How to Use Whey Protein With a Weight Watchers Diet
Whey protein is the liquid portion of milk, left over when cheese is made. It is usually sold as a powder that you add to foods or shakes to boost their protein content. A high-protein meal, especially breakfast, can help you feel full longer, according to Purdue University researchers. You can easily incorporate whey powder into the Weight Watchers meal plans.
Whey protein powder in scoop with vitamins and plastic shaker. (Image: Lecic/iStock/Getty Images)Step 1
Use the Weight Watchers points calculator or online calculator to figure the number of points per scoop of the whey protein powder you plan to use.
Step 2
Add a scoop of whey powder to Weight Watchers smoothie mix before blending in the water or milk. Or, make your own shake by blending frozen fruit such as blueberries, peaches or banana chunks with nonfat vanilla or fruit yogurt, a scoop of whey protein, and water or orange juice as necessary.
Step 3
Stir a scoop of whey powder into a bowl of Weight Watchers or regular oatmeal.
Step 4
Stir whey powder into nonfat vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt and top with chopped, toasted almonds.
Step 5
Beat a scoop of whey powder into an egg-white omelet or frittata.
Step 6
Stir whey protein into low-fat, sugar-free instant pudding mix before adding the milk.
Step 7
Mix a tablespoon of whey powder with a seasoning blend, salt substitute, or a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle over a salad.
Step 8
Mix a tablespoon or two of whey protein powder with a beaten egg and dip chicken breasts or fish fillets into it. Then coat with seasoned crushed cornflakes or bread crumbs and bake.
Step 9
Add 2 tbsp. whey protein powder to reduced-fat muffin, pancake or cookie batters in place of 2 tbsp. of the flour. This works best in chewy cookies, such as oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies.
Step 10
Stir some whey protein powder into low-fat ranch dressing as a dip for vegetables.
Things You'll Need
Whey protein powder
Measuring scoop or spoon
Weight Watchers points calculator
Tip
Use unflavored whey powder if you want to add it to a variety of recipes. If you plan to use it only in sweet foods such as pudding, smoothies or yogurt, you might prefer a flavored whey powder such as vanilla or chocolate.
Warning
Whey protein powder does contain calories so don't forget to include the points--usually 1 or 2 points per scoop--when you add it to dishes.
