How to hack any menu
Eat, drink, and be mindful of your Budget.
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Planning ahead is the secret weapon.
• Scan the menu online and use the app to see how dishes fit in your Budget.
• Read reviews for been-there, ate-that info on portion sizes, can’t-miss eats, and other tips.
• Get creative. Consider swaps, half-orders, sides, and special requests.
• Pre-track your meal; it helps you stick to your plan and save up Points® if needed.
Learn the lingo
If you truly want something, however it’s prepared, have it! Or, split with a friend or take half home. Otherwise, this glossary can help you order a Points-friendly meal. Remember: You can always ask for food cooked in a different way, light on anything, and ingredient swaps.
IF THE MENU SAYS... | IT'S PROBABLY CODE FOR... | WHAT TO LOOK FOR INSTEAD... |
|---|---|---|
Cripy or crunchy | Deep fried in oil | Grilled, broiled, or baked |
Pan-fried | Not much lower in Points than deep fried, depending on the oil used | Light on oil, seared, broiled, or grilled |
Battered, breaded, dipped | Coated in seasoned flour or other ingredients then deep fried | Blackened or crusted (to still get some crunch, but usually for fewer Points) |
Sautéed | Cooked in butter or oil | Roasted, blanched, steamed, or pureed (veggies) or cooked with minimal oil |
Smothered | Under a heavy blanket of high-Points sauce | Sauce on the side |
Creamed or creamy | The sauce or dressing is high in fat—and Points | Veggie- or olive oil-based sauces or dressings, roasted (veggies), or sauce on the side |
Glazed | High in sugar—think glazed donut | Glaze on the side, braised, poached |
Caramelized | Natural sweetness brought out through cooking with oil or butter | Go light on oil or butter during cooking; ½ cup caramelized onions is 1 Points value |
More low-Points code words: Rubbed, smoked, marinated, stir-fried (ask for minimal oil), dusted, brushed, stewed, toasted, en papillote (baked in parchment), au jus, sous vide
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Make simple swaps
Easy tradeoffs that fill you up and save Points for dishes you really want.
Bread: Dip it in olive oil instead of spreading on butter.
Points saved: 2 per tbsp
Soup: Order a broth-, bean-, or veggie-based soup instead of a cream variety.
Points saved: 6 or more per cup
Salad: Drizzle on 1 tsp olive oil and red wine vinegar to taste instead of dressing.
Points saved: Up to 5 per 2 tbsp dressing
Sandwiches: Ask for ¼ an avocado and a fried egg on top instead of mayo or aioli and cheese—and eat it open-faced.
Points saved: 5
Apps: Try hummus, olives, lettuce wraps, salsa or bean dip, shrimp cocktail, oysters, or grilled calamari instead of creamy dips and fried or cheesy starters.
Points saved: varies
Sides: Go with a salad, roasted or steamed veggies, or swap in a lower-Points side from a different entree instead of rice, fries, chips, or potatoes made with cream or milk and butter (sorry mashed potatoes).
Points saved: varies
Mains: Green-light dishes anchored by a ZeroPoint® food—poached fish, roasted skinless chicken breast or thigh, or beans, lentils, pork tenderloin or trimmed sirloin steak.
Points saved: varies
Dessert: Look for mini cupcakes, small cookies, or sorbet, ask for a bowl of fruit, or sip herbal tea—or, share with a friend.
Points saved: varies
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The veggie “halo.” Just because a food leans veg doesn’t mean it’s healthier (ahem spinach wraps, sweet potato fries, and cauliflower-crust pizza). Even squash bisque can hide lots of cream and butter. Your best bet: Ask how food is prepared.
Turkey burgers. Only those made from 90% lean turkey will be a ZeroPoint protein, so ask your server to be sure, or, for an alternative ZeroPoint protein, go with a grilled chicken or fish sandwich.
Long menu descriptions. The more “dressed up” a dish sounds (with sauces, drizzles, toppings, or finishes) the more those flourishes may add up to extra Points.
Gluten-free foods. Flour, breadcrumbs, pasta, whatever…. If you don’t need to eat GF for health reasons, check Points—the swap may not be better for you or your Budget.
“Prime” cuts of steak. Sounds high-quality, right? It is, but that also means highly marbled (a.k.a. fatty). For a lean ZeroPoint cut, go with a trimmed filet, skirt, or sirloin (hold the butter finisher).