Drinking Wine on Weight Watchers? Here’s What You Need to Know

With over 4.5 million members worldwide, Weight Watchers (WW) has become one of the most popular weight loss programs across the globe. And for good reason. It’s trusted. It’s flexible. It’s driven by an extremely supportive community. It's Peanut Butter Cocoa Crumble Bars are to die for. And it’s simple. Like, really simple…

 

All you have to do is follow the points.

 

The Weight Watchers points system makes it easy for participants to know exactly where they stand. Each item is given a points value based on its nutritional value. Stay below your points for each day, and you’ll soon see the weight start to melt off.

 

Of course, this is easier said than done (and good for you if you’re currently on a weight loss journey!). Getting fit has many hurdles. One of the biggest? 

Alcohol. 

 

 

How Alcohol Affects Weight Loss

First, it’s important to understand how alcohol can affect weight loss. While Weight Watchers’ points system looks at more than just the calories you consume (more on that below), the simple fact is that alcohol carries a lot of calories, with little nutritional value. Certain wines and beers can be upwards of 250-350 calories per serving, and mixed drinks can easily reach 1,000 calories or more if paired with super sugary mixers.

 

But it’s not just the calories in alcohol that hinders weight loss – it’s the lowered inhibition it brings. Who hasn’t had that late night pizza or order of fries after a night of drinking? Even a few drinks lowers our ability to make good decisions when it comes to food, leading many to compound the alcoholic calories with greasy, cheesy ones as well.

 

This is why it’s extremely difficult to keep your diet on track while drinking.

  

How is Alcohol Calculated on Weight Watchers?

As one of the least restrictive dieting and wellness programs, Weight Watchers does not expressly forbid the consumption of alcohol. But as anyone who’s done the program knows, you’re going to pay for those drinks via your points.

 

Since points are based on the total nutritional value of the food or beverage (and not just calories like some other programs), it probably won’t surprise you that alcohol will cost you a lot of points. It’s high in calories. It can be high in carbs (depending on what you’re drinking). And offers almost no protein, fiber, or any other nutritional benefit. It’s the true definition of an “empty calorie”.

 

Which is why a single alcoholic drink can eat up 10-15% of your daily WW points allowance. Yikes!

 

This is why we see so many Weight Watchers participants swap one of their evening glasses of wine with our non-alcoholic wine alternatives. At just 1 SmartPoint per serving, it’s easier to stay under daily point values when you have a go-to swap that delivers the wine experience, but without the points-busting alcohol.

 

How Many Points is Wine on Weight Watchers?

Weight Watchers wine points will vary based on the type of wine, as different types have varying degrees of sugar. A standard glass (175ml) of champagne, prosecco, or rosé is 5 WW points. Most red and white wines are 4 WW points per glass. And a small glass (50ml) of port or sherry will run 3 and 2 WW points, respectively.

 

It’s important to keep in mind that it’s easy to overpour a glass of wine, both at home and in a bar or restaurant. So that “one glass” of red wine could actually be closer to 6-7 Weight Watchers points.

 

Yeah, we know. It’s not fair. But unfortunately, it’s the truth. If you’re looking to be a healthier version of you, it’s hard to do when you’re still drinking.

 

 

Best Wines to Drink on Weight Watchers

All that said, if you still want to drink wine on Weight Watchers, there are plenty of options that can satisfy the craving without breaking the points bank. Here are a few of the best choices:

 

YOURS Non-Alcoholic California Cabernet Sauvignon

Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 1

Calories: 20

Carbs: 4g

Sugar: 2g

Alcohol: Less than 0.5% per serving

At just 20 calories and 1 Weight Watchers SmartPoint per serving, YOURS Non-Alcoholic California Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the taste and experience of bold California red wine, but without breaking your points allotment for the day. Drink it instead of your favorite red, swap it for one of two evening glasses, or go 50/50 to reduce the impact of your traditional wine. There are many ways to enjoy YOURS Cabernet and stick to your Weight Watchers plan!

YOURS Non-Alcoholic Seasonal Small Batch Rosé

Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 1

Calories: 25

Carbs: 6g

Sugar: 3g

Alcohol: Less than 0.5% per serving

Another excellent wine swap with just 1 Weight Watchers point per serving, YOURS Non-Alcoholic Seasonal Rosé is bursting with fresh fruit flavors and nuanced floral notes, reminiscent of your favorite traditional rosé. Pair with fresh fruit and a few bites of cheese or chocolate for a sinfully delicious treat that you can enjoy guilt-free.

 

FitVine Pinot Noir

Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 4

Calories: 118

Carbs: 4g

Sugar: 0.03g

Alcohol: 13.9% by volume

If you’re in the market for a traditional alcoholic red wine, it’s hard to go wrong with FitVine Pinot Noir. Loaded with flavor, including notes of cedar, black cherry, orange and honey, this reduced calorie and low sugar wine carries the same buzz as you’re used to, but with reduced calories and a modest 4 Weight Watchers points.

 

Skinnygirl Pinot Grigio

Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 3

Calories: 100

Carbs: 4g

Sugar: 0g

Alcohol: 10% by volume

With its below average alcohol by volume, Skinnygirl Pinot Grigio is only 3 Weight Watchers points, one of the lowest totals you’ll find for an alcoholic wine. Bursting with bold tropical fruits balanced with natural grape sweetness, this low-calorie white wine is a perfect option for those seeking that crisp pop of flavor unique to pinot grigios.

 

Remember What You’re Gaining

Whether you reduce your wine consumption, eliminate it completely, or split the difference by swapping in a few glasses for a low point alternative, it’s important to remember that giving up wine on Weight Watchers is not about losing something…it’s about gaining something so much more important. Your health. Your freedom. Your life.

 

Focus on all the amazing things that are to come when you step into your new and improved body. The joy of that will far outweigh that evening glass of Cab.

 

You got this!