Wednesday, May 18, 2016

May is National Salad Month!

Here are 5 simple steps to power up your salads. 

1. Choose a dark leafy green for the base. Kale and spinach are two great options, offering up loads of vitamins and minerals. Butterhead lettuce is a nutritious option if you prefer a milder flavor.   
2. Go for color. A colorful salad will provide a wide variety of nutrition; and it will look more appealing too.  Mangos, which are the dietitian pick for the month of May, contain more than 20 vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any salad.
3. Power up with lean protein. Consuming 25 to 30 grams of protein at each meal can help with fullness and weight control. Try a portion of lean chicken, turkey, beef, pork or fish.  Hard cooked eggs are also a great source of high quality protein.  
4. Add a healthy crunch. Nuts and seeds are nutrient-rich and can add more flavor and texture to your salad.   While all nuts have nutritional benefits, walnuts contain significantly more brain- and heart-healthy omega-3 fats than any other nut.
5. Dress for success. Salad dressings can range from 25 to 240 calories per two-tablespoon serving. Bolthouse Farms dressings (pictured below) have a wide variety of flavorful, healthful options.



Salads don’t have to be boring, tasteless “diet” foods. With the right base, toppings and dressing, they can be the star of your meal!  

-Dietitian Natalie

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