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There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page! If you haven’t seen it already, there’s a viral TikTok snack hack going around: pasta chips! Pasta chips are essentially just air fried pieces of cooked pasta. This is best when done with a smaller shape, like penne or bow ties. But I’ve seen some influencers like The Korean Vegan do this with ramen noodles, too! So your options are limitless. One of my favorite TikTokers is Steph Grasso, a clinical dietician who tried this with chickpea pasta for an added protein boost. I absolutely love Banza’s chickpea pasta and pizza crust, so I knew I had to try this!  Banza’s chickpea pasta is just made with chickpeas (plus a little tapioca and some xanthan gum). It packs 22g of protein and 8g of fiber per serving! So it’s much more filling than standard pasta. I tried Banza for the first time when I participated in Veganuary. Their products are vegan and gluten-free, so they fit the bill for a vegan substitute. Anthony and I both really loved it and found that there wasn’t really a flavor difference from regular pasta. And calorically, it’s similar (190-200 calories per 1 cooked cup). When making my protein pasta chips, I had seen a ton of recipes with Italian seasonings and Parmesan cheese. But I wanted to try something different. At the time, I was really craving cool ranch flavored Doritos! So I whipped up some seasonings that I had and found that this totally hit the spot. It made for a great pre-workout snack! I used penne pasta and it reminded me of Takis. 
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Coffee jelly is sometimes served as cubes inside a sweet cream (almost resembling an iced coffee beverage), but we'll be making ours to look as close to the show's as possible, which looks more like a ramekin-sized block of jelly with whipped cream. Since agar agar powder is vegan, to keep this a plant-based recipe, we'll be using a nondairy whipped cream.
I'm using Reddi Whip's almond milk variant, but if you prefer the coconut milk whipped cream or another vegan whipped cream then that works too.
Coffee jelly is sometimes served as cubes inside a sweet cream (almost resembling an iced coffee beverage), but we'll be making ours to look as close to the show's as possible, which looks more like a ramekin-sized block of jelly with whipped cream. Since agar agar powder is vegan, to keep this a plant-based recipe, we'll be using a nondairy whipped cream.
I'm using Reddi Whip's almond milk variant, but if you prefer the coconut milk whipped cream or another vegan whipped cream then that works too.
Ingredients (Makes approx. 5 servings)
- 2-3 tsp instant coffee (depending on how strong you want it)
- 6 oz water in a mug
- 1.5 cups water to boil
- 2 tsp agar agar aka kanten powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract or Jordan's Skinny Syrups Vanilla
- 1 tbsp sweetener (I'm using Stevia to keep this low calorie, but you can absolutely use real sugar)
- The Stevia I use is Whole Earth, which is plant-based & suitable for vegans! If you are trying to keep this dish vegan, just be aware that some refined sugars get their color from a process that involves bone char.
- Whipped cream (non-dairy to keep this dish vegan); I like to use about 4 tbsp per serving
Instructions
- Add agar agar powder, sweetener, vanilla, and 1.5 cup water to a pot and whisk together. Do this before the water has started to boil to prevent clumping.
- While you wait for the water to heat up, prepare your instant coffee with instant coffee and 6 oz water. Add to the pot.
- Once your water is at a rolling boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Fill ramekins (mine filled 5 ramekins total, but this may vary depending on the size of yours) or other container with mixture and let sit in the fridge.
- Optional: When ready to serve, remove from ramekin and present on a plate or in a glass.
- Serve with whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Including the whipped cream, if you use stevia, each of the five ramekins contains...
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If you're following Weight Watchers, this recipe is super low in SmartPoints! This is only 1 SmartPoint on all myWW plans.
The Verdict
I'm a huge fan of coffee and often drink it black. So that being said, I thought this was sweet but not too sweet! The flavor profile reminded me a lot of a more dressed up iced coffee drink, and the jelly texture is great for this warmer spring weather we've been having in Florida. I'd rate it a 9/10, and will give it a 10/10 next time when I make the coffee a bit stronger.
For ease of replication, definitely a 10/10. Agar agar is super easy to work with, even more so than standard gelatin in my opinion.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
For ease of replication, definitely a 10/10. Agar agar is super easy to work with, even more so than standard gelatin in my opinion.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
You May Also Like...
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
My favorite EPCOT festival is back: Flower and Garden Festival! If you can't make it to EPCOT this year and want a taste of Disney at home, check out some of my Disney recipes! EPCOT offers Dole Whip exclusively during Flower and Garden Festival, but you can whip it up at home easily (and for no SmartPoints!) with my recipe.
In the past, I've included the entire menu for Flower and Garden. But to keep things more simple for you, I'll just include some highlights of things that I think are easily adaptable to any Weight Watchers plan.
In the past, I've included the entire menu for Flower and Garden. But to keep things more simple for you, I'll just include some highlights of things that I think are easily adaptable to any Weight Watchers plan.
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Beyond a ton of beautiful topiaries throughout the park and yummy food samplings, there are also a bunch of photo opportunities and fun things to check out. The Butterfly Garden is back this year with a socially distanced queue (we saw Pooh frolicking nearby while we waited). Plus, there are butterfly wings you can pose in front of that jazz up some of the construction walls around the park.
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General Tips
- Remember that most of the food options at EPCOT's festivals are bite-sized. They're meant for sampling! So if you really want to try something but are nervous about the SmartPoints budget or calorie intake, don't stress it too much.
- If you are watching your SmartPoints budget but still want to try something around the world, look out for foods that typically have higher SmartPoints values.
- For example, things that are heavy in cheeses or sugar will likely be more calorie dense than something that is more protein-based.
- If you are interested in beverages but worried about your SmartPoints or calorie intake, there are many non-alcoholic options this year. Either way, be sure to balance it with plenty of water so you stay hydrated.
- You can get free cups of water from Starbucks on your way into the World Showcase (the new Starbucks location is at the front of the World Showcase entrance, on the side closer to Canada).
- Don't feel limited to just this list. If you really want something - have it! Every diet should be sustainable and focus on a healthy relationship with food. Do not punish yourself if you want to have something that is a dessert. Everything in moderation - not just at Disney, but all the time.
My favorite menu picks for Weight Watchers and Calorie Counters
I'll bring us around the world by location. I'll keep the order of the restaurants the same as they're listed in the Disney Parks Blog to keep things convenient!
Flavor Full Kitchen (Future World West)
The two entree options here are fantastic for any Weight Watchers program. They are:
Flavor Full Kitchen (Future World West)
The two entree options here are fantastic for any Weight Watchers program. They are:
- Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based; Garden Graze).
- Seared Verlasso Salmon with Farro Risotto and Micro Herbs.
