Why Salads are Awesome for Healthy Living

It's the middle of summer and in most places of this earth, it is warm. 

Like most, I tend to gravitate towards lighter meals in the warmer months that don't require lots of prep or even turning on my stove.

This is where salads can be on repeat, especially during this time where you can find an abundance of local and fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.​

Depending on where you live, your options may be limitless where you can have a bounty year around. Lucky you!

In any instance, when finding quality fresh produce, your salads can have such a variety, you most likely won't become bored with the same mundane, lettuce, tomato, cucumber combination we can gravitate to because its easy.

At a farmers market, you may find different and interesting produce such as a colorful combination of yellow, purple and traditional orange carrots. Or you may discover an interesting and colorful purple kohlrabi, which is similar somewhat to a cabbage texture. Both of these colorful vegetables make a great addition to a healthy salad.

With the right combinations, and a variety of colors, you can make delicious salads which won't take up too much of your time.

​This healthy habit done consistently will reap you benefits of feeling full thanks to its high water content and fiber. 

To give you a few ideas for salads, some of my simple favorites are:

Asian Style Cucumber Salad
Black Bean & Corn Salad (Mexican)
Roasted Caesar Salad with Avocado & Chicken

To keep your salad clean, consider making your salad dressings from scratch. This way your salad won't have the unnecessary additives and preservatives.  The upside with making your own is you can control the ingredients and it just taste better! 

You can keep it simple at times by just shaking the ingredients in a mason jar and using it later for upcoming salad meals. Simple oil and vinegar combinations works too!

If you are stuck on salad creations, I've attached a link where you can download a free e-book on creating sensational salads that also can be eaten as a meal. This resource also has side salads that are pretty awesome too.

44 Sensational Salads E-book

I hope you see that salads can be awesome for healthy living lifestyle because of their whole food benefits. They help with satiety and provide much needed nutrients to your body. 

This is one healthy habit you can master easily by rotating with different combinations of colorful veggies and even fruits. If you can replace one meal a day, your body will adjust to wanting them more and that is a good thing.

Eat Good! Look Good! Feel Good!
​Chef Vanessa