How Many Weight Watchers Points is Pulled Pork? A Guide to Enjoying BBQ in Moderation

Pulled pork is a quintessential BBQ favorite, with tender, slow-cooked pork bathed in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. But is this classic comfort food allowed on Weight Watchers? The answer is yes – when enjoyed in moderation. By tracking points carefully and controlling portions, you can work pulled pork into your WW meal plan.

Calculating Points for Pulled Pork

The number of points per serving of pulled pork can vary substantially depending on a few key factors

Pork cut: The leanest options like pork tenderloin are lowest in points, while higher fat cuts like pork shoulder pack more points.

Portion size: A smaller 3-4 oz portion of pulled pork will be fewer points than a loaded 6 oz sandwich.

Cooking method: Roasting or baking keeps points lower than deep frying or braising in fatty liquids.

Sauces/seasonings Sugar-based BBQ sauces oil-based rubs and basting liquids can add points.

As a general guide, a small 3 oz portion of pulled pork with minimal sauce will cost you around 3-5 points on Green, 7-10 points on Blue, and 5-8 points on Purple. But this can vary significantly based on the factors above.

How to Calculate Points

To most accurately calculate points:

• Weigh your pork after cooking to determine true portion size. Overestimating is better than underestimating.

• Look up point value for the specific cut of pork used based on weight. Compare similar entries in the WW app or online for best estimate.

• Account for any oil, sauce, or seasoning used during cooking or serving. Check labels or make your best guess.

• When in doubt, overestimate points. It’s better than unintentionally using more than your daily budget.

Tips for Making Pulled Pork More WW-Friendly

Here are some ways to lighten up your pulled pork recipe:

• Use leaner cuts like pork tenderloin or loin. Avoid shoulder or butt for lower points.

• Trim fat thoroughly before cooking.

• Cook without oil. Roast, braise, or pressure cook instead of deep frying.

• Limit marinades and sauces. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per serving.

• Use lighter sauces and seasonings. Opt for mustard-, vinegar- or tomato-based sauces.

• Pile on veggies. Add zero-point coleslaw, pickled onions, roasted peppers.

• Serve on lettuce. Skip the bun and use lettuce wraps instead.

• Portion control. Stick to about 3 oz cooked pork per serving.

pairing Pulled Pork with Zero Point Foods

Balance out the points by rounding out your pulled pork with:

• Crunchy coleslaw or broccoli slaw

• Fresh tomato salsa

• Diced avocado

• Pickled vegetables like onions or jalapeños

• Leafy greens for lettuce wrap or salad

• Air fried potato wedges flavored with spices

• Grilled corn on the cob with just a spritz of oil

• Steamed green beans tossed with vinegar

Easy Low-Point Pulled Pork Recipes

To enjoy pulled pork on WW, try these lightened up recipes:

Instant Pot Pulled Pork – Use 2 lbs pork tenderloin instead of shoulder. Omit oil and limit sauce.

Baked Pulled Pork Tacos – Roast seasoned pork in the oven. Serve in lettuce wraps with tomato salsa.

Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Top baked potatoes with a small portion of pork, slaw, and avocado.

Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps – Shred roasted tenderloin and wrap in bibb lettuce with carrot slaw and hoisin.

Pulled Pork Pumpkin Chili – Cook pork with pumpkin puree, beans, spices and broth. Top with cilantro.

What About Pork Rinds and Bacon?

Two popular pork products that are point-friendly:

Pork rinds are zero points! The plain fried skin counts for nothing, making them a great crunchy, salty snack or breading substitute.

Turkey bacon clocks in at just 1 point per slice on Green and Blue. A tasty way to add flavor for few points.

The Takeaway on Pulled Pork and WW

Pulled pork can absolutely be part of a healthy Weight Watchers meal plan with a few smart tweaks:

• Stick to leaner cuts like tenderloin

• Control portion sizes

• Limit added oils, sugars, and sauces

• Cook in the oven or Instant Pot instead of frying

• Bulk up on zero-point veggies and fruits

• Enjoy some zero-point pork rinds on the side!

With careful tracking and moderation, you can still enjoy the mouthwatering flavor of pulled pork without derailing your weight loss goals. A few ounces combined with lots of BBQ-friendly produce makes a satisfying and WW-friendly BBQ feast.

An Overview of Weight Watchers’ Points System

Before diving into this pork-focused article, let’s do a quick recap of how the Weight Watchers points system works as background information:

Weight Watchers uses a point system to encourage balanced, nutrient-dense eating for weight loss. Foods are given a SmartPoints value based on calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein.

Members get a personalized daily SmartPoints budget to spend however they want. ZeroPoint foods don’t count against this budget.

There are currently three plans:

Green: Focuses on nutrient-dense foods with over 300 zero-point options. More flexibility in Points budget.

Blue: More Points to use on higher calorie foods. Over 200 zero-point foods including fruits, veggies and lean proteins.

Purple: Mix of Green and Blue. Around 250 zero-point foods with a moderate SmartPoints budget.

Regardless of the plan, the basics are the same:

• Track all foods and assign corresponding points value
• Stay within daily allotted Points budget
• Incorporate zero-point foods for bulk and nutrients
• Make swaps to decrease calorie-dense ingredients
• Balance indulgences by cutting back elsewhere

Understanding these basics allows you to strategically work treats like pulled pork into your personalized plan!