I always struggled with eating salads, not because they taste bad but because I would get tired of the same. Old. Greens. Does anyone feel me? But oh the dilemma! How do I get this these micronutrient powerhouses that fuel my gut with an amazing microflora into my system in a way that is pleasurable to the palate?
Over the years I’ve gathered a few tips and tricks to spice up salads to make it fun and delicious to eat. These changes are what helped me get back into the green game! Hope you find them helpful!
- Massage your leafy greens! That might sound a little funny but wow girl, it does wonders! Ever get annoyed when you fork a salad and attempt to transfer what’s caught in the prongs into your mouth in one nice, neat bite but then… you get a piece (or three) of spinach or romaine hanging halfway out of your mouth? *Insert picture of a grazing cow here* Well problem solved! Massage your leafy greens with your favorite type of oil (coconut, extra virgin olive, avocado, etc) for about 30 seconds and voila~ they are well-tamed to eat! Not only that, the texture of your greens is much smoother and softer AND digesting your meal just became so much easier! This is also a great way to incorporate healthy fats into your salad! (Just FYI, Costco sells a huge bottle of avocado oil from Chosen Foods for only $10!)
- Mix up your protein source! I easily get bored of chicken especially when it comes to chicken salads. That’s why I ventured out to try out different protein sources such as canned sardines and tuna! Before you start grossing out, just hear me out. Sardines or tuna atop a mound of salad greens taste amazing! And guess what? 3 oz of sardines provides over 20g of protein so try it before you judge! When you pick up a can, try opting for a can of wild sardines in water! Oh and remember to take a stick of gum with you when you leave the house!
- Sprinkle your salad! Does your salad seem like it’s missing a finishing touch? You can sprinkle it with a handful of nuts (my favorite are dry roasted almonds and cashews), a tablespoon or two of flaxseeds, hemp seeds, sunflower, seeds, coconut flakes, or some nutritional yeast to make it extra yummy! Adding seeds and nuts is a great way to sneak in healthy omega-3 fats that are amazing for brain health!
Try one or all of these tips the next time you make your salad!
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