When following the Weight Watchers program, monitoring alcohol intake is an important aspect of achieving weight loss goals. Weight Watchers assigns SmartPoints values to alcoholic beverages based on calorie, sugar, and alcohol content. By understanding the SmartPoints values of different alcoholic drinks, Weight Watchers members can make informed choices when imbibing.
How Does Weight Watchers Calculate SmartPoints for Alcoholic Drinks?
Weight Watchers uses a proprietary formula to calculate the SmartPoints value of any food or beverage. For alcoholic drinks, the main factors considered are:
- Calorie content – Alcohol is high in calories, with 7 calories per gram
- Sugar content – Many mixed drinks and wine contain added sugars
- Alcohol content – Pure alcohol contains 2 SmartPoints per ounce
In general, the higher the calorie, sugar, and alcohol content, the higher the SmartPoints value will be. Weight Watchers also takes serving size into account when calculating points.
Lowest SmartPoints Alcoholic Drinks
When examining common alcoholic beverage options, these tend to have the lowest SmartPoints values on Weight Watchers:
- Hard liquor/spirits (80-proof) – These contain roughly 2 SmartPoints per 1.5 ounce serving. Options like vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey are lowest.
- Dry wines – A 5 ounce glass of dry red or white wine averages around 3-4 SmartPoints.
- Light beer – A 12 ounce light beer contains 4-5 SmartPoints on average.
- Dry champagne – A 5 ounce glass of brut champagne has around 4 SmartPoints.
Here is more detail on the SmartPoints values of these lowest-point alcohol choices for Weight Watchers:
Hard Liquor/Spirits
When it comes to hard liquor, the purest options are the lowest in SmartPoints. Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey generally contain about 97 calories and 0g carbs per 1.5 ounce serving (one shot). This works out to right around 2 SmartPoints per serving.
Flavored spirits will have slightly higher points due to added sugars. But plain vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are your best low-point options.
Dry Wine
Wines that are lower in residual sugar, known as “dry” wines, tend to be lower in SmartPoints. A 5oz glass (6oz is a standard restaurant pour) of these wines averages 3 to 4 SmartPoints:
- Dry white wines like pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay
- Dry red wines like pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot
- Champagne and other dry sparkling wines
Sweet wines like moscato and dessert wines can contain 2-3x more sugar and SmartPoints. Dry wines are the best low-point options for wine.
Light Beer
Of all the beer options, light beers are lowest in SmartPoints. Here are the points for some popular choices:
| Beer (12oz serving) | SmartPoints |
|---|---|
| Budweiser Select 55 | 2 |
| Miller Lite | 3 |
| Coors Light | 3 |
| Michelob Ultra | 4 |
Light beers have fewer calories than full-calorie beers, which directly translates to lower SmartPoints values.
Strategies to Fit Alcohol into Your Weight Watchers Plan
While alcoholic drinks can fit into a Weight Watchers program, it’s important not to overindulge. Here are some tips for enjoying alcohol responsibly on Weight Watchers:
Budget your SmartPoints
Plan out when you want to use your SmartPoints for alcohol each week. You may need to shift points from other meals and snacks to “save up” for drinks.
Hydrate before and after
Drinking water before, during (alternating drinks), and after consuming alcohol can prevent overconsumption and mitigate negative effects like dehydration.
Avoid sugary mixers
Skip sugary juices, sodas, and flavored syrups in mixed drinks – they dramatically drive up SmartPoints. Opt for skinny mixers like diet soda, sparkling water, or lemon/lime juice.
Eat before drinking
Consuming food like protein and healthy fats before alcohol can slow absorption, helping prevent you from going overboard on drinks.
Watch portions
Stick to sensible serving sizes – 1 mixed drink, 5oz glass of wine, or 12oz light beer. Moderation is key for your weight loss goals.
The Best Low-Point Alcoholic Drinks for Weight Watchers
If you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on Weight Watchers while keeping your SmartPoints low, these are some of the best options to choose:
| Beverage | SmartPoints (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Vodka soda with lime | 2 |
| Gin and tonic | 2 |
| Red or white wine spritzer (4oz wine + seltzer) | 3 |
| Michelob Ultra | 4 |
| Bloody Mary (vodka + tomato juice) | 4 |
| Whiskey on the rocks | 2 |
| Paloma (tequila + grapefruit juice) | 4 |
Avoid mixed drinks with juice, soda, or sweet liqueurs as these will drive up SmartPoints quickly. Stick to simple mixes of hard liquor, diet/zero calorie mixers, wine spritzers, or light beer to keep your alcoholic beverages lowest in points on Weight Watchers.
Conclusion
Weight Watchers puts all foods and beverages, including alcohol, on a level playing field by assigning them SmartPoints values. While no alcoholic drinks are zero SmartPoints, there are certainly some lower in points than others. To imbibe while keeping your Weight Watchers plan on track, opt for simple cocktails with hard liquor, dry wine, light beer, or champagne. Use strategies like budgeting points, alternating with water, avoiding sugary mixers, and eating before drinking. This allows you to enjoy alcohol sensibly without derailing your weight loss goals.