Photos courtesy Disney Parks Blog
EPCOT Sunshine Griddle (Future World East)
I would love to try this Avocado Toast as a brunch option when starting my way around the World Showcase. It has marinated toybox tomatoes and a small amount of goat cheese on top. Its on a slice of toasted ciabatta bread, and its beautiful presentation will help your eyes feel as satisfied as your stomach.
The Honey Bee-stro (Showcase Plaza)
Everything here has either a lot of cheese, honey (aka sugar), or both, which is something to watch out for in abundance on Weight Watchers. However, the Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with Whipped Honey-Ricotta Cheese, Marinated Vegetables, and Purple Haze Lavender Goat Cheese is great for sampling and sharing a bite with your family.
The Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
I am excited to try the Meyer Lemon-poached Lobster Salad with Grapefruit-Rosé Vinaigrette, Yuzu-marinated Hearts of Palm, and Avocado-Yuzu Panna Cotta! It's new this year, friendly to those with gluten or wheat allergies, and sounds super refreshing - perfect for a warm Florida day.
I would love to try this Avocado Toast as a brunch option when starting my way around the World Showcase. It has marinated toybox tomatoes and a small amount of goat cheese on top. Its on a slice of toasted ciabatta bread, and its beautiful presentation will help your eyes feel as satisfied as your stomach.
The Honey Bee-stro (Showcase Plaza)
Everything here has either a lot of cheese, honey (aka sugar), or both, which is something to watch out for in abundance on Weight Watchers. However, the Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with Whipped Honey-Ricotta Cheese, Marinated Vegetables, and Purple Haze Lavender Goat Cheese is great for sampling and sharing a bite with your family.
The Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
I am excited to try the Meyer Lemon-poached Lobster Salad with Grapefruit-Rosé Vinaigrette, Yuzu-marinated Hearts of Palm, and Avocado-Yuzu Panna Cotta! It's new this year, friendly to those with gluten or wheat allergies, and sounds super refreshing - perfect for a warm Florida day.
The Lion King topiary near The Land
Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza)
While there are other plant-based options throughout the festival, I want to call this out for those of you who are on a plant-based diet. You can get a plant-based Italian sausage and peppers poutine here which is great for sampling with your family or having as a hearty snack.
Pineapple Promenade (Showcase Plaza)
If you've been here before, you already know what I'm about to say. Dole Whip is a great sweet treat for Weight Watchers! It's only 5 SmartPoints and 90 calories per half cup, so it's not going to break your Weight Watchers budget.
Trowel & Trellis (Showcase Plaza)
This entire stand is plant-based! While plant-based doesn't necessarily mean it's lower in calories, fat, or SmartPoints, I've found in my personal experience that I feel less bloated after eating plant-based foods, so I enjoy recommending these dishes for those looking to try something different.
I'm really excited to try the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread as a snack. I also think the Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with Cilantro-Lime Rice, Danmuji Slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise is a great base for a light meal before snacking around the world.
Refreshment Outpost
The only thing served here is a pineapple skewer, but it's got tajin seasoning on it. This is a great snack option to try for Zero SmartPoints and is low in calories.
While there are other plant-based options throughout the festival, I want to call this out for those of you who are on a plant-based diet. You can get a plant-based Italian sausage and peppers poutine here which is great for sampling with your family or having as a hearty snack.
Pineapple Promenade (Showcase Plaza)
If you've been here before, you already know what I'm about to say. Dole Whip is a great sweet treat for Weight Watchers! It's only 5 SmartPoints and 90 calories per half cup, so it's not going to break your Weight Watchers budget.
Trowel & Trellis (Showcase Plaza)
This entire stand is plant-based! While plant-based doesn't necessarily mean it's lower in calories, fat, or SmartPoints, I've found in my personal experience that I feel less bloated after eating plant-based foods, so I enjoy recommending these dishes for those looking to try something different.
I'm really excited to try the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread as a snack. I also think the Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with Cilantro-Lime Rice, Danmuji Slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise is a great base for a light meal before snacking around the world.
Refreshment Outpost
The only thing served here is a pineapple skewer, but it's got tajin seasoning on it. This is a great snack option to try for Zero SmartPoints and is low in calories.
Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany)
I would recommend going for the options that have ham included. This extra protein will help you feel more satisfied with these heavier dishes.
Magnolia Terrace (America)
Oysters are Zero SmartPoints on myWW Blue and myWW Purple! The Cajun-style Roasted Oysters are a great protein-packed choice.
Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco)
Both entree choices are actually great since they both have lean protein sources as their base. Those are:
I would recommend going for the options that have ham included. This extra protein will help you feel more satisfied with these heavier dishes.
Magnolia Terrace (America)
Oysters are Zero SmartPoints on myWW Blue and myWW Purple! The Cajun-style Roasted Oysters are a great protein-packed choice.
Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco)
Both entree choices are actually great since they both have lean protein sources as their base. Those are:
- Moroccan Seafood Couscous with Shrimp, Mussels, Olives, Preserved Lemons, and Anchovy Breadcrumbs (new).
- Shakshuka: Moroccan Baked Eggs in a Spiced Eggplant and Tomato Stew (new).
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
La Isla Fresca (between Morocco and France)
I would opt for the Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce, which sounds like a refreshing and light option in the Florida heat!
Festival Favorites (World Showplace; this is the building over near the Canadian Joffrey's coffee stand)
The lightest option here sounds like the Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Feta, and Balsamic Reduction!
EPCOT Farmers Feast (World Showplace)
The Duck Confit with Carrot Purée, Roasted Root Vegetables, Rainbow Chard, and Duck Jus packs some protein and has plenty of vegetables, so I'd say this is a great option.
If you like beets (often labeled a superfood), the Off the “Beet”en Path: Profiteroles with Red Beet Mousse, Golden Beet Pastry Cream, Whipped Goat Cheese Cream, and Candied Walnuts sounds like a sweet way to sneak in some veggies.
Northern Bloom (Canada)
A fantastic and delicious way to get in your protein is with the Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood-smoked Bacon. I'm looking forward to trying this!
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)
All of these options are probably fairly equal to one another as far as nutritional value goes. However, the plant-based or pork options would be my go-to since you're looking at an option without cheeses, which will help keep the SmartPoints lower.
Lotus House (China)
Most of your options here are fried. However, of the three:
Anthony and I tried all three of these and have to say they were all excellent. You only get three wontons, so it's great to split if you want to try it but are watching your calories and don't want to have too many fried options.
Because its not fried, the skewers are definitely the most healthyish of the bunch (and was actually Anthony's favorite thing that we tried all day). We got two cakes when ordering the Papas Cakes, so we each one one cake. The flavor combo was surprisingly delightful!
I would opt for the Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce, which sounds like a refreshing and light option in the Florida heat!
Festival Favorites (World Showplace; this is the building over near the Canadian Joffrey's coffee stand)
The lightest option here sounds like the Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Feta, and Balsamic Reduction!
