleo Weight Watchers Freestyle Recipes
Weight Watchers Freestyle Zero SmartPoint Recipes
Salsa Chicken Over Cauliflower Rice
Slow Cooker Tomato Balsamic Chicken
Slow Cooker Italian Red Pepper Chicken
Stovetop Shredded Chicken Taco Filling
Asian Chicken Soup (substitute Coconut Aminos for the Soy Sauce)
Meal Prep Taco Bowls with Cauliflower Rice
Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Kabobs
Weight Watchers Freestyle One SmartPoint Recipes
Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms and Lime
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers (substitute Coconut Aminos for the Soy Sauce)
Blackened Zucchini Wrapped Fish
Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp and Asparagus
Weight Watchers Freestyle Two SmartPoints Recipes
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
Blackened Salmon with Garlic Zucchini Noodles
Sheet Pan Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli
Weight Watchers Freestyle Three Smart Points Recipes
Do you have a favorite Paleo recipe that is 3 SP or less? I’d love to know about it!
I am a 2+ year Weight Watcher–having limited success. I”ve become interested in gut friendly eating plans and am looking into Paleo. I can’t imagine how hard it is to follow a strict Paleo plan unless you eat every meal at home or bring your own prepared food with you. How do you handle it?
And, thanks for all the recipes. They look great.
I do eat mostly at home. I don’t work outside the home, so it’s fairly easy for me most days.