I can’t get enough of the salad stuff…

It is easy to think you are eating a healthy meal because you are eating salads!  A low calorie, healthy meal can easily turn into a disaster when you start adding the wrong ingredients!  Here is an easy guideline that might help and you can go absolutely wild with these super salad starters!

Salad Greens (Romaine, Iceberg, Spring Mix, Etc.) - 3 cups = 25 calories, <0.5g fat, 3g fiber
Tomatoes - 1/2 cup = 15 calories, <0.5g fat, 1g fiber
Cucumbers - 1/2 cup = 8 calories, 0g fat, <0.5g fiber
Mushrooms - 1/2 cup = 8 calories, 0g fat, <0.5g fiber
Pepper Strips - 1/2 cup = 12 calories, 0g fat, 1g fiber
Pepperoncinis, Jalapenos, Sweet Peppers - 1/4 cup = 10 calories, <0.5g fat, 0.5g fiber
Alfalfa Sprouts - 1/2 cup = 5 calories, 0g fat, <0.5g fiber
This is only to name a few and an easy way to get started! I added fresh steamed asparagus to my salad tonight and don’t forget carrots and celery can also give your salad an extra crunch!
You can add salsa – 1/4 cup = 25 calories.  Try adding some salsa to the fat free Greek yogurt to make a faux Russian dressing! Lemons are always great to have on hand and of course vinegar - red wine, champagne, rice etc.  and most of these are 0 calories.  I could go on and on – it’s endless!  Just  make sure you add a protein and there you have it!  I have been into the one bowl meal these days and what could be easier then a fresh salad with grilled or smoked skinless, boneless chicken breast, salmon, pork tenderloin or steak and on and on!! Fast, easy and healthy, my three favorite words!