Dress Up Your Salad

-





    Do you have trouble getting yourself to sit down and eat a salad for lunch or dinner because it is too plain or not filling enough? I really use to struggle with that and did not look forward to the days that I brought a salad for lunch. But then I realized that it's all about what I am putting on the lettuce. So if I wanted to make a salad that I was excited about eating and was fulfilling, I just needed to start putting toppings on it that I really enjoy. 

    You might be thinking, well then what is the point of the salad if I am going to put all these other toppings on it that would make it "unhealthy". Your salad can be healthy and still be fun and enjoyable. You just need to be smart about your toppings. Here are some suggestions to make your salad more enjoyable and satisfying:

Add a protein: Chicken, turkey, ham, egg, cheese, turkey bacon, tofu, or beans
Add extra veggies: Tomatoes, carrots, or broccoli
Add healthy fats: avocado, nuts/seeds, or use olive oil dressing
Add fruits: dried cranberries, strawberries, apples, or grapes
Add tortilla chips for an extra crunch
Dressings: You can still use your favorite dressing, but try drizzling it over the salad instead of drenching it in it or make a homemade dressing!

Try this recipe for a delicious fall themed salad! You can adjust the ingredients as desired. 

Ingredients:
  • 2 1/2 cup lightly packed spinach or spring mix
  • 1/2 cup grilled chicken breast, cubed
  • 1/2 cup apple, cubed
  • 1/2 cup red seedless grapes, sliced in half
  • 1 stalk celery, sliced
  • 1 tbsp red onion, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup candied walnuts
    Apple cider vinaigrette:
  • 1/2 shallot, minced
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp white whine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp honey or agave
  • 2 Tbsp applesauce
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Add greens to a large dinner plate or salad bowl. Top with all toppings
2. To make dressing, combine all ingredients together. Drizzle on top of salad. 

I hope that this post provides different ideas for your next salad, to make it much more enjoyable!

-AM




References:
Image: https://downshiftology.com/recipes/cobb-salad/
Recipe: https://lifemadesimplebakes.com/chicken-apple-walnut-salad/



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more