It's Spring time! That means delicious dinner salads :)
What better time of year than now to enjoy, fresh, healthy salads as a light dinner option? With so many farmer's markets in the bay area (as well as various grocery stores), now is a good time to get into the habit of eating fresh greens and veggies towards the end of your day.
Here's a general rule of thumb when making healthy eating decisions:
- EAT BREAKFAST, wait, did you get that? ...EAT BREAKFAST - this means fruit, protein (eggs, meat, nuts, seeds), veggies (green smoothies rock), carbs (whole grains only please - oats, brown rice, whole wheat, etc.), and dairy. This is the start of your day, make it count, do it right. It will set the rest of your day on the path of rejuvenation or sluggishness. Make decisions that avoid processed foods, heavy saturated fats, and that are sweetened or overly salted. Go fresh!
- Eat in smaller amounts. Don't overdue it in one sitting. If you're hungry in another 30 minutes, have another small snack. Also, what are you eating? Is it sustaining you? Are you getting enough nutrients in your food? Think about writing down what you eat, how you eat, how it makes you feel. It may be interesting to see what type of patterns you have and how this affects your mood and energy levels.
- Lay off heavy carbs after 4pm. Your body typically starts to wind down later in the day so treat it right by avoiding eating heavy food that will just sit in your system late in the day, only to be stored in your reserves while you sleep it off. Get your carbs in earlier in the day when you really need it, to sustain your energy levels and keep you going during your more physically active times.
- Dinner should be light, protein and veggies. Remember, unless you're going out for a crazy night on the town, your body is ready to wind down and rest for the day, so it really shouldn't be taking in a whole lot of food at this point.
- HYDRATE! Drink water throughout the day. Feeling dizzy, fatigued, and out of sorts? Drink a glass of water, you may be dehydrated.
Everything but the kitchen sink salad...fresh mix greens and herbs, mushrooms, tofu, red bell pepper, pink lady apple, roasted beets, bleu cheese, and raw unsalted walnuts - Dinner!