20/04/2023
Is Your Salad Healthy?
Who doesn't like salad? They are refreshing, and nourishing, especially during the hot summer months. And many eat them regularly 4-5 times a week. A salad comprises a big bowl of green leafy veggies, and raw veggies, which should make it a healthy food, right? Pour in some dressing and bread/croutons, which can make this healthy option not so healthy. Whether you are making it at home or ordering in, here are some tips to make this deliciously nutritious meal into a healthy one.
1. Add Protein: Add some beans/legumes, and nuts, to your salad. Don't be shy to add avocados and cheese to keep you full for a long and enjoyable.
2. Don't make the mistake of drowning in salad dressing. Salad dressing can destroy a healthy meal into a calorie imbalance. At the same time, don't skip on it either. Without salad dressing, it can make a salad boring and sad. Make your own salad dressing, by combining an equal amount of balsamic vinegar, or other vinegar with EVOO. Oil helps you better absorb fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins E and K and carotenoids, plant pigments that have been shown to have health benefits. If you are buying it outside, check the label so that it is not saturated with fat, sodium, and additives. Many stores brought dressings that can also sneak in added sugar.
3. Don't overdo croutons which are refined carbs, sodium, and unhealthy fat. Instead, add some crunch with nuts, chickpeas, and wholegrain crackers.
4. Make it colorful and nutritious by adding different colored veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, red radishes, cranberries, dried fruits, and seasonal fruits. Mix spinach, kale, iceberg lettuce, and other leafy greens.
By:zhibili
