It seems like there are a lot of people out there that scream at the thought of salad, right? Some of you feel that salads are dry, tasteless, not filling or are for people on diets. But, totally opposite, today I am here to convince you salad haters out there that you can and will love salads. Yo think why? I know ;) I'll try my best :).
But first, let's make it clear-er;
1. Eating salad every day will help you loose/and or maintain weight
People who claim they hate salads have never had a truly good one. Salads can be fun, full of variety, and incredibly delicious if done right. They’re healthy, have tons of beneficial nutrients, and are super versatile. Eating a salad every day can even help you lose weight. No doubt.
2. Why you should be eating salad every day to stay on healthy track?
Eating salad every day is a great habit to get into. Salads made with a variety of fruits and vegetables make the perfect healthy lunch or dinner. That’s because they’re filled with tons of nutrients that benefit your body, like fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin C. These nutrients can also work to lower your blood sugar, regulate cholesterol levels, and help you lose weight. Simple as that.
3. Lose your weight effectively
Eating salad that’s full of vegetables and things like fruits and nuts is a great way to lose weight. Why? To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you eat. Typical salad ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of nuts are full of fiber, water, and healthy fats that make you feel full without loading up on calories. So, if you’re going to eat salad every day to lose weight, be sure to watch your ingredient choices and portion sizes. That matters too. You should use fruits and vegetables in larger quantities and any proteins or fats in smaller amounts. Also, keep an eye on how you’re dressing your salad, too. Your best bet is to choose oil-based, natural dressings in small doses. Best thing to do is to make your own dressings (you can control what's in there though ;)).
Before you think 'how should I start?', make sure you take on board my advise ;)
- Add texture and crunch
A great way to add dimension to your salad is by adding crunchiness. By exciting your mouth with a range of textures, you will feel like you’re not just biting leaves and the odd piece of cucumber. Sprinkle some cashew nuts, chia seeds, pomegranate, peanuts, celery or tomato on top. Try this Scented and Crunchy Asian Black Rice Salad.
- Go a little crazy with infused oils
Funk up your salad leaves with flavour of a dressing. Infused oils allow you to easily add a variety of taste and texture to your salad without doing anything! My favourite infused oil has to be garlic. and or chilli flakes. Best thing is to infuse your own olive oil with herbs + spices ;). Making them by hand will ensure that the infused oils will be less processed, cheaper and fun to make. Oh yes.
- Make your salads bright and beautiful
How can you call salad boring if it looks good? Now is the time to get artistic. Go crazy with colour and make that salad look beautiful! Simply try like vegan BLT salad, protein packed salads with Quinoa, chickpeas, lime and/or cilantro or, change up your dish with the asian flavours used in spicy asian cucumber avocado onion salad (ooh my, mouthwatering already ;)).
- Use plant based foods that make you full too
One of the best ways of making a salad that is packed full of nutrition is by combining hydrating ingredients with complex carbohydrates. Add in filling complex carbohydrates like quinoa, sweet potato, and, butternut squash, which will slowly release energy to your cells throughout the day. Throw in cucumber, courgette, papaya, watermelon, iceberg lettuce, radishes, green peppers, spinach, tomatoes and, carrots to make your salads super hydrating! And yes, you should try something like quinoa salad with creamy balsamic dressing and maybe watermelon salad with goat cheese. Did I already say mouthwatering? :p
- Throw in your favourite fruit, veggies, seeds, nuts
Adding in your much-loved fruit and vegetables will make your salad loveable. You will begin to associate salad with feeling the pleasure of eating your favourite foods. Also, salad doesn’t have to be savoury. You can throw in your favourite pieces of fruit, too. And season them with variety of seeds (linen, sesame, sunflower, etc). or nuts (walnuts, pistachio, almonds, cashews, peanuts, brazil nuts, etc. The list goes on and on ;)).
4. Prepare a healthy, rich and non - boring salad each day
If you are trying to eat a salad every day of the week, then variety is the spice of life, so try something different each day. It’ll also help you stick to your new diet. Here’s what I do (as an example) ;).
- Monday
Romaine, organic kale, roasted beets, blue cheese, green apple, walnuts, barley, shallots, and honey-sherry vinaigrette.
- Tuesday
Avocado, watercress, romaine, cherry tomatoes, radishes, basil, scallions, cilantro, salt, and chilli lime vinaigrette
- Wednesday
Organic kale, romaine, almonds, golden raisins, organic quinoa, parmesan cheese, shallots, and lemon vinaigrette.
- Thursday
Tuna chunks (or chicken), organic greens, cucumbers, Roma tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Friday
Napa cabbage, local organic greens, toasted seasoned peanuts, heirloom carrots, peppers, crispy ginger, basil, and vinaigrette.
- Saturday
Iceberg lettuce, local organic greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and red wine vinaigrette.
- Sunday
Arugula, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, shallots, and lemon vinaigrette.
So, if this does not convince you, then I do not know what will.
Just remember that salads do not have to be boring.
Go to the shop and, you will soon start to love it, I promise ;)
And remember, eating salad every day can be 'one step closer' game changer if you are seeking to feel better and look better.
Until next time, S.
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