Health Tip #4

      Salads make great meals. They're not a lot of calories and they're really filling. But some of the stuff you are pilling on your salad all add up. Start with a good base. Most people prefer the iceberg lettuce, but a healthier choice is spinach, kale, or arugula. Iceberg lettuce has no real flavor and no nutritional value. 
       The next step is pile on the veggies! Red bell peppers, broccoli, avocado  carrots, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, and red onions are good choices. But remember you don't have to use veggies. Try adding fruits! Strawberries, blueberries, oranges and apples are the most commonly added.
     Next is protein! Hard boiled eggs is one of the most common proteins used in salad. Stay away from fatty meats like salami and bacon.
    What most people need to remember is to pick only one extra. Such as low fat cheese, olives, a couple croutons, candied walnuts or even pumpkin seeds. But the most important thing to watch about your salad is the dressing. Limit yourself to 2-3 tablespoons of ranch or vinaigrette. Both have about 100 calories per tablespoons, keep this in mind when creating your healthier salad. Happy eating!