Cheesecake Factory & Weight Watchers Points
There are no restaurant limitations for Weight Watchers program members as long as they have daily points available. The Cheesecake Factory has several menu choices that allow you to stay on program and not feel deprived. Weight Watchers members have more success with the program if they plan and research the calories and point values of menu items before going to the restaurant.
Close-up of a Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. (Image: Roberto Westbrook/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images)Low Point Entrées
The Cheesecake Factory has several entrees that have low Weight Watchers points, including Weight Management Grilled Chicken, Fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi, Grilled Tuna and Seared Tuna Tataki Salad. The Weight Management Grilled Chicken has approximately 583 calories, 2 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 11. The Fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi has approximately 466 calories, 5 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 9. The Grilled Tuna has approximately 521 calories, 6 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 10. The Tuna Tataki Salad has 442 calories, 3 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 8.
High Point Entrées
Cheesecake Factory entrees that seem healthy, but are high in calories and fat include Grilled Chicken Medallions, Wasabi Crusted Ahi Tuna and Luau Salad. The Grilled Chicken Medallions have 1,409 calories, 7 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watcher point value of 28. Wasabi Crusted Ahi Tuna has 1,750 calories, 58 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 38. The Luau Salad has 801 calories, 3 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 15.
Sides
The inclusion of an appetizer or side item with your meal at the Cheesecake Factory causes an increase in the number of Weight Watchers points consumed. If you must nibble before dinner, choose edamame, boiled soybeans, for 323 calories, 0 g saturated fat and approximate Weight Watchers point value of 6. The edamame appetizer serves two to four people, which breaks down to a point value of 3 or less.
Considerations
Weight Watchers program members whot eat at The Cheesecake Factory frequently will benefit from having a copy of the Weight Watchers Dining Out Companion. This book is available for purchase at all Weight Watchers centers. It is possible to ask the restaurant for a copy of its nutrition information and manually calculate the points for the meals you prefer.
Warnings
The pasta options at The Cheesecake Factory are large servings with a high amount of fat and calories. If you feel the urge to purchase a pasta dish, ask for a take-out container when your food comes and place two-thirds of the meal into the container. The Cheesecake Factory desserts are high in Weight Watchers points. If you must have a slice of cheesecake, choose the low-carb original cheesecake and split it with two or three people. This cheese is high in fat but has the lowest calories. One slice of low-carb cheesecake has approximately 14 Weight Watchers points.