EPCOT Farmers Feast (World Showplace)
The Duck Confit with Carrot Purée, Roasted Root Vegetables, Rainbow Chard, and Duck Jus packs some protein and has plenty of vegetables, so I'd say this is a great option.
If you like beets (often labeled a superfood), the Off the “Beet”en Path: Profiteroles with Red Beet Mousse, Golden Beet Pastry Cream, Whipped Goat Cheese Cream, and Candied Walnuts sounds like a sweet way to sneak in some veggies.
Northern Bloom (Canada)
A fantastic and delicious way to get in your protein is with the Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood-smoked Bacon. I'm looking forward to trying this!
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)
All of these options are probably fairly equal to one another as far as nutritional value goes. However, the plant-based or pork options would be my go-to since you're looking at an option without cheeses, which will help keep the SmartPoints lower.
Lotus House (China)
Most of your options here are fried. However, of the three:
- Papa Cakes: Potato Cakes filled with Shrimp and Water Chestnuts served with House-made Strawberry Sauce (new).
- Bon Bon Chicken Skewer with Sesame and Peanut Sauce.
- House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons.
Anthony and I tried all three of these and have to say they were all excellent. You only get three wontons, so it's great to split if you want to try it but are watching your calories and don't want to have too many fried options.
Because its not fried, the skewers are definitely the most healthyish of the bunch (and was actually Anthony's favorite thing that we tried all day). We got two cakes when ordering the Papas Cakes, so we each one one cake. The flavor combo was surprisingly delightful!
Bon Bon Chicken Skewer
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Papas Cakes
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Crab & Cheese Wontons
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Primavera Kitchen (Italy)
I would definitely recommend the Margherita Pizza here over the Arancini, since Arancini is fried. Also, if you want a little something sweet, their cannolis are pretty small. You get two miniature ones.
Hanami (Japan)
I absolutely love these two menu items both in terms of flavor and being great options for the calorie conscious:
I would definitely recommend the Margherita Pizza here over the Arancini, since Arancini is fried. Also, if you want a little something sweet, their cannolis are pretty small. You get two miniature ones.
Hanami (Japan)
I absolutely love these two menu items both in terms of flavor and being great options for the calorie conscious:
- Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe wrapped in Sweet Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Berry Sauce, and Toasted Coconut.
- Shrimp and Crab with Spicy Mayonnaise and Cucumber Slices finished with Creamy Avocado and Violet Sauce (new).
Fleur de Lys (France)
Everything here is either pretty cheesy or sugary. That being said, I'd look to the Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Parisian Gnocchi since its packed with more protein. If you want dessert here, you can enjoy in moderation with the chocolate macaron - they come on a stick!
Everything here is either pretty cheesy or sugary. That being said, I'd look to the Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Parisian Gnocchi since its packed with more protein. If you want dessert here, you can enjoy in moderation with the chocolate macaron - they come on a stick!
Flower and Garden Festival runs now through July 5th. You can check out the full menu of food on Disney Parks Blog.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
My friend Liz recently requested an anime recipe from a show we both adore (that is highly underrated here in the United States): imoni! This cold-weather comfort stew was featured recently in an episode of Osomatsu-san where one of the characters, Dekapan, asks his neighbors to compete to make the best pot of imoni since he's feeling homesick (and hilarity ensues). So, I decided to try to make my own pot worthy of Dekapan!
If you're counting calories or on a program like Weight Watchers, this is a great dish to make on a cold day. It's warm, hearty, and loaded with vegetables so it's a really healthy option! It normally calls for roast beef, but since I don't eat beef, I swapped it with some tempeh bacon (you could also use seitan bacon) to mimic the flavor and it was delightful.
If you're counting calories or on a program like Weight Watchers, this is a great dish to make on a cold day. It's warm, hearty, and loaded with vegetables so it's a really healthy option! It normally calls for roast beef, but since I don't eat beef, I swapped it with some tempeh bacon (you could also use seitan bacon) to mimic the flavor and it was delightful.
A pot of imoni in Osomatsu-san
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 1 packet dashi granules (if you are vegatarian, skip this)
- 0.5 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 large daikon radish, diced into bite-size chunks
- 1-2 small turnips, diced into bite-size chunks
- 0.5 cup sliced carrots
- 0.5 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced or diced
- 0.5 cup green onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Taro roots or Russet potatoes, diced into bite-size chunks
- 8 oz seitan or tempeh bacon (or, if you eat beef, you can use roast beef, which is traditionally used here)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except for the seitan/tempeh bacon to a pot or slow cooker and let simmer.
- Once the root vegetables have softened, add cooked seitan/tempeh bacon strips (or roast beef) and serve.
The Verdict
Since you can just throw everything in one pot (whether it be your slow cooker, InstantPot, or just a normal pot on the stovetop), it's super easy to make and the ingredients are pretty easy to either grab or substitute, earning this a 10/10 for ease of replication.
I'm also going to give this a 10/10 in the taste category. The flavor of everything in the stew is fairly mild, so it allows for each individual ingredient to shine without any one thing being overpowering. Anthony and I both loved it and would definitely make this again.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
I'm also going to give this a 10/10 in the taste category. The flavor of everything in the stew is fairly mild, so it allows for each individual ingredient to shine without any one thing being overpowering. Anthony and I both loved it and would definitely make this again.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
Next up in our anime food IRL series is a recipe straight from the anime with no modifications — Itadori’s meatballs from Jujutsu Kaisen! This is a simple chicken and ginger meatball recipe that we paired with white rice. Since the ingredients list in the show (below) didn't specify how much, I'll include that in my instructions at the end of this post.
A screenshot of the recipe from the anime
This dish is not only simple, but its also really healthy, too. Ground chicken is usually lower in calories and fat than beef, so this is great for anybody with dietary concerns in mind. The mildness of the chicken allows for the flavor of the ginger and green onions to shine, so I don't recommend using beef here.
If you're counting calories, four servings when using a lean ground chicken came out to only 189 calories each! If you're following myWW, your SmartPoints may vary depending on exactly what fat percentage your chicken has, but should be low in SmartPoints regardless.
If you're counting calories, four servings when using a lean ground chicken came out to only 189 calories each! If you're following myWW, your SmartPoints may vary depending on exactly what fat percentage your chicken has, but should be low in SmartPoints regardless.
Itadori's meatballs in Jujutsu Kaisen
Ingredients (serves four)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced or paste)
- 2 egg yolks or 1 whole egg
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 0.5 cup finely chopped scallions
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Shape into meatballs using a spoon, melon scoop, or ice cream scoop depending on desired size.
- Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
- Serve on a bed of white rice with your favorite steamed vegetables.
