Salads Aren't Boring: How to Make Fun Recipes This Summer
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Mike C
As warmer weather is fast approaching, our bodies will start to naturally crave clean food that is light and energizes us. Dieticians agree that the extra heat and added activity of warmer weather make us crave cool and refreshing foods to lower our body temperature and fuel us for the day. Rather than grabbing an ice cream cone, cold soda, and sweets to make up for the extra caloric need, it is much more beneficial to feed your body the nutrients it needs to have a longer, more sustainable method of recharging yourself. In this article, we'll talk about some tips and superfoods that you can add to your favorite salad recipes.
First of all, why salads?
In a world where most food is available only a short distance away, why are salads the prime choice for clean eating? Simply put, because they require minimal effort, they can accommodate any dietary needs, and best of all, they require no cooking time. While other recipes may boast that they are "quick" or "on the go", a cold salad will always take a short amount of time, including the prep work - often making enough for multiple servings. The question then becomes, "what foods should I add to my salad?" which we will explore below.
Raw Vegetables
When thinking of a salad, the most iconic images that come to mind may include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing, amongst other vegetables. This is why our number one post is around this topic. Vegetables, especially raw green vegetables, are extremely beneficial and fit the category of clean eating to a needlepoint. Cucumbers, celery, broccoli, arugula, spinach, and kale are all extremely popular, easily found, and are also easy on tighter budgets. Vegetables contain many nutrients, minerals, fiber, and water, which help keep you full longer and cut down on sugar cravings.
Berries
Generally, all kinds of fruit are great for you when compared to processed snacks and sweets, but of chief importance are berries. Berries, (especially blueberries) contain very little sugar and have a high amount of fiber, water, and anti-oxidants. Blueberries are considered a superfood as they are also high in potassium, manganese, and vitamin C, which helps prevent colds, reduces anxiety/depression, and keeps you on a regular schedule. Other options include strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. If you're on a tight budget, a bag of frozen mixed berries is significantly cheaper in bulk and does not contain any fewer nutrients as they are flash-frozen when ripe.
Seeds and Nuts
Nuts and seeds contain healthy fats and oils which help to offset the symptoms of those with higher cholesterol. It is worth noting that nuts and seeds are great. However, they should be measured and added sparingly, as they contain a high amount of calories. With that being said, choose walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and pistachios, which are a great source of protein and zinc. Having a good dose of zinc in your diet is said to boost your metabolism and immunity to chronic and seasonal illnesses.
Avocados
Any salad lover has heard of this wonderful fruit, as it has an extremely versatile texture and taste for both sweet and savory dishes. There are few choices like the avocado. It is truly a superfood in its own right and extremely accessible. Avocados contain HDL, which is a healthy fat that counter-acts its LDL counterpart, lowering the risk of artery plaque and cholesterol levels. Avocados also help you feel full longer as they contain fiber, potassium, vitamin K, folate and vitamin C. Avocados can be mixed with fruit for a more savory salad, mixed with eggs and spinach for a more filling cold salad, or even into a guacamole spread with onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice
Salads don't have to be boring!
Overall, a salad does not have to be a chore, which is viewed as a diet-only food. Combining multiple raw and clean foods, and topping it off with various spreads and unprocessed oils will have your salad tasting great and feeling alive in no time. Get creative, find some combinations that are right for you, and check out Wake Up And Read The Label on Instagram for some fun and healthy salad recipes.
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