For those trying to eat healthy, salads are often the perfect option. A nice mix of greens, some carrots, onions, and tomatoes along with a light dressing usually make for a quite healthy dish. But, do realize there are many popular salad toppings that can turn a healthy dish into an unhealthy one?
The first, and one of the most important tips is to be wary of which salad dressing you use. Processed salad dressings from the grocery store usually contain high amounts of sugar, preservatives, hydrogenated oils (trans fats), and artificial flavoring. A simple fix for this problem is to create your own dressing. Combining olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic or a combination between balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard can often make a tasty, healthy dressing. If your not into the homemade dressing options, there are some healthier dressings on the market. Just be aware of the ingredients.
Meat is a very popular salad topping but it can be a salad killer. Not all meat is bad, but it certainly depends on what type of meat and how it is cooked. Bacon bits are a big no-no. They contain lots of bad fats and sodium along with harmful preservatives. Salami and ham are some of the most processed meats which also means they contain many preservatives. Bacon, salami and ham should all be avoided as they will add a good amount of saturated fat to your salad.
There are great meat alternatives to the ones already listed. Chicken and turkey are both lower fat meats which can make for a perfect salad topping. Be sure to stay away from fried (or breaded meats) because these add many empty calories. Instead, bake or grill the meat to gain the healthiest advantage.
Cheese is a very popular salad topper. Cheese, when used in moderation, is perfectly fine because it adds calcium and protein. Too much cheese can lead to many extra calories. Feta cheese or parmesan cheese are better options than processed options like American cheese.
Romain lettuce, green leaf lettuce and spinach are three great lettuce options that contain more nutrients than the standard iceberg lettuce. Darker greens will add nutrients along with more flavor.
A few more quick tips include avoiding croutons as they only add extra carbs and avoid adding candied nuts as well. A few substitutes include dried cranberries, fresh veggies and raw nuts. These can add a little crunch and flavor to complete a perfect healthy salad.
Remember to keep all healthy toppings in moderation for the greatest benefit.
No comments:
Post a Comment