Variety is the Spice of Salads
As a nutrition coach, I talk a lot about eating fruits and vegetables. Why, you ask?
- FACT: 70-75% of Americans are overweight or obese. (Wow, right?)
- ALSO FACT: 80% of Americans don’t eat the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables.
Coincidence? I don’t think so. Fruits and veggies provide so many micro and macro nutrients you just don’t get from other foods.
One great way to get more veggies in your diet is…dum-da-DUM…salads!! I know, you just read that and thought “Ugh, salads are boring”. I say to you, Let’s. Get. Creative! From sweet to spicy, Greek to Asian, as a side or as a meal, there is something for everyone.
SWEET:
I lucked out the other day and had someone make this one for me. The market salad at Chick-Fil-A has mixed greens along with strawberries, blueberries, and red and green apples, and is topped with shredded deli chicken. I only used half the almond slices and half the apple cider vinegar, and I said “no thank you” to the granola. This would be so simple to recreate at home. Chop, chop!
SPICY:
Today, my half bag of mixed greens got a much-needed spicy update from ingredients sitting in my refrigerator:
1) Sauté shredded chicken with green pepper, onion, and fajita spices.
2) Char a little frozen corn in the same pan until it starts to brown.
3) Chop some carrots, tomato, and cucumber.
4) Mix a little salsa with some plain Greek yogurt for a cool, but zesty dressing.
COACH AMY’S FAVORITE SALAD:
I can’t write a salad blog without including my ultimate favorite salad recipe. The Eat the Rainbow chopped salad is so colorful and fresh. the fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, and white balsamic vinaigrette is what gives this salad the zing that makes my heart sing! (I substitute romaine lettuce for kale because I’m married to an anti-kale-ist)
https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/278133/eat-the-rainbow-chopped-salad-with-basil-mozzarella/
Do you have questions about nutrition? Contact me at nutrition@blueeaglefitness.com or book a free intro at www.blueeaglefitness.com/nutrition.
In health,
Coach Amy
