Salads have a long-time reputation for being a go-to diet food. However, it’s important to note that not all salads are one in the same! In fact, overloading your bed of greens with heavy toppings could be ruining your diet altogether. Here’s what one expert, Health Investigator Caitlin Hoff of ConsumerSafety.org, had to say about where salad lovers may be going wrong.
“When listing recommended “diet” foods, salads are at the top of the list. However, not all salads are equal on the health scale. Many traditional toppings and dressings can make a salad more caloric than a cheeseburger. So, let’s look at some ways to keep salads low in calories and high in healthy nutrients,” said Hoff.
Ditch the croutons!
“Croutons, sesame sticks, and fried onions are common, crunchy toppings for salads, but they do little for you nutritionally,” explained Hoff. Instead, reach for filling “nuts, shredded raw root vegetables like carrots or beets, or roasted chickpeas.” Not only do these substitutes provide a “satisfying crunch” but they’ll give you “a boost in fiber, protein, and nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K.”