Summer Time Salads

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, let's officially call this swimsuit season.  Some of you have been working hard to feel and look good in that swimsuit (maybe a few extra pure barre classes?), while some would rather wear that cover up. It's all about confidence, ladies, and one way to stay confident in that swim suit is to eat light before you head out to the beach, pool, or lake.  

Nutty Nix Up Salad
(I hate food pics b/c the food never looks
as good as it really is)

One easy way to eat light, but not feel starving is to fill up on a summer time salad. One of my favorites is the Nutty Mix Up Salad from Jason's Deli (the smaller portion with dressing on the side).  This creation can easily be made at home though, too.  Here are a few keys to keep in mind for that light salad:

1. Have a nutritious base.  Fill up that bowl with spinach or spring mix.  These greens are full of antioxidants & vitamins.
2. Include plenty of protein.  To keep you full on your outdoor adventure, choose a protein source like chicken, shrimp, salmon, or boiled eggs to top your salad with.
3. Go nuts!  I personally like walnuts or slivered almonds, but add whatever nut you want.  Most nuts are full of healthy fats and some even have omega-3's, which we all know are great for the heart.  Healthy fats also help slow down your digestion (leaving you fuller longer). 
4. Color it up.  Add a colorful fruit to the mix like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or mandarin oranges.  Or if you prefer dried fruit, add raisins or cranberries.  Adding a carbohydrate from fruit will give you a little more energy & keep you from crashing later on.  Plus, can I say more vitamins?  Seriously, fruits & veggies provides so many vitamins & minerals that your body is probably rolling out the red carpet for them as we speak.
5. Keep your dressing on the side.  It is so easy to over pour dressing, which of course adds calories.  Keep your dressing on the side  & either dip as you go or sprinkle dressing on as you need it.  A little goes a long way!

What is your favorite summer time salad?

Eat well,

Bri

Pour me!

This post is short and sweet, my friends.  Partially because I am not feeling well, but mostly because I know you are busy and like short & sweet posts from time to time.  Am I right? 

Anyway, so "pour me" because I feel like all I can stomach today is saltine crackers and because it is my clever way of introducing the topic of choice- salad dressings.  Ya know, the stuff you pour on your salads!

Most of you probably just grab and go, but I have always been stuck in a rut when looking for the right salad dressing.  It takes me for-ev-errrrrrr!  (Say it like Sandlot!)  It takes me longer to pick out salad dressing than it does to pick out my clothes in the morning.  Perhaps that's when you know you are a dietitian and not a fashion designer!

I tried a new one the other day and wow, did I find my salad dressing soul mate.  And... drum roll  please... it has my name.  Whoa! (Say it like Joey Lawrence in Blossom... and if you are too young to know, google it.)

Beautiful name, isn't it?! ;)

Anyway, what I like about this dressing is that it does not list sugar in the ingredients list and I can pronounce all of the ingredients in it.  Another one I like is Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar, but of course this can be replicated on your own with...  yep, olive oil and vinegar.  What a concept!

There are plenty of recipes for healthy salad dressings too.  Anyone have a favorite??  Please share if so!!  Here is one I think looks yummy and I can't wait to try from Simple Bites:

No sugar in this bad boy!

Garlic Herb Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil

Combine all the ingredients except for the olive oil & stir well.  Add olive oil, cover tightly, and shake well.  Best to put in a glass jar or bottle!

Eat well,

Bri