I’m back! As I mentioned last week, I’m trying the Weight Watchers Simple Start plan.
I’ve been using it for a week and am really enjoying it so far.
As I mentioned, I did Weight Watchers about 10 years ago and had great results. The program has changed since then, though, so I was a little worried about understanding how everything worked.
As it turns out, the Weight Watchers Simple Start plan is even easier than I could have imagined. Instead of worrying about portions or points, I just choose from the awesome list of Simple Start meal and snack choices.
Look at some of these amazing options:
Don’t they look amazing?
All of the Simple Start meal and snack choices are packed full of Weight Watchers Power Foods. The Power Foods fill me up and help me stay feeling full during the day. Since the foods are so healthy, I don’t have to worry about portions during the Simple Start period.
Awesome!
This is my favorite Simple Start meal so far – Orange Chinese Chicken:
.
Orange Chinese Chicken
Ingredients
2 tsp dark sesame oil
2 tsp orange zest, strips
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), four 4-oz pieces
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
15 oz canned mandarin oranges in light syrup
1/2 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp orange zest, finely grated, or to taste
2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
• Heat oil in a large nonstick pan (like this one I love) over medium-low heat. Add zest strips and cook, stirring, until fragrant and slightly cooked, about 1 to 2 minutes. Meanwhile, season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. When zest is finished, increase heat to medium-high; add chicken to skillet and cook until golden, flipping once, about 2 minutes per side.
• Drain oranges and reserve 1/4 cup liquid. Add oranges with reserved liquid to skillet and simmer 2 minutes. Whisk together broth, soy sauce, finely grated zest and cornstarch in a small bowl; add mixture to pan and simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes more. Yields 1 piece of chicken and about 1/4 cup of sauce per serving.
It was a huge hit with my husband and I’ve made it a couple of times already. The second time, I made a larger portion so we’d have some left over for a couple more meals.
I love not having to do the work or figuring out what might be allowed at this point. I can just buy the ingredients, make the recipes and eat.
It’s that simple.
After my 2-week Simple Start jump-start period is over, I can continue along with the Simply Filling plan or use the Points Plus values to choose my meals. But for right now, I just choose my meals from the list.
I’m also noticing that I don’t want to eat the junk food like I used to. I don’t know if it’s because I’m staying full longer or if it’s more will power to stick to the plan, but either way I’m thrilled.
Tune in again next week and see how I’m feeling after 2 weeks on the Weight Watchers plan.
Stephanie says
Thanks for sharing this recipe… it looks absolutely delicious!
Sandra VanHoey says
I absolutely love orange chicken and could eat this every day. Your recipe really sounds good. I tried one before that didn’t turn out at all so I may give this one a shot
Penelope says
That looks so good! I had to pin it.
Jenn says
Looks like quite a variety! That’s important when sticking to a diet plan.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I love chicken and would love to try this. It looks delicious!
Marcie W. says
Looks great! I really like finding some of my favorite recipes lightened up.
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Being that I’m on Weight Watchers too, I love this recipe!
Donna says
I love orange chicken! And I’ve heard so many great things about Weight Watchers, I really need to give it a try!
Still Blonde after all these YEARS says
I love how you let us know what happens after simple start is over. It was fun having a peek at all the different meal choices!
Mel {MamaBuzz} says
Oh my goodness, this looks delicious, Mickey! We need to try this meal, adding to my next menu. We love Chinese food, but this is so much healthier.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
Love that you can have chinese chicken on weight watchers. yum, yum!
Shell Feis says
That sounds delicious! I’ve always wanted to make my own orange chicken. Thanks for the recipe!
Danielle says
Yum! This looks so delicious. Love how much the spices and low/zero point ingredients can make a dish pop.
Lolo says
That orange chicken looks fantastic! Thanks for the recipe!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
That orange chicken looks amazing!
Toni says
That looks delish. I am a huge fan of orange chicken.
courtney says
This is my kinda diet!! 😀
Stefanie says
Looks tasty! I would try this plan.
Kim says
This sounds so good!! I’ve been following Simple Start for just over a week & I love it too. It truly is simple. I will be trying this reciepe out this week for my family!!!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
Orange Chicken has always been one of my FAVORITES …. nice to see a healthier version.
Kathleen says
I need to give this a try then, because all of those meal options look delicious to me!
Mellisa says
This looks amazing. Thanks for the recipe.
Tammy says
My daughter likes Orange Chicken so much – while she doesn’t need to lose any weight (she’s such a skinny minnie!), I would still like to have her eat a healthier version than the frozen boxed ones I buy.
ginger says
Just made this for dinner. It is fabulous! Excellent recipe! Easy to make.
Mickey says
Wonderful! I’m glad you liked it. We do too! 🙂
Lynn says
Hi — today is new day for me — On Simple Start with 12 of my coworkers…am making this for supper tonight. Will serve w/broccoli, carrots and brown rice. Hope the family likes it as that’s all Mama is makin’… 🙂
Mickey says
Yay! Good for you. I hope you get off to a great start. And having the co-workers doing it with you should be a huge boost in motivation. 🙂
Stacy Sabatino says
I just started the weight watchers simple start this week. I really like it so far. I didn’t see this one on the menu ideas they have only app. Is this one you created. I was scared to do that because I didnt know if it was ” allowed”. Sometimes I eat the lunch meals for dinner but I’m not sure if your suppose to do that either. I’m going to go to a meeting so I can get a better grasp at it. I can’t wait to see more of your recipes.
Mickey says
Yes, it was on there when I wrote the review, but I haven’t looked back for it so it may have been changed out with another recipe. I would definitely recommend the meetings, at least until you get the hang of everything. I did really well with the meetings when I first did WW and go back every once in a while to get a boost. 🙂
kristin says
YUM!!! This looks so good!!!
Alicia K says
This looks really good. i am pinning it!