Fast Food Salad Warning!!!

[tiggerlover]

A co-worker of mine had a yummy looking salad from Wendy's today and for the most part it looked healthy (minus a few items) so I decided to do some research as I thought I would love to have one. The salad in question was the mandarin orange chicken salad; lettuce, chicken, mandarin oranges, almonds and chinese noodles. Well, I knew the almonds and the noodles were fattening, but I was a little surprised at the results.....roughly 550 calories, 26 grams of fat and I think like 5 grams of fiber for a whopping 12 points!!! Yikes! I recalculated without the nuts and noodles and the points were still around 8 or 9 points. Then I got to thinking about the similar salad at McDonalds and had thought I had heard it was less points so I investigated. I am not sure about serving size as I have never seen the McDonalds version, but the good thing is their's is only 6 points and that includes the noodles and nuts.

So word of advice, if it looks healthy, look a little closer to be absolutely sure as it it isn't always the case.

 

[ohMom]

Wendy's salads used to be lower in points and then they revamped them. I guess the max-healthier versions weren't selling as well?

also beware of Quizno's flatbread salads -- they are LOADED with FAT!

 

[Duanerice]

We had a discussion in WW about this the other day. The leader compared some foods at Bob Evans. Did you know you could have 2 biscuits and gravy for less points than their Firecracker Salad?

You think you are doing good.... Salads are not always less points.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[bekkiz]

The new Southwest salad at McDonalds is 6 points (w/ grilled chicken and no dressing) The dressing is in a 100 cal. pack.

I haven't tried it, but it's getting good reviews on many of the diet blogs and review sites.

 

[BethR]

The new Southwest salad at McDonalds is 6 points (w/ grilled chicken and no dressing) The dressing is in a 100 cal. pack.

I haven't tried it, but it's getting good reviews on many of the diet blogs and review sites.

I am glad to read this. I have been wanting to try that salad, but did not know if it was "worth" it. Sounds like it should be good - even if I would use the whole dressing packet - and I usually don't.

 

[tiggerlover]

also beware of Quizno's flatbread salads -- they are LOADED with FAT!

Molli, do you have any nutritional information on the flatbread salads, I would really love to know as I haven't been able to find out much about them?

 

[ohMom]

debbie -- we have a posting of Quizno's at work -- i'll get a copy next time i'm in there

 

[disneychrista]

Most places have their nutritional/calorie content on their websites. I also collect the nutritional pamphlets from places.

I love being able to take a glance at the calories of my "quick" "grab and go"| foods before I make the choices.

 

[Briarmom]

Any idea how much the Asian Chicken salad is at McDs?

 

[disneychrista]

McDonald's Nutrition Info

 

[Briarmom]

Thank you!

 

[nbodyhome]

A lot of salads are very high in calories and fat, which is why it always surprises me when those trying to watch their weight will eat a lot of them as entrees (when a lean cut of meat will be healthier). I eat them as an appetizer, with my dressing usually on the side. Almonds have fat, but they are healthy - in a small amount, though I don't like them (on or off a salad).

I remember being in a Wendys 20 or so years ago, and a woman had a salad with a LARGE amount of cheese, bacon bits, a ladle of dressing, etc. That was before I had weight issues (then I gained 100 pounds, 80 which I've taken off over the past 4 years). Yet I really noticed it. She'd have been better off with a burger and fries.