How to Make a Healthy Salad

Today's world has pollutants and stress that deprive our bodies of proper nutrients. We can become run down or sick if we don't eat highly nutritious foods. Eating a healthy salad is one of the best ways to combat the antioxidants in our polluted world. Follow these easy steps to make a healthy salad and feel refreshed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick dark green lettuces, spinach or other leafy vegetables for your salad. They contain lots of chlorophyll and Vitamin A. Consider other options than iceberg lettuce, since it is low in nutrients. Mix it with some other greens if you must. Use only fresh vegetables because fermented ones aren't as good for you and may cause digestive problems.
2. Choose other colored vegetables to go on your salad. Red, orange, purple and yellow vegetables are also high in phytonutrients that keep us healthy. Carrots, beets, celery, bell peppers or tomatoes are all popular choices.
3. Add some protein such as hard-boiled eggs, cheese or beans to your salad. Although they've received undeserved bad press in recent years, eggs contain a large variety of vitamins and minerals and are one of nature's most perfect foods.
4. Stay away from fatty dressings if you want your salad to be totally healthy. Fatty dressings are heavy and opaque, such as blue cheese dressing, while healthy dressings, such as Italian or lemon oil, are lighter and clearer.
5. Ask if there have been sulfites added to the lettuce when eating in a salad bar. Sulfites are used in some restaurants as a preservative. Many people are sensitive to sulfites and they may cause digestive problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small to moderate portion of dressing. Too much dressing can drown the flavors and make your salad soggy. Consider serving the dressing on the side
• You can also add other toppings like olives and croutons for extra flavor. Just don't go overboard.
• Don't mix fruit with your vegetable salad because it can create digestive disturbances. If you want fruit, make a salad with only fruit in it.
• Vinegar on your salad can cause digestive problems. It's okay to use it if it doesn't bother you.