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Salad may seem like salad, but the truth of the matter is that not all salads are created equal. Some have foods that shouldn't be on them and others are made up of inferior ingredients that offer poor nutrition. If you want to do your salads right you need make sure they are really good for you!
Lettuce and Greens.
The first place to start with a healthy salad is to look at what it is made up of. You need to avoid iceburg lettuce whenever possible. While this lettuce is crunchy, full of water, and very mild in flavor it also offers very little nutrition and has very little to fill you up. This makes it so that you are likely to feel hungry later on.
Instead choose a heartier lettuce such as Romaine lettuce. This one still has a mild flavor and offers you more fiber and more nutrition. Mix in with the lettuce some healthy greens such as dandelion greens, spinach, and cabbage for even more nutrition.
Toppings.
You can add all sorts of things to your salads. This is a great way to go when it comes to making your salad into a meal, but you need to choose them with care, especially if ordering from a restaurant. Never pick chicken that has been deep fried as a topping! It is also a good idea to avoid full fat cheese unless you pick the right one.
Consider adding additional vegetables such as shredded carrot, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, or even some of the fancier sorts such as bok choy. You can shred them so that they are easy to eat in your salad. Top with grilled, broiled, or baked chicken, turkey, pork, or fish for a good protein. If you want a good cheese add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Don't be afraid of adding fruit or nuts either. Berries, watermelon, pomegranate seeds, and dried fruits can all be tasty.
Dressings.
Topping your salad can be hard, especially when eating out. Avoid full fat varieties and take a look at any and all labels. This is how you are going to make sure you don't turn your low calorie salad into a calorie fest.
You should choose a dressing that is low fat or no fat. Have it on the side so you can dip your fork in it and save even more calories while providing taste to every bite. You can also season salads with no salt seasoning mixes, herbs, fruit, nuts, and other options.
Consider making your own dressings to. Vinegar and oil based dressings can be made healthy and tasty. You can also enjoy experimenting with lemon juice, seasonings, and even plain yogurt for healthy salad dressings.
Your salad is really what you make it. You want it to be healthy and full of great flavor so choose your lettuce and greens, toppings, and dressings with care. If you pick out healthy options that are full of flavor than you will enjoy it more and eat it more often!