The Verdict
This recipe is super simple and super delicious, earning a 10/10 for both taste and ease of replication. I highly recommend this, especially if you're looking to mix up how you typically eat meatballs!
The ginger gave the meatballs a nice, refreshing flavor. I recommend pairing this with carrots, bean sprouts, cabbage, and mushroom but most veggies should pair well with this. The rice I used is Nishiki brand; they make white sushi rice so it has a really nice texture and goes great with Japanese dishes like this one.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
The ginger gave the meatballs a nice, refreshing flavor. I recommend pairing this with carrots, bean sprouts, cabbage, and mushroom but most veggies should pair well with this. The rice I used is Nishiki brand; they make white sushi rice so it has a really nice texture and goes great with Japanese dishes like this one.
Have a food from an anime that you want me to try to recreate? Let me know in the comments below! Plus, follow me on TikTok to see the behind the scenes of how this was made.
TIPS FOR DITCHING SUGARY STARBUCKS FOR NO ADDED SUGARS
It's almost 2021! Health and wellness resolutions are super common, but a lot of people usually burn out. In fact, a study back in 2019 found that 73% of people who set a fitness goal as a resolution give it up before they reach it.
I remember when I started my weight loss journey, the biggest thing that helped me succeed was making small changes and taking it one step at a time. It can feel overwhelming and time-consuming to go all in all at once, so I always recommend taking smaller steps so that way you can work towards the bigger picture in a way that is more sustainable and helps you actually develop healthier habits.
If one of your New Year's Resolutions this year is to cut the cream and sugar in your coffee, it's totally possible to start drinking black coffee instead of some sugary Starbucks concoction. If I can do it, then so can you - but it took me a while to switch from a White Chocolate Mocha to a black cup every morning! Here are my tips for how to switch from a sugary drink that might have coffee in it to drinking black coffee and actually enjoying it.
I remember when I started my weight loss journey, the biggest thing that helped me succeed was making small changes and taking it one step at a time. It can feel overwhelming and time-consuming to go all in all at once, so I always recommend taking smaller steps so that way you can work towards the bigger picture in a way that is more sustainable and helps you actually develop healthier habits.
If one of your New Year's Resolutions this year is to cut the cream and sugar in your coffee, it's totally possible to start drinking black coffee instead of some sugary Starbucks concoction. If I can do it, then so can you - but it took me a while to switch from a White Chocolate Mocha to a black cup every morning! Here are my tips for how to switch from a sugary drink that might have coffee in it to drinking black coffee and actually enjoying it.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page!
1. Cut back on your creamer and try a nondairy milk alternative
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Different creamers contain a surprising amounts of sugar. I recommend starting here if you're trying to transition to black coffee because it was, in my opinion, a way easier change than adding sweetener packets. I started by trying different fat free and sugar free creamers, and then eventually made the switch to unsweetened vanilla almond or cashew milk. It's only 15 calories for half a cup, which makes your coffee super creamy so you don't need even that much! A little goes a long way and helped me transition.
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Once I decided I wanted to try switching to black, having swapped to nut milk made it even easier because it's a bit thinner than normal creamer, so it wasn't as much of a shock to the system when I cut back on the almond milk. I recommend measuring out how much you're using so you can schedule out how much you're going to scale back by.
2. Slowly cut back on your added sweeteners
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If you're currently using sugar but have weight loss on your mind, start by switching to something like Stevia. This is a more natural sweetener than something like Splenda. Sometimes they'll add sugar alcohols to stevia packets, but it's largely natural since Stevia is from a plant.
I took this one month at a time. Embarrassingly, I used to drink a large cup of coffee with four packets in it! |
Every month or two, I challenged myself to reduce by one packet so I could get used to the change in sweetness and not have it be a total shock to my senses. This really helped me adjust since my taste buds adapted.
And, if you like using syrups, you can try Jordan's Skinny Syrups since they're sugar free. Then, you can ween off from there if you want. If you decide to stop using them once you've gone to black coffee but have leftover, they're great for baking or in protein shakes, too!
And, if you like using syrups, you can try Jordan's Skinny Syrups since they're sugar free. Then, you can ween off from there if you want. If you decide to stop using them once you've gone to black coffee but have leftover, they're great for baking or in protein shakes, too!
3. Start with Iced Coffee
The reason I suggest this if you're looking to make the switch to black is because of the ice. This dilutes the coffee a bit, so if you're struggling to get used to the taste of black, starting with iced before moving right into hot coffee should help!
4. Get flavored coffee
Having a black coffee to start with that is flavored is really helpful once you're at the point where you're drinking it straight black. I personally recommend Coffee Over Cardio since they have some really nice flavors. I'm a huge fan of Messy Bun and Saturdaze (chocolate donut), and their seasonal flavors like Basic AF (pumpkin spice) are awesome too. You can get a 10% off coupon with the code 10MagicallyFit at checkout!
5. Remember that you don't need to exclusively drink black coffee
I lost the bulk of my weight still drinking my coffee with either half-and-half or almond milk in it. And sometimes, I still do enjoy adding some Stevia and almond milk into my coffee. It's not an end all be all, and there are simple swaps you can do to still enjoy it how you like it without it necessarily being a sugar bomb.
I switched to black coffee because Anthony and I have a lot of (post-pandemic) international travel plans to some destinations famous for their coffee in different ways, and I wanted to be able to enjoy them how they were without them all just tasting like how I do at home. Ask yourself what your goals are and go from there - remember, it should be because you enjoy it, not because you feel like you have to.
I switched to black coffee because Anthony and I have a lot of (post-pandemic) international travel plans to some destinations famous for their coffee in different ways, and I wanted to be able to enjoy them how they were without them all just tasting like how I do at home. Ask yourself what your goals are and go from there - remember, it should be because you enjoy it, not because you feel like you have to.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
If you've been in a Weight Watchers Facebook group or been on WW Connect for five minutes, you'll know that a lot of Weight Watchers members love Trader Joe's. The closest Trader Joe’s to me is about 20-30 minutes away, so usually we just shop at Publix since it’s closer. But I wanted something different, so I decided to try a bunch of Trader Joe’s foods I’ve seen all over Instagram and TikTok and see how they were for myself!
I’ll include the SmartPoints and calories per serving and my rating for each item.
If you've been in a Weight Watchers Facebook group or been on WW Connect for five minutes, you'll know that a lot of Weight Watchers members love Trader Joe's. The closest Trader Joe’s to me is about 20-30 minutes away, so usually we just shop at Publix since it’s closer. But I wanted something different, so I decided to try a bunch of Trader Joe’s foods I’ve seen all over Instagram and TikTok and see how they were for myself!
I’ll include the SmartPoints and calories per serving and my rating for each item.
Sunday: Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Burger and Chicken Chow Mein
We’ll start with the Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Burger since I had this for lunch on Sunday since I was too lazy to make anything.
