Some ideas for you....

The Cheese: You didn't say how you prepare your cheese. If it's right off the block of cheese try shredding it instead of cubing or dicing. Fewer ounces will go a lot farther.

The Salad: I love these bags that come already prepared too! Mine has red cabbage with carrots so it's easy to just pick these pieces out before it lands on my plate.
Or: Get yourself some ziploc bags and set aside one time a week (after shopping maybe?) to make your salad for the whole week. Then the mess is all over with and it's at your finger tips when it's time to eat!

About the bad breath...grab your book and look at Chapter 9, Fallacy #12

Hope these help,

Barb