Plain Green Beans are a ZeroPoint Food
Fresh, plain green beans are a staple on the Weight Watchers ZeroPoint foods list. This is because they are low in calories and packed with nutrients, making them a satisfying and healthy option for weight loss. WW recognizes that vegetables are difficult to overeat and provide essential vitamins and fiber, which helps promote a feeling of fullness. This makes green beans an excellent vegetable to use as a base for meals or a side dish.
The Exception: When Green Beans Have Points
The point value of green beans can change dramatically depending on how they are prepared. If you add ingredients with a point value, those points must be tracked. Common culprits include:
- Fats: Butter, oil, bacon grease, and certain dressings.
- Meats: Bacon or other high-fat additions.
- Creamy sauces: Ingredients in a green bean casserole, for instance.
To keep green beans as ZeroPoint, they should be prepared simply, by steaming, boiling, or roasting with zero-point cooking sprays or non-stick pans.
Preparing ZeroPoint Green Beans
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans offer the best flavor and texture. For a simple and healthy preparation:
- Wash and trim the ends of the beans.
- Boil or steam them until they are tender-crisp.
- Season with zero-point spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of salt and pepper.
- For extra flavor, consider a splash of zero-point red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Frozen Green Beans
Frozen green beans are a convenient and affordable alternative to fresh ones. They are also a ZeroPoint food, provided there are no added sauces or butter. To use them while staying on track:
- Simply heat them in a steamer or microwave according to package directions.
- Drain any excess water.
- Season with zero-point seasonings.
Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans can be a good option, but you must be careful. While most are just beans, water, and salt, some brands can contain added sugars or starches that add points. Always check the ingredient list. To ensure they remain zero points:
- Choose a brand with only beans, water, and salt.
- Rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
- Heat and season as desired with zero-point ingredients.
How Preparation Methods Affect WW Points
| Preparation Method | Key Ingredients | WW Point Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamed or Boiled | Fresh/Frozen green beans, water, zero-point seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) | ZeroPoint | The simplest and most reliable way to maintain a zero-point value. |
| Roasted | Fresh/Frozen green beans, non-stick cooking spray, zero-point seasonings | ZeroPoint | Roasting adds a smoky, savory flavor. Use a non-stick pan or parchment paper. |
| Sautéed | Green beans, olive oil, garlic | Variable (adds points) | Olive oil and other cooking oils add points to the dish. Use cooking spray instead to keep it ZeroPoint. |
| With Bacon | Green beans, bacon | Variable (adds points) | Bacon is not a ZeroPoint food and will add significant points to the dish. |
| In Casserole | Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions | Variable (adds points) | Classic green bean casserole ingredients like creamy soup and fried onions are high in points. |
| Garlic and Soy Sauce | Green beans, minced garlic, reduced-sodium soy sauce | Variable (low points) | Soy sauce adds minimal points, but the recipe often calls for a small amount of oil, which adds points. |
Incorporating Green Beans into Your WW Plan
Green beans are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of meals. Consider these ideas to boost your intake of ZeroPoint vegetables:
- Bulk up meals: Add steamed or roasted green beans to chicken and turkey breast dishes to increase volume and satisfaction without adding points.
- Snack on them: Raw green beans make a great crunchy snack. Pair them with a ZeroPoint Greek yogurt dip for extra flavor.
- Make a side dish: Prepare roasted green beans with garlic and a spritz of cooking spray for a flavorful and healthy side.
- Add to stir-fries: Use green beans in ZeroPoint stir-fries, along with other non-starchy vegetables and chicken breast.
- Create a salad: Toss cold, cooked green beans with tomatoes and a light, vinegar-based dressing for a refreshing salad.
This simple, flexible vegetable can be a powerful tool in a WW diet, helping to create satisfying, low-point meals that keep you on track with your health and weight loss goals. For official and updated information on ZeroPoint foods, including green beans, always consult the official Weight Watchers website.
Conclusion
In summary, plain green beans—whether fresh, frozen, or canned without additives—are a ZeroPoint food on the Weight Watchers plan, making them an excellent choice for those managing their weight. The key to keeping them point-free is to be mindful of how they are prepared, avoiding high-point additions like butter, oil, and fatty meats. By focusing on zero-point seasonings and simple cooking methods like steaming, boiling, or roasting with non-stick spray, you can enjoy this versatile and nutritious vegetable as much as you want while staying within your daily point budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ZeroPoint foods on WW?
ZeroPoint foods are a list of nutrient-dense foods chosen by Weight Watchers (WW) that have a point value of zero. These foods form the foundation of a healthy diet and include non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins like chicken breast and fish, eggs, beans, and lentils.
Do frozen green beans have WW points?
No, plain frozen green beans do not have any WW points, making them a ZeroPoint food. However, check the package to ensure there are no added sauces or seasonings that would add points.
Are canned green beans a ZeroPoint food on WW?
Yes, canned green beans are a ZeroPoint food, but you must check the ingredient list to confirm there are no added sugars or starches. It is also recommended to rinse the beans to wash away excess sodium.
What can I use to season green beans without adding points?
To keep green beans at zero points, you can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, herbs (fresh or dried), a squeeze of lemon juice, or a splash of vinegar. Cooking them with a non-stick cooking spray instead of oil is also a great option.
How can I make green beans more filling on the WW plan?
You can make green beans more filling by combining them with other ZeroPoint foods. Consider adding them to a stir-fry with lean chicken breast and other non-starchy vegetables, or mix them into a salad with chickpeas and a vinegar-based dressing. The high fiber content in green beans already contributes to satiety.
Can I make a green bean casserole on WW that is low in points?
Traditional green bean casserole with creamy soup and fried onions is high in points. To create a low-point version, use plain green beans and a lightened-up, zero-point mushroom-based sauce made from ingredients like blended mushrooms and non-fat Greek yogurt instead of a heavy, canned soup.
Are green beans ZeroPoint for all WW plans, including the Diabetes program?
Yes, green beans are a non-starchy vegetable and are included in the ZeroPoint categories for all current WW plans, including the one tailored for members with diabetes.
How many calories are in green beans?
Plain green beans are very low in calories, with about 31 calories per one-cup serving when raw. This low-calorie density is one of the reasons they are designated as a ZeroPoint food on WW.
