For breakfast, I always have a fruit salad first thing in the morning before I eat anything else. Fruit takes the least amount of energy to digest and should be eaten by itself and on an empty stomach, and not mixed with any other food (yes, even yogurt). My fruit salad is filled with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, melons, apples, oranges, bananas, or whatever fruit is in season and in my fridge. For lunch or dinner I enjoy making a different type of salad every day, it all depends on what I have on hand. I typically enjoy a greek salad made with fresh greens, a few kalamata olives for the good fat, tomatoes, cucumbers, and low fat feta(leave out if you are vegan) and a little homemade hummus and a few slices of toasted pita bread. If I am in the mood for an asian salad twist I start with field greens, mandarin oranges, asian noodles, cilantro and edamame topped with a homemade asian dressing and sesame sticks. I also enjoy pasta salads, fresh veggie salads, mexican salads made with black beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes. The possiblilites are endless! A favorite of my husband is a salad that I make with organic field greens, sliced apples, sliced strawberries, dried cranberries, nut mixture of almonds, walnuts, pecans, red onion, goat cheese(for a vegan option leave off the cheese) and top with a rasberry vinegar dressing.
It is really all about being creative and being willing to try new foods. I like to put a twist on the typical salad by adding different types of fruits, nuts, legumes, herbs, fresh organic greens and topping it off with an interesting homemade dressing. I get so excited when I visit the local farmers markets on the weekends because I start thinking about all the fresh salads I can make, juices, and meals all with fresh produce. At the farmers market I love to pick up organic lettuce, sprouts, beets(yellow, purple, and pink), purple and yellow cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, all organic and fresh. To add protein I like to top my salad with lentils, beans, edamame, chickpeas, and quinoa.
If made the right way, (ie. without smothering it in fattening, heavy dressings-such as ranch and bluecheese) salads are full of vitamins, nutrients, fiber and water, so they will help you stay full longer. Keep it simple on the dressings, usually just some olive oil and lemon can add just the right touch. I tend to try to stay away from the "white salads" such as potato salads, pasta salads and tuna salads that you might find at the store, restaurant or an outdoor barbeque, they are usually made with lots of fattening mayo. To make your own creamy dressing try substituting regular mayonnaise for veganaise, fat free greek yogurt, or dijon mustard along with some fresh herbs and your choice of vinegar. For a citrus asian dressing I use 3 oz rice wine vinegar, 1 oz low sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp(1 clove) garlic, 1/2 tsp ginger, 2 tsp sugar(I used stevia), 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
If you are concerned with not having time to make a salad, try cleaning and preparing your lettuce ahead of time and store in a large baggy(romaine is better for this, field greens tend to wilt when left wet and stored). Cut up your tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, celery and other veggies and store in an airtight container along with beans of your choice(I like black beans and red beans) so all of your toppings are ready to go whenever you are hungry.
So show me how creative you can be and suprise your friends and family with a salad that looks like it was made by a chef. Post pics and share with me your favorite salad recipes. For more healthy living tips and recipes visit my Healthy Living with Christy facebook page and LIKE if you like. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Healthy-Living-with-Christy-Christina-Harris-Limon/167928309989213?ref=tn_tnmn
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| Fresh Fruit salad with a side of chia seeds and nuts |
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| Farmers Market Salad |
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| Greek Pasta Salad |
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| Quinoa, Lentils Saladhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Healthy-Living-with-Christy-Christina-Harris-Limon/167928309989213?ref=tn_tnmn |
