When we think of the word “diet”, many images come to mind: unlimited grapefruit, cabbage soup, or broccoli, and goodbye to bread, cookies, and cheeseburgers. But nothing is more synonymous with dieting than salads. When you think of “diet” and “salad” together, you probably see a plate of sad iceberg lettuce with a few slices of cucumber and tomato on top. No cheese (fat!), no dressing (fat and sugar!), no croutons (carbs!) – no fun and no taste. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your salad both delicious and filling, without going overboard on calories. • Go nuts – instead of croutons, trying tossing in a handful of walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. Nuts contain healthy fats and provide many vitamins and nutrients; just stick to a small handful as they are high in calories.• Think outside the salad dressing box – try using hot sauce, salsa, or a flavored vinegar instead! There are also many great recipes online for homemade salad dressing that are low-fat, fat-free, or sugar-free. • Add a punch of fresh flavor – fresh herbs such as mint, basil, or cilantro take salads to the next level. Basil and tomatoes would create an Italian-themed salad, while cilantro could be paired with beans, rice, and salsa for a Mexican twist. • Try something warm – top your salad with freshly grilled onions or bell peppers. Cooked chicken or fish are great, but bonus points if you add extra veggies too! In the summer, you could even grill pineapple to add some sweetness. • Stick with what you like – don’t add certain veggies you know you won’t eat just because they’re healthy. Fill the bowl with your favorite veggies! You’ll be more likely to reach for the salad instead of the chips knowing that you enjoy all of the flavors.
