Fuel A Productive Afternoon With A Hearty Salad

It’s about the time of year when we start to reflect on the progress of our new years resolutions. If adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet was on your list, a salad at lunchtime is the perfect opportunity. The trick to preparing salads that will fill you up while not leave you feeling heavy and lethargic is to add a serving of healthy fats and protein. Including macronutrients (protein, fat and carbs) in every meal will help you feel fuller longer and keep your urge to snack at bay. Add as many fresh veggies as your heart desires and top it with a serving of grilled chicken, tuna, a hard-boiled egg, or some chickpeas. Finish off your epic salad with a tablespoon of healthy fats like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds or even some diced avocado.

Now let’s talk dressing. Don’t sabotage your healthy, hearty salad with an overdose of excess fat and calories. Save the creamy dressings for special occasions. Stick with something oil based, like vinaigrette, and skip a couple dozen calories and a few grams of fat, while keeping in mind a serving of salad dressing is usually 2 tablespoons. An easy trick is to use the cap of the bottle as a guide.

Marvel in your legendary lunch creation and fuel through a productive afternoon. Grab some leftover veggies and some hummus for an afternoon snack to tide you over until your next meal with little to no prep required. My favorite no-fuss veggies are bell peppers, cucumbers, sugar snap peas and carrots. Remember that our bodies naturally crave variety, so switch up your choices of toppings and never get tired of your lunch. Enjoy!