How to make a healthy salad that FILLS you up

I am eating a big salad right now chewing as I type, yum! As I am eating I had some thoughts I wanted to share with you on salad.

The biggest complaints I hear from people about salad are:
1. It tastes so boring.
2. It doesn’t fill me up.
3. I am hungry 20 minutes after I finish it.
4. It takes to long to make.

If you are someone who complains about salad I have some tips for you to make it a more enjoyable experience. The typical American salad is iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and a few shreds of carrot and cabbage. Topped with unhealthy dressing. Wow! That makes me hungry just thinking about un-filling that is. The key to making a healthy satisfying salad is quantity AND ingredients.

Start with the greens and start with a lot! Think of the salad as your entire meal, so you’ll want to make enough to fill you up. Most people eat side-salad portions which I think is a joke! A small salad is not going to make you healthy or lose weight.

The darker the leaf the more nutritious. My favorite is to mix 1/2 Romaine and 1/2 Kale in a big bowl, drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (it’s ok, this type of fat is healthy!) then squish and mix with your bare hand.

Now for the fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds! Tomato, Radish, Bell Pepper, Carrot, Cucumber, Celery, Cabbage, Broccoli, Avocado (Yes, more healthy fat!), crushed nuts (walnuts, cashews or almonds), Ground Flax or Sunflower Seeds. Add several or add them all. Be creative and add favorites not listed.

This is the best part, the dressing! I always make my own and it’s super simple. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar, squeeze a Lemon wedge and salt to taste. Done!

The trick to keep you full is to add healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado.

Salads take a lot of work. Get someone to help you and share the salad with them. Kids, spouses, roommates etc. If you are on your own I suggest cutting up enough veggies all at once to make three salads. Set two bowls and lids aside while your prepping and split your chopped veggies up. Just pour on tomorrow and the next days lettuce. If you don’t buy prechopped lettuce, cut up enough and do the same. Combine tomorrow.

My salad is now finished and I feel completely satisfied. Although I may nibble on some dark chocolate and my treat because I was so good today. Oh, wait, I eat dark chocolate everyday anyway