This had a really nice flavor! The Thai Sweet Chili flavoring was definitely there but not so strong that I felt it was spicy (and I am weak when it comes to heat in food, ha!).
It didn’t really need any condiments because the flavor profile was really nice on its own. I had it on an Ole wrap with some lettuce and it made for a really nice wrap! It didn’t get too mushy in the microwave like other veggie burgers I’ve tried, either, which was a nice surprise.
SmartPoints: 4 per patty
Calories: 150
Jessica’s rating: 9/10
This had a really nice flavor! The Thai Sweet Chili flavoring was definitely there but not so strong that I felt it was spicy (and I am weak when it comes to heat in food, ha!).
It didn’t really need any condiments because the flavor profile was really nice on its own. I had it on an Ole wrap with some lettuce and it made for a really nice wrap! It didn’t get too mushy in the microwave like other veggie burgers I’ve tried, either, which was a nice surprise.
SmartPoints: 4 per patty
Calories: 150
Jessica’s rating: 9/10
We had the Chicken Chow Mein for dinner - this was something I actually had fairly frequently when I started my Weight Watchers journey and wasn’t super great of a cook yet since it’s super quick and easy. It being low fat means it’s fairly low in SmartPoints. Just be sure to weigh this one when serving. The packaging says that 1/3 of the package is a serving and there are 3 servings per package, but I often find that it's more like 1/2 the package for the amount of grams listed. Score! Only thing I don't like about this is that it's usually pretty heavy on the red pepper, which I don't like. I pick mine out and give it to my husband.
SmartPoints: 5 SmartPoints per serving
Calories: 210
Jessica’s rating: 7/10
Monday: BBQ Chicken Teriyaki with Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
We paired the BBQ Chicken Teriyaki with the Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry for dinner Monday night and it tasted like takeout! We paired it with the riced cauliflower stir fry, which was also really good but I easily could have made it myself without the oil and saved the SmartPoint. But if you're feeling lazy, its a fantastic option.
SmartPoints: 1 SmartPoint for a serving of the rice; 4 SmartPoints for 1 cup of the chicken
Calories: 150 for the chicken; 75 calories for 1.5 cups of the rice
Jessica’s rating: 9/10 for both
SmartPoints: 1 SmartPoint for a serving of the rice; 4 SmartPoints for 1 cup of the chicken
Calories: 150 for the chicken; 75 calories for 1.5 cups of the rice
Jessica’s rating: 9/10 for both
Tuesday: Jicama Wraps
This was brought to my attention from Blogilates. We ended up throwing the jicama wraps on the stovetop to heat them up until they were lightly browned and softer and it made for a really nice wrap. They were small, so it was actually nice having multiple mini tacos instead of just one big one for two reasons:
SmartPoints: None! This is a Zero SmartPoint food.
Calories: 30 calories for 85 g
Jessica’s rating: 10/10
- I am a chronic over-stuffer. I never learn my lesson. My Ole wraps never stood a chance.
- It helped me slow down a bit and feel like I was eating more since visually, I was eating more tacos even if the filling amounts were the same.
SmartPoints: None! This is a Zero SmartPoint food.
Calories: 30 calories for 85 g
Jessica’s rating: 10/10
Wednesday: Sprouted Wheat 7-Grain Bread and Pumpkin Butter
Mixing it up today with a breakfast option (since dinner is just fish and sweet potato tonight, nothing fancy)! After my workout this morning, all I wanted were eggs and toast. I tried the Organic Sprouted Wheat 7-Grain Toast that I’ve seen a lot of people say they love (2 SmartPoints and 80 calories per slice) and I can see why - this bread has a lovely texture and crunch when toasted, especially the crust. The flavor profile of this bread is pretty good on its own, too. It probably makes for a great sandwich option.
I topped each slice with half a tablespoon of the seasonal Pumpkin Butter (2 SP per tbsp) and a little bit of pumpkin pie spice and you guys, this was the most decadent toast I’ve ever had. So good.
Total SmartPoints: 6 (+ the eggs if you’re on myWW Green) for the combo
Total calories (excluding eggs): 200
Jessica’s rating: 10/10 for both the bread and pumpkin butter
I topped each slice with half a tablespoon of the seasonal Pumpkin Butter (2 SP per tbsp) and a little bit of pumpkin pie spice and you guys, this was the most decadent toast I’ve ever had. So good.
Total SmartPoints: 6 (+ the eggs if you’re on myWW Green) for the combo
Total calories (excluding eggs): 200
Jessica’s rating: 10/10 for both the bread and pumpkin butter
Thursday: Cauliflower Gnocchi
I've seen this cauliflower gnocchi all over Instagram so I had to grab a few bags to try - especially since I'm a huge gnocchi fan. This cauliflower gnocchi totally lived up to the hype! It was super tasty, not too heavy but still had that lovely texture that you get from real gnocchi. Though, now Anthony and I are in a debate over if this is classified as a veggie tot or a pasta. I say pasta, he insists they're technically tots. Either way, they're delish.
SmartPoints: 4 for 1 cup of gnocchi
Calories: 140 per cup
Jessica’s rating: 9/10
SmartPoints: 4 for 1 cup of gnocchi
Calories: 140 per cup
Jessica’s rating: 9/10
Friday: Chicken Cilantro Wontons
I love these and have since I started my Weight Watchers journey back in 2015. They’re small so perfect to use as either a side dish or to make part of a larger meal like I did Friday night. I whipped up a soup in my Instant Pot and let it slow cook for a few hours, and then for the last thirty minutes I added in the wontons (from frozen - they’re little so do not take long at all to thoroughly cook).
Dinner was fantastic. My only wish with these wontons would be to have the flavor profile be a bit stronger - the chicken cilantro flavor is there but it's very mild. However, that mildness lets these wontons be really versatile in what kind of cuisine you decide to make them with.
SmartPoints: 1 SmartPoint for 4 pieces
Calories: 50 calories for 4 pieces
Jessica’s rating: 9/10
Dinner was fantastic. My only wish with these wontons would be to have the flavor profile be a bit stronger - the chicken cilantro flavor is there but it's very mild. However, that mildness lets these wontons be really versatile in what kind of cuisine you decide to make them with.
SmartPoints: 1 SmartPoint for 4 pieces
Calories: 50 calories for 4 pieces
Jessica’s rating: 9/10
Saturday: Mahi Burgers
The mahi burgers are pretty good, with a minimal fishy taste to them and are super easy to slap on a George Foreman grill. However, these are pretty small. This is another instance of weighing and measuring before you log it into your fitness tracker, because when I had this for dinner on Saturday and then lunch on Sunday, both of my patties were only about 2 ounces once they were cooked.
