Everyone wants to be healthy, and one of the key ingredients to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a nutritious diet. So, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when eating healthy?
For many people, the first thought is to go with a salad, but that can be so boring! It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Follow these steps to make a not-so-boring salad that is healthy, scrumptious, and packed with the best ingredients.
Learn the Basics
Image via Flickr by Stacy Spensley
If you’re going to have a proper nutritious salad, you need to know where to start. It’s all about having the right ingredients and making sure they add up to a meal of 500 to 600 calories.
To ensure that you have the right amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, start your meal by selecting the best possible greens for your salad. From kale to romaine, there are many greens to choose from, but make sure to check the label so that you know exactly what you’re getting.
Sprinkle in the Best Ingredients
Once you’ve selected the type of greens that best suit your taste buds, it’s time to think about what you’re going to put on top to make it delicious while maintaining proper nutrition. The goal is to balance out the healthy ingredients with a few that upgrade the taste and texture for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Start by adding some fat and protein in the form of bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, goat cheese, or your favourite nuts and seeds—just make sure that you don’t go overboard on the calories. After that, you should still have plenty of room left for the essential vegetables, such as sliced carrots, beets, or celery, all of which should keep your body functioning with full energy.
Count Those Calories
Once you get the basics on your plate, you’re going to want to make sure that you have the right balance for your salad. Whether you’re short on calories or your salad feels too small, there are plenty of healthy and delicious ways to complete your meal.
If you’re light on the greens, you can always mix together different kinds of lettuce for more complex flavours and textures. Next up, think about adding more vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, or even fruits like apples and berries for added sweetness. If you’re a bit low on your fats or proteins, you can dice up an avocado or add some fresh grilled chicken.
When it comes to making healthy meals, it’s important to have the right attitude and a fresh perspective. Taking what seems like a boring old salad and making it your own is an exciting way to liven things up without missing out on the nutrition that your body needs.
Try out these tips the next time you make a salad, and see what works best for you. Experimentation and innovation will go a long way when it comes to staying healthy while enjoying what you eat.
