How Many Weight Watchers Points is 1200 Calories? [WW 2023]
You may have heard of the Weight Watchers program, now commonly known as WW. The program works by assigning points to different foods, making it easy for you to track what you eat and manage your weight.
However, it can be confusing when you’re trying to determine how many points a certain number of calories is equal to.
In this blog post, we will answer the question, “How many Weight Watchers points is 1200 calories?” and provide insight into the importance of adjusting your calorie intake to meet your weight-loss goals.
How WW Works
Members receive a personalized point allowance based on age, gender, height, and other information collected at sign-up.
WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) uses a numerical system to track and guide members in their weight loss journey.
When following the program, members must stay within their set allowance. It’s simple to track points by using the WW app.
WW has two types of points: daily and weekly. Members can use their weekly numbers as a weekly free pass. Weekly points can be used all at once or spread out throughout the week.
How Points are Assigned to Food
The number of points assigned to a particular food is based on its nutrition content.
In WW, each food item is assigned a numerical value based on its nutritional value. Less healthy foods are assigned more points than healthier foods. For example, an apple would have a lower value than a candy with the same number of calories.
The system was designed and continuously reviewed by a team of very respected experts. The team includes medical doctors, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.
Zero-Point Foods
Here comes the tricky part. The WW program also assigns zero points to some foods, called “ZeroPoint” foods.
Examples of these foods include eggs, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, beans, plain yogurt, and fish.
WW ZeroPoint foods can be eaten in unlimited amounts without tracking points.
How Many Weight Watchers Points is 1200 Calories?
Now, let’s dive into the question at hand. The answer is that it depends on the food you choose.
For example, you could eat 1200 calories for a zero score by choosing from the zero-point list. But also, you can reach your maximum amount of points while eating very few calories.
To give you an example, here are a few meals that are equal to 1200 calories.
I drew comparisons by using the WW website and MyFitness Pal to get more accurate results.
1200 Calories Using Zero Points
If you chose to fill your 1200-calorie diet with zero-point foods, in WW you can actually eat as much as you want, regardless of the number of calories you consume.
For example, the following 1200-calorie day is zero points.
Breakfast:
- Mushroom omelet
- 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
- Blueberries
Lunch
- Grilled chicken
- Arugula salad with tomatoes seasoned with lime, salt, and pepper
- Cooked beans to add to salad
Dinner
- Shrimp
- Spaghetti squash
Snack
- Apple
1200 Calories Using Common Foods (34 points)
Breakfast
- 1 cup cooked oatmeal with 1 ounce of walnuts
- 1 tall, non-fat Starbucks latte
Lunch
- Sandwich made with 2 slices of bread, 1 ounce of cheese and 3 ounces of turkey
Dinner
- Grilled chicken
- Asparagus
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Bottom Line
The bottom line here is that the number of WW points you accumulate by eating 1200 calories varies. It depends on the type of food you choose and the diet you follow.
You could eat 1200 calories and log in zero points. But you could also eat 1200 calories and go over your daily number allowance.
In WW, the quality of the food you choose to eat plays a big role.
You might also like to read: ww vs calorie counting.
Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist in Miami, FL, is dedicated to empowering women in perimenopause and menopause to live healthier, more satisfying lives.
With a doctorate in clinical nutrition from the University of North Florida, she has expertise in menopause and weight loss, including the unique challenges faced by those on weight loss medications.
Su-Nui’s passion for her field is evident in her previous role as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.