SmartPoints: 2 SmartPoints for 3.2 oz
Calories: 140 for 3.2 oz
Jessica’s rating: 6.5/10
SmartPoints: 2 SmartPoints for 3.2 oz
Calories: 140 for 3.2 oz
Jessica’s rating: 6.5/10
Other Trader Joe’s foods I tried this week:
Turkey Corn Dogs
My husband loves these so we always stock up on a few boxes whenever we go to Trader Joe’s. These are super easy to make since you just microwave them so they make for a pretty good option if you’re craving some carnival-style comfort food.
SmartPoints: 5 each
Calories: 150 each
Jessica’s rating: 7/10
My husband loves these so we always stock up on a few boxes whenever we go to Trader Joe’s. These are super easy to make since you just microwave them so they make for a pretty good option if you’re craving some carnival-style comfort food.
SmartPoints: 5 each
Calories: 150 each
Jessica’s rating: 7/10
Chocolate Hummus & Original Savory Thin Crackers
This hummus was just okay, in my opinion. When paired with crackers or fruit, I thought that the flavor was kind of bland and I wish the chocolate profile was a bit stronger. However, I’ve found this to be an excellent option when blending into nonfat plain Greek yogurt; a tablespoon of that and a stevia added into the mix really makes for a good chocolate yogurt.
The Original Savory Thin Crackers were something I saw a lot of Weight Watchers members hype up as a wonderful cracker option, but it was just your standard rice cracker and the SmartPoints value was pretty standard. It was fine, just didn't live up to the hype!
SmartPoints: 4 SmartPoints for 30 g crackers; 1 SmartPoint per tbsp hummus
Calories: 130 for 30 g of crackers; 25 calories for 1 tbsp hummus
Jessica’s rating: 6/10 for both
This hummus was just okay, in my opinion. When paired with crackers or fruit, I thought that the flavor was kind of bland and I wish the chocolate profile was a bit stronger. However, I’ve found this to be an excellent option when blending into nonfat plain Greek yogurt; a tablespoon of that and a stevia added into the mix really makes for a good chocolate yogurt.
The Original Savory Thin Crackers were something I saw a lot of Weight Watchers members hype up as a wonderful cracker option, but it was just your standard rice cracker and the SmartPoints value was pretty standard. It was fine, just didn't live up to the hype!
SmartPoints: 4 SmartPoints for 30 g crackers; 1 SmartPoint per tbsp hummus
Calories: 130 for 30 g of crackers; 25 calories for 1 tbsp hummus
Jessica’s rating: 6/10 for both
Chocolate Peanut Butter Light Ice Cream
I'll talk first about the light ice cream. This is Trader Joe's competitor to Halo Top, Enlightened, etc., and it comes in this flavor and cookies and cream.
It was alright. I thought compared to other ice creams, it was kind of chalky. I don't think any of the Halo Top type ice creams are particularly good (though Chilly Cow was fantastic, but I can't find it at my local stores anymore). If you pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds, it helps not only make it soft enough to scoop but helps with the chalkiness a little bit. I added some Choc Zero syrup and that masked it, too. I'm not sure if it was from the peanut butter in the ice cream, so I'd be curious to see if that chalkiness is present in the cookies and cream flavor, too (and if I just had a weird batch, please let me know in the comments, ha!).
SmartPoints: 3 SmartPoints for 0.5 cup
Calories: 90 calories for 0.5 cup
Jessica’s rating: 5/10
I'll talk first about the light ice cream. This is Trader Joe's competitor to Halo Top, Enlightened, etc., and it comes in this flavor and cookies and cream.
It was alright. I thought compared to other ice creams, it was kind of chalky. I don't think any of the Halo Top type ice creams are particularly good (though Chilly Cow was fantastic, but I can't find it at my local stores anymore). If you pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds, it helps not only make it soft enough to scoop but helps with the chalkiness a little bit. I added some Choc Zero syrup and that masked it, too. I'm not sure if it was from the peanut butter in the ice cream, so I'd be curious to see if that chalkiness is present in the cookies and cream flavor, too (and if I just had a weird batch, please let me know in the comments, ha!).
SmartPoints: 3 SmartPoints for 0.5 cup
Calories: 90 calories for 0.5 cup
Jessica’s rating: 5/10
Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert, Strawberry with Almond Brittle & Candied Strawberries
This ice cream was brought to my attention by Blogilates when she raved about how creamy it was in a TikTok. I’m trying to reduce my intake of animal products, so figured I’d give this ice cream a try regardless of the SmartPoints.
Casey was not lying - this ice cream was incredibly creamy. You would never know that this was a vegan alternative if you went into this blind. The almond brittle and candied strawberries gave this a really nice touch, too.
SmartPoints: 9 SmartPoints for 0.5 cup
Calories: 195 calories for 0.5 cup
Jessica’s rating: 100/10 (no, that is not a typo)
Have you tried any of these foods from Trader Joe's or have any other favorites that weren't mentioned? Let me know in the comments!
This ice cream was brought to my attention by Blogilates when she raved about how creamy it was in a TikTok. I’m trying to reduce my intake of animal products, so figured I’d give this ice cream a try regardless of the SmartPoints.
Casey was not lying - this ice cream was incredibly creamy. You would never know that this was a vegan alternative if you went into this blind. The almond brittle and candied strawberries gave this a really nice touch, too.
SmartPoints: 9 SmartPoints for 0.5 cup
Calories: 195 calories for 0.5 cup
Jessica’s rating: 100/10 (no, that is not a typo)
Have you tried any of these foods from Trader Joe's or have any other favorites that weren't mentioned? Let me know in the comments!
Halloween is just three weeks away! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but can be pretty stressful on Weight Watchers. Over the years, I've learned the best approach is to pick a candy that I really want, pre-track it, and then stick to that so I don't feel deprived. It's really important that we don't restrict, because restricting can lead to binging or "falling off the wagon." I also like to remind myself that these candies are available whenever I want, so there's no sense in overdoing it just because it's Halloween. But it is a good excuse for a treat!
That all being said, here's a guide to how many SmartPoints some of your favorite candies are on myWW this Halloween.
That all being said, here's a guide to how many SmartPoints some of your favorite candies are on myWW this Halloween.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
Traditional Candies
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York Peppermint Patties
These are my mom's favorite! You can have three minis (or three of the mini pumpkin ones!) or one full sized patty for 8 SmartPoints. One of the minis is 3 SmartPoints, and two of them is 6 SmartPoints (gotta love Weight Watchers math, am I right?) You can order them on Amazon here. |
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Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
You can have three mini Reese's for only 6 SmartPoints and 130 calories, so this is a great option for Halloween without spending all of your SmartPoints budget! Two of the Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins are 8 SmartPoints (170 calories), and for a normal Reese's Peanut Butter Cup you can have 1 cup for 4 SmartPoints and 2 for 7 SmartPoints. |
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Snickers
A serving of three mini Snickers are 6 SmartPoints at 130 calories, so this makes for another great option for Weight Watchers. For reference, a full sized Snickers bar is 12 SmartPoints. You can order some Snickers Minis on Amazon here (just in time for Halloween!) |
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Hershey Bars
One full-sized Hershey Bar is 11 SmartPoints (and 10 SmartPoints if you like them with almonds). If you get a bag of Hershey's miniature assorted chocolates to dump in your candy bucket, you can have...
