Salad Bar Savvy

 

Salad bars aren’t just lettuce and vegetables: they’re mini buffets. And they can be just as fattening if you’re not careful. Items like fried chicken strips make for a high PointsPlus value nightmare. Use the strategies below to help you keep your salads healthy and flavorful.

 

Watch out for oil.

Vegetables are often marinated in oils. Each teaspoon of oil has a PointsPlus value of 1, which can add up quickly. Look for fresh, oil-less veggies and feel free to pile them on. If you’re going to add marinated veggies, spread the oil around sparingly as a dressing.

 

Pay attention to shape.

Get more flavor in each bite with smaller pieces of heavier foods. Use shredded, crumbled or grated cheese, not cubes; sliced or slivered almonds, not whole ones.

 

Make tasty compromises.

Try these alternative ingredients for extra flavor without the extra PointsPlus values: Chopped apples to replace the crunch of croutons; barbecued chicken strips instead of plain grilled chicken.

 

Ask for dressing on the side.

This way you control how much you eat.

 

Eat more filling items.

A little protein and fat can really help with appetite control, so don’t be afraid to add egg, shrimp, beans or chicken. They’re nutrition powerhouses that are low in PointsPlus values.