What to Eat at McAlister’s on Weight Watchers
When following the Weight Watchers program, it’s important to make smart food choices even when dining out. McAlister’s Deli is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its wide variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. If you find yourself at McAlister’s and want to stay on track with your weight loss goals, here are some delicious and healthier options to consider.
1. Turkey Cranberry Salad (11 SmartPoints): This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. It consists of roasted turkey, dried cranberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, mixed greens, and fat-free raspberry pecan vinaigrette. It’s a great choice for a light and refreshing meal.
2. Southwest Chicken Salad (8 SmartPoints): This salad features grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, tomatoes, mixed greens, and chipotle ranch dressing. It offers a perfect balance of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
3. Veggie Club (10 SmartPoints): For a vegetarian-friendly option, try the Veggie Club sandwich. It includes Swiss cheese, avocado, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and honey mustard on toasted 9-grain bread. It’s a wholesome choice that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
4. Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap (12 SmartPoints): If you’re in the mood for a wrap, the Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap is a good choice. It contains grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing, all wrapped in a tortilla. Opt for a whole wheat wrap to make it even healthier.
5. Garden Fresh Turkey Sandwich (9 SmartPoints): This sandwich combines roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing on toasted 9-grain bread. It’s a satisfying option that won’t break your SmartPoint budget.
6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup (5 SmartPoints): If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, the Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a good choice. It’s creamy and flavorful, yet relatively low in SmartPoints.
7. Tomato Basil Soup (5 SmartPoints): Another delicious soup option is the Tomato Basil Soup. Made with real tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s a light and flavorful choice that pairs well with a salad or sandwich.
8. Choose a side of fruit: Instead of opting for fries or chips, consider adding a side of fresh fruit to your meal. McAlister’s offers a variety of fruits, such as grapes, pineapple, and apple slices, which are zero SmartPoints.
9. Sweet Chipotle Chicken Griller (10 SmartPoints): This grilled chicken sandwich is topped with chipotle peach sauce, lettuce, and tomato, all served on a ciabatta roll. It strikes a balance between sweet and savory flavors.
10. Harvest Chicken Salad (8 SmartPoints): This salad features grilled chicken, apples, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese, candied pecans, mixed greens, and balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect choice for those craving a combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
11. Savannah Chopped Salad (6 SmartPoints): For a unique blend of flavors, try the Savannah Chopped Salad. It contains grilled chicken, dried cranberries, honey-roasted almonds, bleu cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and honey mustard dressing.
12. Choose unsweetened iced tea: McAlister’s offers a variety of unsweetened iced teas, which are zero SmartPoints. It’s a refreshing and guilt-free beverage option to accompany your meal.
13. Portion control: When ordering at McAlister’s, be mindful of portion sizes. It’s easy to overeat when faced with large portions. Consider splitting a meal with a friend or opting for a half portion to stay within your SmartPoint budget.
Common Questions and Answers:
1. Are McAlister’s menu items labeled with SmartPoints?
No, McAlister’s does not label their menu items with SmartPoints. However, they do provide nutritional information on their website, which you can use to calculate the SmartPoints value using the Weight Watchers app or calculator.
2. Can I customize my order to make it more Weight Watchers-friendly?
Yes, McAlister’s allows customization of orders. You can ask for modifications like dressing on the side, omitting certain ingredients, or substituting healthier options such as whole wheat bread or lettuce wraps.
3. Are there any low SmartPoints options for vegetarians?
Yes, McAlister’s offers several vegetarian-friendly options, including salads, sandwiches, and soups. The Veggie Club sandwich and the Harvest Chicken Salad are excellent choices for vegetarians.
4. Can I enjoy a dessert at McAlister’s while on Weight Watchers?
Yes, McAlister’s offers a variety of desserts, including cookies and brownies. However, these options tend to be higher in SmartPoints. It’s best to enjoy them in moderation or opt for lighter options like fruit cups.
5. Are there any gluten-free options at McAlister’s?
Yes, McAlister’s offers gluten-free bread and wraps, allowing you to enjoy sandwiches and wraps while adhering to a gluten-free diet. They also have gluten-free soups and salads.
6. Can I use my Weight Watchers points at McAlister’s?
No, McAlister’s does not have an official partnership with Weight Watchers. However, you can calculate the SmartPoints value of their menu items using the available nutritional information.
7. Are there any low-calorie options at McAlister’s?
Yes, many of the salads and soups at McAlister’s are relatively low in calories. Opting for grilled chicken or turkey and choosing dressings on the side can help keep your meal lower in calories.
8. Is it possible to have a satisfying meal at McAlister’s while staying within my daily SmartPoints budget?
Yes, McAlister’s offers a variety of options that allow you to have a satisfying meal while staying within your SmartPoints budget. Choosing salads, soups, lean proteins, and portion control can help you achieve this.
9. Can I find nutritional information for McAlister’s menu items online?
Yes, McAlister’s provides nutritional information for their menu items on their website. This information includes calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber content, which can be used to calculate SmartPoints.
10. Can I track my McAlister’s meal in the Weight Watchers app?
Yes, you can manually track your McAlister’s meal in the Weight Watchers app by entering the nutritional information for the items you choose.
11. Are there any high-protein options at McAlister’s?
Yes, several menu items at McAlister’s are high in protein. Grilled chicken or turkey options, such as the Southwest Chicken Salad or the Turkey Cranberry Salad, are excellent choices for a protein-packed meal.
12. Can I find low-sodium options at McAlister’s?
McAlister’s provides nutritional information, including sodium content, on their website. By reviewing this information, you can choose lower sodium options that fit your dietary needs.
13. Can I order online from McAlister’s and still follow my Weight Watchers plan?
Yes, McAlister’s allows online ordering, which allows you to carefully select your meal choices and calculate the SmartPoints value before placing your order.
Staying on track with your Weight Watchers plan while eating out doesn’t have to be complicated. With these suggestions and a little planning, you can enjoy a delicious meal at McAlister’s while still working towards your weight loss goals.