Did you know that May is National Salad Month? That means it’s time to put your healthy spring food ideas into action and indulge in some low calorie and healthy treats.

I’m a big fan of salad all year round but when warm weather rolls around, salads are especially appealing. Why? Salads are naturally cooling and eating more raw veggies typically found in salads is one of the best natural energy sources. In addition, when we load a salad with lots of fresh veggies, we’re getting abundant amounts of immune boosting nutrients and anti-oxidants,  and fiber.

The challenge however, is that some of us like to add heavy salad dressings that are chock full of unneeded fat and calories that can make a basic healthy salad something that can actually clog our arteries. Perfect example: the fast food chain Chevy’s, offers their tostada salad at a whopping 1551 calories and 94 grams of fat! That is completely obscene in my book.

The beauty is that keeping your salad healthy is SO easy. Here are a few simple tips:

• Buy locally grown and/or organic salad greens whenever possible and include 2-3 cups
• Choose dark leafy greens like spinach and romaine for increased nutrients
• Choose your favorite seasonal veggies as toppings — foods that interest and inspire you like tomatoes, peppers and carrots
• Go for a variety of colors in your veggie choices to get the full benefit of diverse nutrients
• Add healthy fat like avocado or nuts that provide flavor and depth
• Save money by making your on salad dressing and avoiding so much fat, sugar and sodium
• Add fruit like apples, pears or strawberries for variety

What’s your favorite spring time salad? What do you love to include? Have a favorite recipe you want to share? Do tell!

We can all benefit from National Salad Month.

Filed under: Antioxidants, Healthy Meals, Prevention, Vegetables