How do you count calories for salad bar?

Kattarra
Kattarra Posts: 190 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Do you keep track of every vegetable or other items, not count the lettuce, only count the black beans and cottage cheese ect? Of course I will count the salad dressing but don't know how critical it is to count the 2 baby carrots and 3 pieces of broccoli I added to it.

Replies

  • Balice57
    Balice57 Posts: 125
    This may be one of the items where you just use the "quick add calories" tool. It helps to look up specific items so you get an idea how many calories are in a certain amount so you can make good choices. Other than the salad dressing, meat and cheeese, I doubt the other items will add up quickly. I've certainly taken a closer look at how many calories I add with salad dressing - do I really need to drown my salad with dressing?

    17614804.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
  • look1angel
    look1angel Posts: 13
    This may be one of the items where you just use the "quick add calories" tool. It helps to look up specific items so you get an idea how many calories are in a certain amount so you can make good choices. Other than the salad dressing, meat and cheeese, I doubt the other items will add up quickly. I've certainly taken a closer look at how many calories I add with salad dressing - do I really need to drown my salad with dressing?

    17614804.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

    I agree. I scanned my bag of salad & then guestimated the rest
  • Oretexan
    Oretexan Posts: 108
    I do list most of the items. For instance, baby spinach. It does have some calories and I like to make sure I eat enough fiber and it has lots!
  • sweetNsassy2584
    sweetNsassy2584 Posts: 515 Member
    I go to the same place every time I want to do the salad bar. I add every single ingredient down to the tomato. I saved this under my meals so the next time I go I just click on it and it adds everything. I have to be honest with every last calorie.
  • mfoster1019
    mfoster1019 Posts: 152 Member
    I go to the same place every time I want to do the salad bar. I add every single ingredient down to the tomato. I saved this under my meals so the next time I go I just click on it and it adds everything. I have to be honest with every last calorie.

    This is, personally, what I would do for myself. I hate not adding things in just because it doesn't have a significant calorie number. To me, every calorie counts (especially when I only have 1200 in a day) I like to be as precise as possible, but then I'm just an anal person about things like that.

    Do what works for you. If you aren't as anal as some of us, then just count the items that are usually high in calories and do a rough estimate of the little stuff to get a round about number. Now you have me wanting a salad bar :smile:
  • sjv1966
    sjv1966 Posts: 121 Member
    I think the first time you would be wise to look up the calories in each thing you take. Even some veggies (such as carrots) can have a surprising amount of calories. Once you get a sense of what each things you like to take adds up to you can probably just estimate the next time. Or use the suggestion of storing it as a "recipe". Then you just tweak whatever changed from last time and add the whole thing in.
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