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M&Ms
M&Ms are a classic and luckily, come in convenient individual serving bags for Halloween. Three packages of M&Ms fun sized chocolate candies are 10 SmartPoints, and you can have one package for 3 SmartPoints. Order M&Ms Halloween candy on Amazon here. Also, is it just me, or do the minis taste better than the normal size? |
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Skittles
Similarly to M&Ms, you can have one package of the Halloween candy portions for 3 SmartPoints or 3 packages for 10 SmartPoints. What's really fun is for Halloween you can get Skittles' Zombie Mix, which includes some rotten-flavored ones for a fun game of trick or treat. You can order Skittles Halloween candy on Amazon here. |
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Starburst
Starburst are a great option for Halloween candy! They're only 1 SmartPoint per piece and since they're chewy, they take a while to eat - meaning its harder to overindulge on these than, say, miniature chocolates. You can order a bag of them on Amazon here to throw into your Halloween candy bowl mix. |
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Kit Kats
There are a few varieties of Kit Kats you might have in your candy bucket this Halloween! The Kit Kat pumpkin pie miniatures are 9 SmartPoints for 4 wafers or 1 piece for 2 SmartPoints. Similarly, miniature Kit Kats are 2 SmartPoints for 1 and 9 SmartPoints for 4 wafers. |
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Candy corn
You can have 19 pieces of Brach's classic candy corn for 8 SmartPoints. If you're weighing and measuring, 1 ounce is 5 SmartPoints, which works out to 13 Pieces. If you only want to spend 2 SmartPoints, you can have up to 6 pieces of Brach's candy corn. |
Weight Watchers friendly candy
With the rise in popularity of the keto diet (something I'm not super fond of due to how much it has you restrict, but that's a whole other conversation!), there has been a rise in popularity with sugar-free candies in chocolates. If you have a sensitive stomach, beware - a lot of these products contain sugar alcohols, which are known to cause gastrointestinal distress. They don't bother some people, but can be troublesome to others, so if you start to feel kind of gassy after eating any of these, look for anything on the nutritional label ending in -itol. A lot of "diet-friendly" sweets have sugar alcohols like erythritol (the least offensive of the bunch), malitol, sorbitol, and xylitol in them.
If you like gummies...
TrySmart Sweets! Smart Sweets sells a lot of candies that are reminiscent of the bags of candies you can get at a drugstore and touts that they don't use any sugar alcohols. One bag of their Berry Sweet Fish, Peach Rings, Sour Blast Buddies, or Gummy Bears are 3 SmartPoints. You can try them on Amazon.
TrySmart Sweets! Smart Sweets sells a lot of candies that are reminiscent of the bags of candies you can get at a drugstore and touts that they don't use any sugar alcohols. One bag of their Berry Sweet Fish, Peach Rings, Sour Blast Buddies, or Gummy Bears are 3 SmartPoints. You can try them on Amazon.
If you like chocolate...
Try Choc Zero! Choc Zero (available here on Amazon) sells a bunch of different chocolate sweets that are free of any and all sugar alcohols - thank goodness! They sell chocolate squares and peanut butter cups and they use monk fruit as a sweetener instead of anything that could cause you any tummy troubles. I've tried their chocolates and their syrups (1 tbsp is 1 SmartPoint) and absolutely love their products. You'd never know it was a keto-friendly option.
One peanut butter cup is 3 SmartPoints and one of their milk chocolate squares is 2 SmartPoints. One ounce of their keto bark is 5 SmartPoints.
Try Choc Zero! Choc Zero (available here on Amazon) sells a bunch of different chocolate sweets that are free of any and all sugar alcohols - thank goodness! They sell chocolate squares and peanut butter cups and they use monk fruit as a sweetener instead of anything that could cause you any tummy troubles. I've tried their chocolates and their syrups (1 tbsp is 1 SmartPoint) and absolutely love their products. You'd never know it was a keto-friendly option.
One peanut butter cup is 3 SmartPoints and one of their milk chocolate squares is 2 SmartPoints. One ounce of their keto bark is 5 SmartPoints.
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
It's official - Amazon Prime Day is coming! This October 13 and 14th, Amazon Prime members can get some pretty big savings on products throughout the site. There are all sorts of deals, and I've rounded up my top 10 based on things I've used for my own weight loss journey or I've heard wonderful things about from fellow WW memnbers. And if you're not an Amazon Prime member but want to take advantage of the sales, you can try a free 30-day trial here!
They're having a few sales now, though, as we wait for Prime Day - these are subject to change, but when Prime Day comes around, you can get notifications in the app for when an item may go on sale for Prime Day. You can also look for Prime Day badges in blue on products.
They're having a few sales now, though, as we wait for Prime Day - these are subject to change, but when Prime Day comes around, you can get notifications in the app for when an item may go on sale for Prime Day. You can also look for Prime Day badges in blue on products.
A waffle maker make your protein pancakes fun
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I love making Kodiak Cakes in a waffle maker, especially with fun shapes, so I can jazz it up. The one pictured specifically makes skulls, which is perfect for Halloween, but they sell a bunch of other shapes if you want something different (like pumpkins, pineapples, or hearts; or, you can get it to look just like normal waffles).
This waffle maker also acts as a panini press so you can use it for all kinds of foods, and it comes with a recipe book. |
This Puma Dash Backpack for a cute gym bag or Future travel
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Whether you're looking for an upgrade to a gym bag (because we deserve things that spark joy, not just stereotypical plain gym duffles) or want something sleek and stylish (that doesn't scream tourist) when you're traveling for your next vacation, this Puma backpack is a great option. Plus, you can get the Puma logo in a bunch of different colors.
Check it out on Amazon here. |
An air-fryer to save oil and time
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An air fryer is a must-have kitchen tool in my personal opinion. I love mine and use it all the time from making two-ingredient dough bagels, getting frozen fries perfectly crispy, and cooking tofu for dinner. If you're looking for a nice starter air fryer, check out this Amazon Basics 3.2 quart air fryer that's available for Prime Day.
One thing that's nice about this air fryer is the recommended times and temps for certain foods right on the machine. No guessing! |
A juicer to make it fresh yourself
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I love juice but hate buying it because it's usually loaded with sugar. That's why I think a juicer is great for days you're craving something other than water but don't necessarily want to have a bunch of weird preservatives or a ton of sugar in the mix. Nothing beats fresh, right?
Check out this juicer on Amazon. It's got a high juice yield and works for all different kinds of fruits and veggies. |
Workout Leggings with pockets that actually fit your cell phone
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Amazon is offering uo to 40% off of their own brands for Prime Day, so that means its the perfect time to treat yourself to some workout leggings that are great for hitting the gym or working from home in. They come in four colors, are super stretchy but still have a little bit of compression, and are high waisted. I'll take one in every color, please! Sizes run from XS-3X.
Order them here to try them yourself. You can also order these with the super trendy cross-waist (shaped like a V to help with the appearance of a more narrow waistline) here. |
A 13-piece cookware set to give your kitchen a refresh
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Good cookware makes all the difference when you're cooking a lot (something I know I have done since starting Weight Watchers). Heat conductivity, nonstick quality, there are so many factors that are important so it's something I don't think you can cheap out on!
Right now, NutriChef's 13-piece set is on sale so you can get everything you might need. They're built to be safe for use for gas, electric, and induction counters, plus they have cool-touch handles. |
A Mesh Cropped workout tee to stay cool and comfy when you're working out (whether it be for at home workouts or your local gym)
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This mesh tee comes in six different colors and runs in sizes XS - 3X. It's perfect for your home gym or for hitting your local gym. It's a slight crop, so it pairs really nicely with high waisted leggings and the fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable with the unique all-over mesh pattern.
Try it on Amazon today! |
A loose leaf tea subscription to mix up your water intake
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For Prime Day, you can save up to 60% off on subscription boxes. One I'm eyeballing is this loose leaf tea subscription box. You get four types of tea in one box, which should yield between 16 and 20 cups! Every tea is accompanied by a Tasting Notes card, providing rich detail of the tea's origins, flavor notes, and best brew method.
You can order this one on Amazon now with the Prime Day deal! |
An Echo Dot for hands-free help as you cook
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Alexa is my best friend when I'm cooking dinner! Not only is an Echo Dot super helpful if you have a recipe where you need help converting measurements and your hands are full, but Alexa is compatible with Weight Watchers. You can get Wellow by WW for your Echo Dot to track your food, look up SmartPoints® values for different items, quick-add meals, look up your tracked and remaining SmartPoints® budget, and get basic plan information.
You can get one on sale for Prime Day (and Prime members get two for $39.98 - check for the coupon code on the listing). |
This ADidas cropped hoodie, since we're all living in athleisure wear these days
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Fall is here, which means I'll be working from home in hoodies instead of t-shirts. This Adidas cropped hoodie will pair super nicely with some workout pants, leggings or high waisted jeans so it's super versatile and comfortable.
It's also eligible for Prime Wardrobe (another reason to sign up for Prime if you haven't already), where you can have an item shipped to you and try it on before you commit to actually buying it. Check it out in white and pink. |
Looking for something else?
Tons of deals will be popping up on October 13th and 14th, so be sure to keep an eye out on the app and sign up now for your free trial so you can be ready to go once more deals start rolling in. Let me know in the comments what you got and what you liked!
There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
How many times have you scanned the barcode of a protein bar on the Weight Watchers app and been shocked at how many points it is? High sugar content from chocolate coating and dried fruit (which is not as good for you as whole fruit), surprisingly high fat, and chalky textures are the bane of my existence. But luckily for you, I've tried nearly every protein bar out there so you don't have to.
I never recommend replacing a meal with a protein bar (I actually advise against this), I do think that protein bars are fantastic for an on the go snack or for pre-workout fuel. So that being said, here are some of my favorite protein bars to enjoy on Weight Watchers that don't totally break your SmartPoints budget.
I never recommend replacing a meal with a protein bar (I actually advise against this), I do think that protein bars are fantastic for an on the go snack or for pre-workout fuel. So that being said, here are some of my favorite protein bars to enjoy on Weight Watchers that don't totally break your SmartPoints budget.
Built Bars
SmartPoints: 3-5
Calories: 130-180
Calories: 130-180
Built Bar is at the top of the list because they are by far the lowest SmartPoint option and also have a really wide variety of flavors. While certain flavors with nuts can range from 4-5 SmartPoints, most if not all of their 130 calorie bars are only 3 SmartPoints. Built Bar recently (late summer 2020) revamped their formula so the bars are slightly less sticky than they were before, but they still do have a similar texture. I'd describe the interior as being similar to a marshmallow.
They're also coated in dark chocolate, so that's a plus! You can shop now by clicking this link. You can also get 10% off if you use the coupon MagicallyFit. My personal favorite flavor is the Cookies and Cream, and my husband really likes the Cherry Barcia.
They're also coated in dark chocolate, so that's a plus! You can shop now by clicking this link. You can also get 10% off if you use the coupon MagicallyFit. My personal favorite flavor is the Cookies and Cream, and my husband really likes the Cherry Barcia.
Pure Protein
SmartPoints: 5
Calories: 180-200
Calories: 180-200
Pure Protein is another favorite of mine. They're not chalky, and the flavor profiles are pretty strong. They don't have as many flavors as Built, but I really like their chocolate chip and birthday cake bar flavors. These bars aren't chalky but do have a chewy texture to them (similar to the old Built Bars).
Try a variety pack now on Amazon!
Try a variety pack now on Amazon!
One Brand
SmartPoints: 5-6
Calories: 220
Calories: 220
ONE has a soft texture to its thin (yet long and wide) bar. They have a wide flavor variety, but some of the flavors can taste kind of similar to one another. However, I do really like these bars and they usually have some tasty seasonal flavors, too.
Try ONE on Amazon, and also check out their minis for an option to curb a sweet tooth. They also have some plant based options that are vegan friendly.
Try ONE on Amazon, and also check out their minis for an option to curb a sweet tooth. They also have some plant based options that are vegan friendly.
Protein One by Fiber ONe
SmartPoints: 2
Calories: 90
Calories: 90
These 90 calorie bars are pretty small, so I recommend these more so as a dessert than I do as a snack. While Built is a good dessert, too, I like to save those as pre-workout fuel and then use these if I want a bar for dessert since they're smaller and good for curbing a sweet tooth. At only 2 SmartPoints each, they remind me of the dessert bars that WW makes (but a bit more affordable and accessible).
Try them on Amazon!
*Note: price discrepancies below are due to certain selections being a single box vs. multipacks. Don't fret, it's not $35 for a box of 10! I wouldn't do that to you.
Try them on Amazon!
*Note: price discrepancies below are due to certain selections being a single box vs. multipacks. Don't fret, it's not $35 for a box of 10! I wouldn't do that to you.
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Jessica is a huge Disney, anime, and Star Wars nerd who channeled that love into motivation to lose 75 lbs.
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